Most Impressive Graphics of 2009

Each and every generation has seen games grows more and more impressive on both an artistic standpoint and graphical standpoint. As developers become comfortable with the system hardware and technology, the development teams are able to better utilize the hardware and produce high-level graphics for gamers and bystanders to enjoy. Over the course of 2009, a great leap in terms of graphics from 2008 has occurred.

[Noctis Aftermath]

What a joke.

5) forza
4) resident evil 5
3) uncharted 2...
2) killzone 2
1) MODERN WARFARE 2 WTF?!

i think someones been sniffing petrol again.

[kalebgray92]

really mw2 which isnt even full hd ... throw in wet or odst while your at it

[BulletToothtony]

because that list just doesn't make sense AT ALL!

MW2 against UC2?? Yes mw2 may look decent enough, but it does not mean it looks better than Killzone 2 or uc2, fanboyism apparently is a blinding disease..

[kalebgray92]

just didnt want to be too obvious so he chose a multiplattform game .... a popular one so no one would catch it

[Foxgod]

MW2, DX10.1 very high settings on high end pc.
Now stop yapping, if uncharted 2 was on pc, then it might have looked better then MW2, but it doesnt because its console exclusive.

[TheTeam06]

This is not a countdown!!!!!

Why do people assume it is? It never said top 5, nor did it ever have any numbers on it. It's just a list of "graphically impressive" games (I'm questioning MW2 and maybe Forza 3) shown in no particular order.

EDIT: @above. Nice try attempting to defend MW2 at the top of this list... except there is no list. He never said MW2 looks better than Uncharted 2. You can go into specs if you want, but we all know which one looks better, no matter where it's from. PS3 owners admitted Crysis was a gorgeous game, why can't you fess up yourself?

[menoyou]

ridiculous indeed. this guy must be trolling.

[Major_Tom]

I want the coke this guy is on.

[darkmurder]

"The list isn't in any specific order, these are just the top five most graphically impressive games of 2009. " FFS do people just look at sites like picture books now?

[SuperM]

people on n4g cant read. seriously guys, ridiculous.
If you want to complain about the games named then thats totally fine, just dont act like retards.

[Xbox Avatars Shoe]

I LOL'd at MW2! Only people without PS3s think that game looks great. CoD4 looked great... 2 years ago and MW2 honestly doesn't look one bit better. The lighting in CoD4 and MW2 still looks off to me; everything has WAY to much contrast.

R&C looks like a Pixar movie so why the fvck isn't that on there?!

InFamous should be on there too since it's a great looking game even though it's open-world. Everybody's excuse for GTA IV's crap graphics was "It's an open-world game" but now InFamous has shown that open-world games can have awesome graphics too.

Seems like this list was made by a 360-only owner who heard the hype of U2 and KZ2's graphics so they had to put them in there but didn't look into the other PS3 exclusives that have better graphics than MW2, RE5 and Forza 3.

[JonnyBadfinger]

Honestly MW2 CANNOT be on the list for 1 reason......its not out yet.

If they are picking games from the list of still to be released games, then i would put Assassins Creed 2 in over Resident Evil 5.

[Noctis Aftermath]

@ people who say this isn't a countdown, i read the post almost straight away, it had the games listed in order counting down from 5.

It was obviously edited by the author so he wouldn't look like a complete idiot.

[WildArmed]

the list should have ended with U2 and started with U2 imo =/

[Xgamerzus]

Very pathetic list . I want a Programmers TOp 10 List! an actual Grunt who turns all the storyboards and art into The technical Marvel we call Game engines!!!
I want a Programmer to do a 10 best Graphics! cause he would no the limitations and the skill involved in making a graphics engine with consoles and PC's.

Not a newbie programmer but a real Asembly level,ASMP, C++ , Compiling whore.
Give us a top ten graphics list Any takers???

[OC Furious Dre]

i do agree to some extent.. actually i do agree. but heres my list.

1. Uncharted 2
2. Killzone 2
3. Ratchet and Clank
4. Infamous
5. Uncharted 2

Runner ups
1. Uncharted 2
2. Killzone 2

LOL again at modern warfare 2 beating everyone

[Isaac]

lol @ foxdog's damage control. Don't you have something better to do? I bet there's no "foxbítch" for you to spend your time with.

[NotoriousWarrior]

^^ yea lol

The list should go:

1 - Uncharted 2
2 - Killzone 2
3 - Resident Evil 5
4 - Assassin’s Creed 2
5 - Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time

Its much better than the one on the article. The writer defends MW2 graphics because MW impressed people and MW2 looks better. Seriously, its been 2 years and games like Uncharted 2 and Killzone 2 have been released, wake up.

Im getting MW2 but its a MW with updates, not many improvements.

