270°

OXCGN's Top 10 Best Graphics This Generation: Part 1

58
OXCGN:

"While we can compare spec sheets, polygons, parallax mapping resolution and pixel counts, in the end it doesn't mean a thing.

What's important is how it artistically appeals to you as you are immersed in the carefully crafted virtual world.

So with that in mind, it's time for an artistic look at the Top 10 Best Graphics This Generation."

Article and poll.
Read Full Article >>   
oxcgn.com
gaminoz - contributor
Published: 128 days 1 hour ago | Article | PlayStation 3 | Xbox 360 | PC
 
 

Showing: 1 - 48 of 48 Comments
Shut this user up Let user speak
darkmurder - 128 days 1 hour ago
PM
Track
Ignore
1 -
I gotta say I think Crysis should have been a lot higher but still artistic creations make for better graphics IMO (take a look at Borderlands).
Agree(7) | Disagree(0) | Report | Reply
Shut this user up Let user speak
REALgamer - 128 days 1 hour ago
PM
Track
Ignore
1.1 - Borderlands looks incredible!
So glad the team redesigned the graphics. It went from generic sci-fi to what might be the most graphically unique shooter this generation.

There's also ones like Batman: Arkham Asylum that might not be as 'unique' but get the feel and atmosphere across perfectly (or at least form what I've played in the demo).
Agree(6) | Disagree(0) | Report
Shut this user up Let user speak
TheAntiFanboy - 127 days 10 hours ago
PM
Track
Ignore
1.2 -
Yeah. I'm glad that SOME people actually bring artistic vision into consideration when comparing graphics instead of just pure technical achievement.
Agree(0) | Disagree(0) | Report
Shut this user up Let user speak
gaminoz - 128 days 1 hour ago
PM
Track
Ignore
2 -
If you look at art direction and overall graphical effect those games do stand out. I'm not a big fan of some of the games, but the ones I've seen and played do look good.

I'm an Assassin's Creed look fan myself, though Prince of Persia was pretty cool.

I wonder what games will be in part 2?
Agree(5) | Disagree(0) | Report | Reply
Shut this user up Let user speak
XboxOZ360 - 128 days 1 hour ago
PM
Track
Ignore
3 -
I have my favs to, one of them being Far Cry 2 which I think is a great representation of current Gen artwork . . it will be very interesting to see what is in the part 2 segment, I cast my vote though for those on this list, and it makes for some interesting reading . .
Agree(6) | Disagree(0) | Report | Reply
Shut this user up Let user speak
Gun_Senshi - 127 days 18 hours ago
PM
Track
Ignore
3.1 -
if you think Farcry 2 > Crysis in graphics you are uttery BLIND
Agree(0) | Disagree(1) | Report
Shut this user up Let user speak
REALgamer - 128 days 1 hour ago
PM
Track
Ignore
4 - Viva Pinata really is seriously underappreciated
The game has awesome charm, and yeah graphically it's quite beautiful to look at, really well constructed. Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts was also on the same engine.

It's true that now every second game seems to be trying to outdo the next with bigger and better particle effects, shadows, blah blah blah but if a game really stands out for having unique art I prefer that any day over Generic Brown ShooterTM 738: Return of Mr Brown in Brownland with exclusive new colour: Grey!'

A lot of the indie games are really amazing artistically too like World of Goo and Fez.
Agree(7) | Disagree(1) | Report | Reply
Shut this user up Let user speak
Pillville - 128 days 1 hour ago
PM
Track
Ignore
5 - they are missing
Gear Of War 2
Little Big Planet
Metal Gear Solid 4
Killzone 2
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
Flower
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction

I'm sure i'm missing some, but these are the one's i've played.
Agree(7) | Disagree(2) | Report | Reply
Shut this user up Let user speak
darkmurder - 128 days 1 hour ago
PM
Track
Ignore
5.1 -
It's part 1 so I'm sure the next part will have some of those.
Agree(4) | Disagree(0) | Report
Shut this user up Let user speak
XboxOZ360 - 128 days 1 hour ago
PM
Track
Ignore
5.2 -
ahhh - it IS part 1, not all 10, and there can only be top 10,not top 30, as I'm sure many games could fit the bill, but it's the ones that stand out and try something different as far as artistic merit goes, not that just look nice with lots of polygons etc.
Agree(4) | Disagree(0) | Report
Shut this user up Let user speak
REALgamer - 128 days 1 hour ago
PM
Track
Ignore
5.3 - I agree on...
LittleBigPlanet and Flower. Uncharted maybe, but look at it from an art standpoint it's not really that unique (environments are kind of a more polished Tomb Raider?).

