I’ve been addicted to the AAA scene for some time now. The search for amazing graphical experiences has always been a part of my gaming interests, it something you just can’t help at times. However, while I’m still amazed by these big budget environments and experiences I’ve grown to love the aesthetic brilliance of the Indies out there as well.
The realistically portrayal of environments is at and all time high, showing us visions from the world and many fantasy landscapes You can’t beat that, but, many indie games don’t try to. Coming from the lack of resources is an astounding amount of creativity for mechanics, for story, and pure beauty. They constantly bring us charm, wit and artistic visions that are brought to life before us.
I don’t know whether it’s because I’ve been paying more attention to the indie scene or whether there has just been an amazing collection of titles to come out this year but I’ve been captured by their brilliance. Most of all, I have fallen in love with some of the prettiest games out their, wonderful aesthetics in a variety of styles showing all manner of environments.
And here’s my top 5 prettiest, most amazingly beautiful Indies of the year
Shelter
Who knew a game about being a mother badger protecting their young can be one of the most engaging and emotional titles of the year. What made it more was a unique art style that I could only describe as some sort of scrapbook collage yet it created some amazing visuals. Painterly but oh so pretty.
Starbound
While I’m still not entirely convinced about the brilliance of its mechanics and its ability to succeed Terraria I would be remiss if I didn’t mention just how truly spectacular the visuals can be. It is procedural generated beauty at times with the combination of planets, biome, flora and fauna creating unique environments that truly captivate.
Wolf among us
From Telltale studios comes another amazing interactive story but this time I think they outdid themsleves with the amazing cell shaded style of characters and environments. Characters that are colourful with depth, backgrounds that seem to leap forwards due to the attention to detail and textures, and a wonderful colour palette that blends together to create a unique but beautiful world.
Kentucky route zero
Drifting across the countryside in an eerie and haunting tale that confounds and yet breeds wonder at every step. It is something that really can’t be described but is more felt and the lovely style brings out this abstract expressionist nature. It somehow reminds me of the animation tools we used to use in high school that were a combination of paint and a flip book drawing yet, no matter how simple it seems it transcends its own boundaries becoming something more akin to art.
Fez
What can I say about Fez that hasn’t already been said. It exudes the same charm and warmth of its predecessor while still creating an aesthetic that is unique to it. Interesting mechanics, wonderful world and a retro appeal you can’t resist
But wait, there’s more. There are a huge amount of delightfully indulgent visual treats out there; and I couldn’t with all conscious miss out a few other titles on this list.
The disqualified for technically coming out last year award goes to Hotline Miami. A mix of chaos, colours and captivating beauty in a top down bit trip style. Bloody but brilliant.
The disqualified for not having played but planning to do so award goes to Ni No Kuni. How could something co created by the Studio Gibli not be the prettiest thing ever imagined. They created a genre that exudes cuteness and has an inherent warmth to its characters and world
And finally, the beautiful but Disqualified for being Ubisoft award goes to Rayman Legends. An absolutely perfect puzzler with a mix of interesting mechanics, an appeal to collective and competitive impulses and gorgeous environments.
Thanks all and leave a comment below on your own favourite indie beauty below.. do it.. now…
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