[bigrudowsky]

nah i think its killzone,mw2 and then uncharted the rest dont matter

[KiRBY3000]

i got the same list as you, except i put Crack In Time above assassin's creed 2.

so, that's:

1 - Uncharted 2
2 - Killzone 2
3 - Resident Evil 5
4 - Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time
5 - Assassin’s Creed 2 (or Forza 3 maybe? whatever)

@bigrudowsky: MW2 then uncharted 2? wow, you sure know what you're talking about.

[Groo]

prob just saying MW2 b/c its mutli platform and they want to try to make everyone happy

[VegaShinra]

That would keep some people from going crazy. MW2 will impress but U2 is a beastttt.

[OC Furious Dre]

could not have said it better myself..

bubbles for bothof you for taking the words out of my mouth

[D4RkNIKON]

MW2 uses COD4 graphic engine! How could it possibly be at the top of 2009's graphics list? Above Killzone 2 and Uncharted 2

[SuperM]

I dont know, perhaps if in a world where you couldnt read properly you would have assumed MW2 was the top of a list and made it up yourself in your head. That way MW2 could be the top of a 2009 graphics list.

Surely that would never happen though, oh wait...

[Saaking]

hahahahahahahahah!!! MW2 for #1??! hahaha...flopza...re5... man this list fails so hard. Here's a better one:

KZ2
UC2
R&C ACit
inFAMOUS
MLB 09 the Show
Demon's Soul
GOW collection (looks better than most 360 games)
Batman AA
AC2.

[Finalfantasykid]

I don't think the games are in any order. They just put down what they think the best looking games are.

[AliTheBrit19]

Dude you just listed PS3 exclusives

Last I checked demon souls has terrible graphics, your comment is so full of fail

[LuHawk22]

Saaking is an idiot what do you expect

[ZBlacktt]

Yeah, I was looking for a few that were just very very nice, i.e Demon's Souls and MLB 09 The Show, Batman AA w/ Joker and AC2. I think games that are out and played by everyone should only make these lists. Anyone here played the full game of CODMW2? Just asking...

AliTheBrit19,

You play Demons Souls or are you just talking crap? That game is brilliant! There's a reason why it is sold out everywhere. Look for the GOTY list to come and it will be on the list. Along with UC2 and KZ2.

[WildArmed]

if your gonna say Demon's Souls has bad graphics, then you've got issues man.
It may not be the shiniest stone in the pond but to say it has no shine is an testament to your fanboism

[dustgavin]

Yep. AliTheBot is a definite 360 fanboy.

[mistajeff]

I sure hope the descending numbers in front of each of those aren't supposed to be rankings...

[Doletskaya]

Seriously?MW2 shouldn't even be on that list.

[asdr3wsfas]

Why is this in the wii section? An honorable one sentence mention for muramasa at the bottom warrants wasting our time with it? Morons, all of you.

[Rmagnus]

Is awesome!!! I played more muramasa than Bats AA. A truly beautiful game, love the art style and forging of blades, I hope it sold enough to warrant a part 2

[asdr3wsfas]

I agree, just put my 30 hours in then doing one hit death mode once I start to learn sf4. I love the game - I hear expectations were 50k and it sold nearly triple that so we hopefully get another. Japan sold out of their entire stock in a week I think?

[xcox]

killzone 2
uncharted 2

nothing else comes even close

[PlayStation X]

uncharted looks better

but killzone is still waaay ahead of everything else this year

[borgome]

Halo 3, best graphics I've ever seen.

[TooTall19]

I like killzone 2's graphics better than uc2's

[Saaking]

I think UC2 looks better but who cares? PS3 owners get BOTH. it's good to be a ps3 owner.

[Nikuma]

I'm glad I was born with 20/20 to appreciate good looking games and clearly see what games look better than others. Author of this article obviously has an eyesight problem though. :/

[Knghtz]

LOL wouldn't games still look better in comparison to others with regards to poor eyesight? Your argument doesn't make any sense...

[Nikuma]

Naw, when you have poor eyesight everything looks like crap.

[W831SOLIDSNAKE]

All Exclusive PS3 games wiped the floor with the crap box in graphics and to top it off Gameplay. PS3 owners get perfection and XBOX owners get Crapfection.

Forza 3 the most Crap looking game this gen

[ZBlacktt]

Blu-ray

[bigrudowsky]

modern warfare 2 looks pretty damn good considering it runs at 60 fps but without a doubt killzone takes this one uncharted comes close but thats just it close.

[frostypants]

Dude...Uncharted 2 kills Killzone 2. K2 is really pretty, but it's easier to make dark and brown stuff look nice, and just about every level in K2 is one of those 2 things. Uncharted 2 has bright levels, dark levels, colorful levels, grayish levels...it's across the board. The weather effects are amazing, the sunlight effects are peerless in the console realm, and the character models are better looking and better animated. Uncharted 2 wins...slam dunk.