Gears of War was beautiful, dunno if it would be in the top 10 (there are so many beautiful games this gen).

Ratchet and Clank....really? Didn't stand out for me. Kind of similar to a lot of similar themed games / movies like Robots. Pretty but not all that original or interesting to look at imo.
Agree(5) | Disagree(11) | Report
Shut this user up Let user speak
nix - 128 days ago
PM
Track
Ignore
5.4 -
just put PS3 exclusives in the list and get done with it... q:
Agree(4) | Disagree(6) | Report
Shut this user up Let user speak
Pillville - 127 days 23 hours ago
PM
Track
Ignore
5.5 -
I tried to not have all ps3 exclusives, but i only recently got an xbox 360.

I thought Ratchet & Clank should be there because 1. the amount going on at once 2. colors other than grey, green & red.
Agree(4) | Disagree(0) | Report
Shut this user up Let user speak
Noob - 127 days 23 hours ago
PM
Track
Ignore
5.6 - KZ2
Has great art style. It has that distinctive look to it that makes it look different, visually, then any other FPS I have played.
Agree(4) | Disagree(3) | Report
Shut this user up Let user speak
christian hour - 127 days 21 hours ago
PM
Track
Ignore
5.7 -
@pilville

hope you're enjoying your new 360. I don't think the ps3 games in your list will even show up in the next 5. Simply because the list is on an xbox site and so far all the games mentioned have been multi-plat, with the exception of viva pinata (360 exclusve) and crysis, which is acceptable on their list because its a PC title.

I reckon the top 5 will be mostly 360 exclusive titles, with a multi-plat here or there, like bioshock. Which is a shame because little big planet belongs on this list. As well as Drake's Fortune. And Flower :P
Agree(0) | Disagree(1) | Report
Shut this user up Let user speak
Double Toasted - 128 days ago
PM
Track
Ignore
6 - IDK...
...the technical aspect of Crysis surpasses that of art in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, art is important and its the reason why I give the edge to Gears over Uncharted, but still Crysis looks like real life...
Agree(3) | Disagree(2) | Report | Reply
Shut this user up Let user speak
Madis007 - 128 days ago
PM
Track
Ignore
7 -
They already failed...

10)Crysis?

FAIL !!!

5)Gears of War 2
4)MGS4
3)Killzone 2
2)Uncharted 2
1)Crysis
Agree(2) | Disagree(8) | Report | Reply
Shut this user up Let user speak
REALgamer - 128 days ago
PM
Track
Ignore
7.1 - Dude take a read
It's not about the technical stuff. It's about the artistic merit and how well constructed the game's visual identity is.

Ie: it's great when games are impressive in their scope and detail like Crysis & Killzone 2, but it's also equally admirable for games like Mirror's Edge that aren't throwing around the normal mapping and stuff but trying something new to change the entire feel of the game instead.
Agree(4) | Disagree(0) | Report
Shut this user up Let user speak
evrfighter - 127 days 23 hours ago
PM
Track
Ignore
7.2 -
It's not Top 10 Best artistic games This Gen...

Graphics iz graphics. and even though I hate Crysis being a pc gamer. It has the best graphics I've ever seen in a game.
Agree(1) | Disagree(2) | Report
Shut this user up Let user speak
Coolmanrico - 127 days 16 hours ago
PM
Track
Ignore
7.3 - ^
That why people should read the text before the list. Titles can be misleading but they explain the list. When it came to graphics I like the most artistic ones anyway. If going by how lifelike graphics can get only shooters would be on the list. I'm sick of shooters.
Agree(1) | Disagree(0) | Report
Shut this user up Let user speak
gaminoz - 127 days 14 hours ago
PM
Track
Ignore
7.4 -
Killzone 2's environments aren't interesting or artistic imo...boring in fact. Yeah there is lens flare and things look good blasted up, but not in the top 10.

I like Uncharted or MGS4 much more from an artistic point of view.
Agree(1) | Disagree(2) | Report
Shut this user up Let user speak
LightofDarkness - 128 days ago
PM
Track
Ignore
8 -
Gears has an interesting graphical style that has sadly become a bandwagon. The over-exaggerated musculature and faces really (used to) stand out.

Castle Crashers has a wonderful charm that is quite unique (unique to Behemoth games anyway). Fat Princess' style has a charm to it as well.

MGS4 and KZ2 never really "wowed" me graphically. KZ2 always looked so static and stale and much of MGS4 did as well. But the Metal Gear fight looked outstanding and had me pining for another ZOE game.

