Innovative Visual Styles in Games

Introduction

There are many video games that are stylised and created in a certain way. In my opinion, video games that are stylised can actually be a lot more beautiful that ultra-realism video games. Here are a few example of some video games that I like the visual styles of:

Abzu

Abzu is a console/PC game that allows you to take on the role of a voiceless diver. As this character, you are led by your instincts and the beauties of the ocean to find your purpose.

The reason I love this game is because of how atmospheric it is. With the vibrant colours, perfect music and sounds and a vast variety of wildlife, it feels like a whole different experience. I love the semi-realism of the structures and the animals. This scene with whales shows the game’s art style nicely:

Lost Ember

Another game with a similar function to Abzu is Lost Ember. This game using music and atmosphere to create an interesting and gripping experience, that is easy to get lost in.

You take on the role of a spirit, reincarnated into the body of a lone wolf. With the ability to transfer between bodies, you play in hopes of finding a place where your spirit can be set free and to discover why you’re stuck in the world of the living.

I love everything about this game. The colours, the lighting, the soft textures and stylised wildlife.

It allows you to take on roles of creatures of earth, sky and sea.

Sea Of Thieves

Unlike the other two previous games, this console/PC game is multiplayer and has more content for the multiplayer player base. However, something I noticed when first playing this game is its unique visual style that I always appreciate in video games.

The water in this game is done so well. It looks detailed yet still stylised, and during the day it is crystal clear and beautiful.

I love the style used to create the rocks, trees and the foliage. The rocks look satisfying to me, the different tones and shades use to create edges and faces of the rock, without adding any sharp jagged edges. The trees texturing makes them look so much more stylised compared to their real life counterparts.

Conclusion

I am always able to appreciate video games that have a visual style similar to these three games, I just love the visual appeal they have and I think this is one of the best ways to stylised a game. Perhaps some people think this style can get boring or be overused, however I will never grow tired of this and the aesthetic of it.