[DARK WITNESS]

ya, I have to say, I think uncharted two is the better looking game.

for me, Uncharted has be best textures I have seen in any game so far.

Killzone looked awesome when you kind of looked at everything overall happening on screen...but i found once I really tried to look up close at stuff it still had a few issues.

Uncharted 2, no matter how close you are or far away from an object it just looks so real. some of the little details on the engravings and metal work is just insane !

[frostypants]

@9.2, yeah, it actually reminds me of old urban architecture. Sometimes I look up at an old skyscraper in a town like NY or Chicago, and think "why the hell did they put so much detail into engravings and statues way up at the top where hardly anyone will ever really notice?". I get that same feeling in Uncharted 2. The stubbourn attention to detail is staggering.

[raztad]

@frosty

KZ2 has a dark palette but is not a dark game. I mean there are a lot of light sources, is not like you need a flashlight to play the game. Considering what I said before, your explanation about KZ2 being a good looker because is dark is wrong. In fact is just the contrary, typically sunny and highly lighted games like UC2 tend to look better. Compare please UC2 (at night) and KZ2, you will see KZ2 is at least as good as UC2, if not better looking.

[Alpha_Gamer]

I say Uncharted 2, Killzone 2, Forza 3, and Borderlands for it`s sheer artistry.

[i_like_ff7]

LOLLOLOLOL MW2. Sub hd running on a revamp of the quake 2 engine added with sh*tty ass textures.

[frostypants]

They aren't STILL using the Quake 2 engine, are they? I knew the original CoD did...I'd hope they'd have moved on by now.

I think MW2 will be pretty, but NO multi-plat will ever match a topline PS3 exclusive.

[Knghtz]

Apparently resolution = graphics now :/

[ozzy]

Please read it states
The list isn't in any specific order, these are just the top five most graphically impressive games of 2009.

[BaSeBaLlKiD721]

well it seems that people tend to overlook MLB 09 The Show... MLB 09 has the best graphics/gameplay for a sport game to date.

[Polycarp]

In addition to posting about games which have not even been released yet, he used images to represent these graphical leaps that AREN'T EVEN FROM THE GAMES. Killzone 2? NOPE that is a pre-render, buddy, and from 2005 no less. MW2? NOPE, try MW.

Seriously getting tired of this "examiner" crap. Maybe I should make a site so I can be "examiner of people who are crappy examiners".

[Rmagnus]

Seems like everyone is making a site these days..... Its getting harder and harder to find good info on the net.....

[Knghtz]

But what if you end up being crappy at it? Then you're just being hypocritical! :p

[ApocalypseShadow]

see,ps3 fans can fully admit that with a high end PC,games can look better than ps3 on PC.but it's funny to us that "gamers?"(did i say that) that support 360 CAN'T admit that ps3 exclusive games look better than 360 games.ALL OF THEM.

you can see small pixel differences in multiplatform games,you can see no difference between dvd and bluray,but you can clearly see a difference between pc an ps3.

you can't even bring up a 360 game to compare.so you run to pc like you run to other excuses when ps3 truths run you over like a super train.

no...wait...what's the typical excuse....oh..."it's all about gameplay" when everyone else is talking about graphics.when ps3 fans know it's all about gameplay.but know better graphics when we **see** it.

uncharted2 is the best looking console game so far.with killzone2 and GT5:p right on it's heels.ps3 fans expect this trend to continue from here on out.which is why 360 fans have shut up about graphics.

[JonnyBigBoss]

Uncharted 2 and Killzone 2 followed by Resident Evil 5. End of discussion.

[Knghtz]

Darn, and I still wanted to discuss this too...

[y0haN]

Uncharted 2 and Killzone 2 are the only really 'impressive' graphical-wise games I've played this year.

[meetajhu]

Modern Warfare 2 best graphics = EPIC FAIL.

[Figboy]

to appease the fanboys instead of giving their honest opinion.

for me, Uncharted 2 is hands down the best console game released this generation.

followed very closely by Killzone 2 (even though Killzone 2 bests Uncharted in some areas like lighting, but texture work and character animations are incredible in Uncharted 2).

after Killzone 2 i'd put either Ratchet and Clank Future: ACIT, or MGS4. both of those games look phenomenal.

Assassin's Creed 2 would probably follow, because it also has great attention to character animation detail, and world detail. the most visually impressive sandbox game along with inFAMOUS and GTAIV.

after AC2, i'd maybe toss in Batman: Arkham Asylum. it's the current reason why UE3 isn't dead yet, despite me being sick of that engine. Batman has excellent character models and texture detail, just not better than the games with home grown graphics engines.