LittleBigPlanet is too good to pass up and deserves a slot in the top 5 easily. BlazBlue needs to be there, too. It is a joy to watch these games in motion.

Moreover, Brink has a truly outstanding style to it. The characters are rendered like concept art, which has a strange surreal effect on the visuals.
Agree(4) | Disagree(5) | Report | Reply
Shut this user up Let user speak
Afreelunch - 127 days 23 hours ago
PM
Track
Ignore
8.1 -
Musclebound space marines have been done to death ever since Doom, and many of Epic's games that came before Gears featured the same hulking character models. The style certainly quit standing out long before gears came along.
Agree(5) | Disagree(2) | Report
Shut this user up Let user speak
gaminoz - 127 days 14 hours ago
PM
Track
Ignore
8.2 -
Totally agree with you regarding Killzone 2. Artisitic? More like derivative...yawn.
Agree(1) | Disagree(2) | Report
Shut this user up Let user speak
sunil - 128 days ago
PM
Track
Ignore
9 -
Some recognition for POP. Even though it was real easy.. I kinda liked the game ... infact even my 3 yr old plays it sometimes
Agree(4) | Disagree(0) | Report | Reply
Shut this user up Let user speak
Pennywise - 128 days ago
PM
Track
Ignore
9.1 -
I thought the cel shading made the game look cheesy and flat. Color me unimpressed with POP.
Agree(1) | Disagree(2) | Report
Shut this user up Let user speak
Soda Popinsky - 128 days ago
PM
Track
Ignore
10 -
Braid and Dishwasher Samurai. Castle Crashers has great artstyle as well.
Agree(3) | Disagree(1) | Report | Reply
Shut this user up Let user speak
Noob - 127 days 23 hours ago
PM
Track
Ignore
10.1 -
Braid appealed to me because of the art style and music. Dishwasher has great art style too but Castle Crasher's seems like it was applied to too many games before to make this list.
Agree(2) | Disagree(0) | Report
Shut this user up Let user speak
Double Toasted - 128 days ago
PM
Track
Ignore
11 - You know...
come to think of it...I don't think they should lump art into the graphics category, I think they should be two separate things. When I look at something like Mario, I don't think graphics, I think art. When I look at Uncharted, art doesn't jump out at me as much as the thought of..."Wow, those graphics are incredible...", you know what I mean?
Agree(5) | Disagree(1) | Report | Reply
Shut this user up Let user speak
PS360WiiRocks - 127 days 21 hours ago
PM
Track
Ignore
11.1 -
couldn't of said it better.
Agree(1) | Disagree(0) | Report
Shut this user up Let user speak
Madis007 - 128 days ago
PM
Track
Ignore
12 - FFS
PROOF:

CRYSIS IS WINNER !!!

[IMG] http://i28.tinypic.com/335c...
[IMG] http://i30.tinypic.com/2ylt...
[IMG] http://i30.tinypic.com/wvvg...
[IMG] http://i26.tinypic.com/zxvh...
[IMG] http://i25.tinypic.com/166f...

Oh yea i forgot... This web site is xbox 360 fanboy site...
This means Mass Effect 2 and Gears of War and Halo are top 3...
Agree(2) | Disagree(5) | Report | Reply
Shut this user up Let user speak
Dead_Cell - 128 days ago
PM
Track
Ignore
12.1 - Art style you idiot.
Not "my pixel peen is bigger than yours"
ART STYLES.
Agree(5) | Disagree(2) | Report
Shut this user up Let user speak
Double Toasted - 128 days ago
PM
Track
Ignore
12.2 - @Dead Cell...
...the title of the article is misleading though...
Agree(2) | Disagree(2) | Report
Shut this user up Let user speak
Dead_Cell - 128 days ago
PM
Track
Ignore
12.3 - Then people..
Should do more than just read the headline.
Agree(6) | Disagree(2) | Report
Shut this user up Let user speak
ElementX - 127 days 23 hours ago
PM
Track
Ignore
13 -
I don't think PC games fit into a "generation". When I think of a generation, I think of a specific piece of hardware. PCs can be upgraded with new hardware any time and graphics are always pushing the boundaries. They're more trans-generational. Even the description of Crysis says "but a few PC HARDWARE GENERATIONS later and most gamers can get it running along happily". How can you compare a set piece of hardware (i.e. PS3 or 360) to a PC which has higher graphics capabilities?

