Hello there! Today's subject is not a particular game, but one common component between all games: graphics.
Metro Exodus Image Source
A common phrase when talking about video games is "I love good graphics" or similis of it, but what do people actually mean by that? The answer usually boils down to realistic graphics, and I can't blame them. There is a simple joy of seeing, for example, a character talking and seeing their skin stretch and fold and their eyes shifting around naturally just like a real person's would, or seeing a sprawling landscape modelled and textured to the tiniest possible detail.
Detroit: Become Human Image Source
Now, there is a catch with this: "good graphics" is a very subjective term in itself. It shouldn't only mean technically impressive and realistic. This should include any kind of graphics that elicit a reaction of admiration from the onlooker. On the flip side, this denaturation of the meaning of good graphics always seems to lead to calling whatever is unrealistic or, dare I say, cartoony, as bad. The irony of this is the fact that realistic graphics are a flame that, while burning bright, also dies fast. A graphically impressive game from today will be visually dated and unappealing a few years down the line.
Mirror's Edge Image Source
Games with a strong art direction will keep looking stunning as long as they will be playable. I will be beating on a dead horse with this example, but look at the original Mirror's Edge. The guys at DICE gave the game a minimalist and clean look. The game is a bit oversaturated, features a primarily white and black color scheme, with sporadic spalshes of color for highlights: red is for the route to progress and landmarks in the levels, warm colors like orange and yellow are mostly used for accents in environments lit by the sun and cold colors like blue and green are used for accents in environments lit by artificial light or simply dark (including the night-time levels). These color choices really help setting the mood, making the outside environments during the day feel cozy, the underground and night environments feeling cold and unwelcoming and interiors lit by artifical light sterile, all this even 14 years after its original release.
Tough Law Image Source
Of course, there are many other games with great art styles (Tough Law pictured above), but the simplicity of Mirror's Edge really helps putting into perspective how having a cool style elevates the presentation of a game. Nowadays, most stylized games come from indie developers, the AAA sector being obsessed with bringing the most realistic wrinkly face you could ever see, outside of the mirror. This obsession comes mostly from how safe of a decision it is: AAA games cost more than some countries's GDP nowadays, so going for a stylized look is riskier from a financial POV than a realistic style which will always appeal to a larger demographic.
Disco Elysium Image Source
All in all, I was pretty negative towards realism in this post, but it comes from a place of boredom with it in the AAA games industry. Here's hoping one day some multiplatform publisher will take a risk on a game with a different style, because the only AAAs which come to mind that don't abide by the general rule are THQ Nordic and freaking Nintendo.
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