[xg-ei8ht]

Foxgod

I've just finished the truck part in Uncharted 2 and let me tell you as a pc gamer, it looks better and cleaner then any other game i've seen.

Pure Class.

Easily the best looking game so far.

[AliTheBrit19]

Assassins Creed 2 looks amazing, can't wait for that game!

[themyk]

bump

[WIIIS1]

My list in no specific order:-
Forza 3, MW 2, Uncharted 2, Dirt 2, Batman AA

[tripewire]

How does forza get on that list when a game released 2 years ago looks better?

Anyway Im gonna go with:
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
KillZone 2 (feels like forever ago that this released)
inFamous (Say what you want, I think its gorgeous)
R&C ACIT (I think it's gonna look gorgeous)

[Moebius69]

Probably because that game was released two years ago

[Gun_Senshi]

Is this a joke? RE5 Enviroment is so dead and static, they might as well put in a wallpaper like Final Fantasy 6-9

[callahan09]

Based on the demo of Forza 3 and some of the videos I've seen, it doesn't look as good as Need For Speed: Shift, graphically. Not to me anyway. And I wouldn't put either game in a top 5 graphics list. The other 4 all look great though.

[Moebius69]

I have been playing FORZA3 since tuesday,and i have to say it looks exactly like the demo.What surprised me most is there are quite a lot of jaggies in it especially on the car models

[sikbeta]

MW2 hahahaha lol so hard

I don't even realise that game already come out (???)

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is the real winner

[PS360PCROCKS]

I like Uncharted 2 more than Killzones graphics personally. But killzone on the last couple levels, holy sh*t that game looked crazy, all the lighting, explosions and massive amounts of guys, that was fuc*ing chaos!!! Visari Palace can kiss my ass lol that was really hard, I probably suck but it was hard for me.

[skatezero246]

I honestly think the site is just trying to cover up the a$$ kicking Sony is delivering to Microsoft as of late (It's been long over due in my opinion) and I'm loving everyday of it ..

I have said it before ... the only things that was holding the ps3 back was getting used to the new tech and the price ... and now both are gone, so there is nothing hold the ps3 back and I think everybody has seen the difference.

plus if I remember correctly it took the ps2 about 3 years to kick off and start selling alot and the ps3 is just now about to hit it's 3 year mark. so watch and see the Ps3 is going to sell ALOT from now on both the ps1 and 2 did it and I see the PS3 doing it as well

[Stone-The-Crow]

hahaha MW2! no way that's not even in HD it looks rubbish

UC2 should be top with R&C:ACIT being 2nd

[bujasem_89]

a necessity to this article?

seriously why even bother u should just rename it to say which one is better uncharted 2 or killzone 2?? lol xD

[taylork37]

UC2 >>> all

The scenes from Nepal and Tibet make me cry they are so good. KZ2 had good graphics, but UC2 just does it for me.

[Ven1000]

that came out in 2007. lol

[elcompa425]

of all those games mentioned, I think Uncharted 2 has the greatest graphics...but you know what they say...beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Cheers

[lamigol]

Uncharted 2 is amazing graphically. I am wowed every time I switch it on. I just stand there, turning Nate around to take in the surroundings. Truly, the best game graphically on console right now. KZ2 is still amazing, gritty but fantastic lighting and effects. Forza 3, based on playing demo is imo, very nice. Best race game graphically behind GTP. I must admit though, the tracks ive seen on Forza, the fantasy ones not real life locations look fantastic. I do get bored racing around the same old sterile tracks that have been done to death and appear in every racing game. You know the ones, real tracks with nothing but trees, advertising hordings and metal barriers and NOTHING ELSE.....BORING !! Hope GT has fantasy tracks.

[elcompa425]

I was a nerd for spinning the camera around just to take in the surroundings, I'm glad I'm not the only one that took the time to indulge my eyes with such a beautiful piece of art...haha

Cheers

[Relientk77]

Uncharted 2 obviously

its frickin impressive

[Ps_alm3k]

this guy make me laugh!!!!
Mw2 is not even out yet....
judging by spec for the computer......
I'll say its the same as mw1.......sorry for the truth.

[chisox100]

mlb 09 the show has the best graphics ever. Better than KZ2 or Uncharted 2. Why you ask? because each and every player is modeled off of a real person and they all look so real. Its much easier to make a design of someone who is completely fictional (eg Sev, Cole Mgrath or Nate Drake)

[elpresador]

...considering it is not out yet? I dont care what people say but seeing a game say on G4HD, online in HD, or whatever, it will not look the same as it playing natively on a console connected to your tv at home and since NONE OF US have seen MW2 IN OUR HOMES, you cant say it is crap or looks bad or not good or whatever.

[billbox2010]

so far the graphics of halo odst owns all games in 2009...