At any rate, they should create a separate list for PC games and console games.
Agree(0) | Disagree(1) | Report | Reply
Shut this user up Let user speak
gaminoz - 127 days 14 hours ago
PM
Track
Ignore
13.1 -
Hmm that's an interesting thought...never looked at it that way. Computers are always upgrading so it is hard to call it gen. I guess gen would apply to a time of consoles then applied to the same time on PC?
Agree(0) | Disagree(0) | Report
Shut this user up Let user speak
mistajeff - 127 days 23 hours ago
PM
Track
Ignore
14 -
Am I the only one who thought Mirror's Edge looked like ass?
Agree(3) | Disagree(1) | Report | Reply
Shut this user up Let user speak
Noob - 127 days 23 hours ago
PM
Track
Ignore
14.1 - no, the graphics were ass
but the art style was nice.
Agree(3) | Disagree(1) | Report
Shut this user up Let user speak
skwidd - 127 days 23 hours ago
PM
Track
Ignore
14.2 - no...
ME graphics were very good and the art style was great!
Agree(2) | Disagree(0) | Report
Shut this user up Let user speak
ElementX - 127 days 22 hours ago
PM
Track
Ignore
14.3 -
I've seen many a man ass, and hmmmmm..... I personally think ass looks better, but this game is pretty.

I've never understood the "ass" comment. I'm sure all you straight boys out there check out female asses all the time. What you should say is that the game looks like fat grotesque ass. A lot of asses are nice, so the game must look pretty nice.
Agree(0) | Disagree(0) | Report
Shut this user up Let user speak
Godem - 127 days 23 hours ago
PM
Track
Ignore
15 -
I think while Crysis looks the best, it DOES NOT run the best. And thats why it lucked out... but I do agree it should have been higher... I love that game.

I can imagine part 2 will be something like...

Gears of War
Uncharted
Resident Evil 5
Killzone 2
Call of Duty..

But I what I hope comes up is...

Gears of War
Halo 3
Oblivion
Bioshock
Metal Gear Solid 4

maybe with Braid or Monkey Island:SE coming in as runners up for awesome art styles
Agree(2) | Disagree(2) | Report | Reply
Shut this user up Let user speak
stewgart - 127 days 22 hours ago
PM
Track
Ignore
16 -
I expect to see bioshock at number 1... no wait, MGS at 1 and bioshock at 2 :)
Agree(0) | Disagree(2) | Report | Reply
Shut this user up Let user speak
snaileri - 127 days 22 hours ago
PM
Track
Ignore
17 -
They totally failed with this one. They are comparing _Concept Art_ from some games!
Crysis IS the best looking game, no matter how you look at it.
Agree(2) | Disagree(4) | Report | Reply
Shut this user up Let user speak
REALgamer - 127 days 22 hours ago
PM
Track
Ignore
17.1 - Doubt it
The screenshots in the article are just for people who haven't seen / played the game before.

The author has obviously played the games from the way he talks about them.
Agree(3) | Disagree(1) | Report
Shut this user up Let user speak
Gun_Senshi - 127 days 21 hours ago
PM
Track
Ignore
18 -
crysis should be 1st not 10th.

I disagree with PoP. Valkyria Chronciles has similar but better graphics/art direction.

Mirror's Edge is how UE3 should be used, it looks better then gears 2 from Unreal themselfs.
Agree(3) | Disagree(3) | Report | Reply
Shut this user up Let user speak
PS360WiiRocks - 127 days 21 hours ago
PM
Track
Ignore
19 -
Scrap my whole last comment. Bioshock, Ratchet and Clank, Banjo Kazooie and I dunna what else lol. I think Bioshock should win, I loved that game, I was wowed the whole time playing.
Agree(0) | Disagree(3) | Report | Reply
Shut this user up Let user speak
Barragan - 127 days 20 hours ago
PM
Track
Ignore
20 - bout time
someone sees crysis is nothing but a real life mimic, what visuals?
Agree(0) | Disagree(0) | Report | Reply
Shut this user up Let user speak
gaminoz - 127 days 14 hours ago
PM
Track
Ignore
20.1 -
What's wrong with playing a game in a 'virtual' real life world? I guess it's not as artistic, but photography is also art...
Agree(0) | Disagree(0) | Report
Add Comment (Gamer Zone)
Gamer Zone Posting Guidelines
The Gamer Zone is for members who want a more friendly and civilized discussion. This section is heavily moderated by the N4G staff, so leave your fanboyism at the door please. Members who are unable to behave in a mature and respectful manner will be temporarily or permanently restricted from posting in the Gamer Zone. Using words such as Xbots and Sony droids, or other words from the console war vocabulary, is strictly prohibited in this Zone.
Read More...
 
 
You must log in to post comments.
Username:  
Password:  
 
 
About N4G
N4G is a social game news site that covers the game industry 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
More Info... | Submit News