The Top 10 Games with the Best Graphics this Generation

by  Menashe

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Best Graphics Series
-Introduction: What Are Good Graphics?
-Best Graphics in Games on PC
-Best Graphics in Games on PS3
-Best Graphics in Games on Xbox 360
-Best Graphics in Games on Wii
-Best Graphics in Multiplatform Games
-Best Art Styles in Games
-Best Graphics in Upcoming Games

If you’re interested in the comprehensive list of games with incredible graphics this generation then look through all of the lists in this Best Graphics series. But, if you’re interested in seeing our final verdict, then read on. We had to choose the best of the best and it was really tough to make any decision at all. We tried to grab something from each game platform and across a variety of visual styles. I think that if you’re looking for a top ten list that covers all your bases, then this is it. If you disagree with some of our decisions then go ahead and let me know in the comments at the bottom. Here we go:

10. Killzone 3

This is a very personal choice. There’s something about the art style that makes me swoon. I usually hate brown hues in games but these browns are something different entirely. Those browns come from the drying out of color and saturation. These browns, though, are part of a rich and moody color scheme.

9. Trine 2

The word that sums up Trine 2 in its totality is “pretty”. If a child’s imagination could be projected onto a screen, it would probably look something like Trine 2. Each scene, from forests to caves to lazy beaches, shines with rich detail and dazzling color.

8. Skyrim

A game like Skyrim relies heavily on its graphics to complete the sense of adventure and exploration that its massive world allows. If not for the breathtaking sights and scenery of the landscape, Skyrim wouldn’t be as compelling to explore. The sheer variety of environments and nature in Skyrim is part of what makes the graphics work so well.

7. The Witcher 2

Attention to detail is the name of the game in The Witcher 2. It’s pure eye candy if you have a powerful enough gaming rig. Besides for portraying a world that seems vividly real, there’s also a sense of grittiness as the world around you decays and crumbles.

6. Uncharted 3

The moniker I give the Naughty Dog Engine is “The Hollywood Engine.” Sand clings to Drake’s hair and cascades from his footsteps. Water sloshes across the screen and fire creeps up the walls. Sunlight filters through tattered rooftops. Naughty Dog created a world with charisma, intensity, and detail.

5. Gears of War 3

Uncharted 3 has a clean look. But Gears of War 3 is disheveled. And to me that’s even more impressive. Of course, it’s slick and beautiful, but it’s also the destroyer of beauty. Destruction reigns. Blood spills.  And we are given an ever-decaying final vision of Sera. The explosions, carnage, and machismo of Gears of War 3 either floats your boat or it doesn’t, but the developers did a perfect job in realizing their vision.

4. Super Mario Galaxy 2

Art style vs technical achievement, who wins? It doesn’t matter, because at the end of the day Super Mario Galaxy 2 excels in both. Somehow Nintendo squeezed every last bit of juice from the Wii and then married it to one of the most beautiful and vivid art styles in all of gaming. Together they create a game that rivals the best looking games on PS3 and Xbox 360. It’s games like Galaxy that keep Mario as the icon of video games.

3. Metro 2033

Atmosphere. Art style. Lighting. Horror. Did I mention atmosphere? The atmosphere is oppressive and the gloom is relentless. How many games can you say that about? Light, or lack thereof, plays a huge role in creating Metro 2033’s engaging atmosphere. Passing through a dark, foggy tunnel can be harrowing, and entering the warm glow of an electric lamp can relieve the palpable tension, until you look down and see a freshly mutilated body at your feet. Grim scenes, inescapable shadows, and disgustingly ugly mutant creatures will haunt your dreams.

2. Battlefield 3

The final two games are going to be all out about realism. And where realism is our concern, Battlefield 3 is a proper warzone. It feels like war and every part of the environment can be destroyed with enough gunpowder. The explosions you set off will be stunning. Prepare to be amazed over and over again. Every inch of the environment is bathed in some form of digital trickery and whether it’s the lighting, texturing, or models, there aren’t many games even in the same league.

1. Crysis

Here we are. The real life simulator. It’s even become something of a meme, comparing Crysis screenshots to pics from real life nature. It’s not only the technical aspects that are impressive; it’s the detail of the models, architecture, and textures. Wandering around the world of Crysis it’s impossible not to be awed at what Crytek managed to do.

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