The Most Beautiful Video Games Visually (Ever)
These are the titles that transformed digital worlds into works of art, whether through raw technical power or daring creative vision. Gran Turismo 7 and Forza Horizon 5 flirt with photorealism, delivering skies and landscapes that rival reality itself. No Man’s Sky offers an infinite canvas of alien color, a universe that feels painted rather than programmed. Together, they show the full spectrum of what “visually stunning” can mean in gaming. {Image: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild © Nintendo}
Items in this hypelist
Technical (graphics horsepower, realism, fidelity)
Gran Turismo 7
PlayStation 4 · PlayStation 5 · PlayStation VR2
Gran Turismo 7 brings together the very best features of the Real Driving Simulator. Whether you’re a competitive or casual racer, collector, tuner, livery designer or photographer – find your line with a staggering collection of game modes including fan-favorites like GT Campaign, Arcade and Driving School. With the reintroduction of the legendary GT Simulation Mode, buy, tune, race and sell your way through a rewarding solo campaign as you unlock new cars and challenges. And if you love going head-to-head with others, hone your skills and compete in the GT Sport Mode.
Forza Horizon 5
PC (Microsoft Windows) · PlayStation 5 · Xbox One · Xbox Series X|S
Your Ultimate Horizon Adventure awaits! Explore the vibrant and ever-evolving open-world landscapes of Mexico with limitless, fun driving action in hundreds of the world’s greatest cars.
Shadow of the Colossus: Special Edition
PlayStation 4
The Special Edition release includes the following bonus items: - Steelbook Collector’s Case with outer sleeve - Artist Postcards - Printed Manual - In-game Digital Extras -- Ancient Bow -- Cloak of Fate -- “Spotted Steed” Agro skin - Two Custom PS4 Themes - Colossi Avatar Set for PS4 - Physical World Map - Colossi Stickers.
A Plague Tale: Requiem
Nintendo Switch · PC (Microsoft Windows) · PlayStation 5 · Xbox Series X|S
A Plague Tale: Requiem is an action-adventure game similar to its predecessor. The player assumes control of Amicia and must face against both soldiers from the French Inquisition and hordes of rats that are spreading the black plague. The gameplay is largely similar to the first game, though the combat system is significantly expanded. The game features a progression system in which the player will be awarded additional skills and abilities. Stealth players will unlock skills that allow them to sneak around more efficiently, while those who prefer a more lethal approach will unlock additional combat skills. Locations are also larger, giving players additional options to progress.
The Last of Us Part II
PlayStation 4 · PlayStation 5
The Last of Us Part II is an action-adventure game set five years after the events of The Last of Us. The player traverses post-apocalyptic environments such as buildings and forests to advance the story. They can use firearms, improvised weapons, and stealth to defend against hostile humans and cannibalistic creatures infected by a mutated strain of the Cordyceps fungus. The game intermittently switches control between Ellie and Abby, and also briefly Joel in the opening sequence. The nimble nature of the player character introduces platforming elements, allowing the player to jump and climb to traverse environments and gain advantages during combat.
The Last of Us Part I
PC (Microsoft Windows) · PlayStation 5
Experience the emotional storytelling and unforgettable characters of Joel and Ellie in The Last of Us, winner of over 200 Game of the Year awards and now rebuilt for PlayStation 5. Enjoy a total overhaul of the original experience, faithfully reproduced but incorporating modernized gameplay, improved controls and expanded accessibility options. Plus, feel immersed with improved effects and enhanced exploration and combat. It also includes the Left Behind story DLC.
Horizon Forbidden West
PC (Microsoft Windows) · PlayStation 4 · PlayStation 5
Horizon Forbidden West continues Aloy’s story as she moves west to a far-future America to brave a majestic, but dangerous frontier where she’ll face awe-inspiring machines and mysterious new threats.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
PC (Microsoft Windows) · PlayStation 5 · Xbox Series X|S
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is a first-person, action-adventure game set in the never-before-seen Western Frontier of Pandora. Abducted by the human militaristic corporation known as the RDA, you, a Na’vi, were trained and molded to serve their purpose. Fifteen years later, you are free, but find yourself a stranger in your birthplace. Reconnect with your lost heritage, discover what it truly means to be Na'vi, and join other clans to protect Pandora from the RDA.
Alan Wake II
PC (Microsoft Windows) · PlayStation 5 · Xbox Series X|S
Alan Wake 2 marks Remedy Entertainment’s first foray into the survival horror genre. Ritualistic murders in a small town. A writer trapped in a nightmare. An FBI agent looking for answers. Two realities. Two hero characters. One horror story that wants them dead.
Cyberpunk 2077
PlayStation 4
Cyberpunk 2077: Day One Edition comes with a case with game discs, a World Compendium detailing the game's setting and lore, postcards from Night City, a map of Night City and stickers, as well as the following digital contents: game soundtrack, art booklet featuring a selection of art from the game, Cyberpunk 2020 sourcebook, and wallpapers for desktop and mobile.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Google Stadia · PC (Microsoft Windows) · PlayStation 4 · Xbox One
Red Dead Redemption 2 is the epic tale of outlaw Arthur Morgan and the infamous Van der Linde gang, on the run across America at the dawn of the modern age.
Art Direction (visual soul, atmosphere, mood)
No Man's Sky
Mac · Nintendo Switch 2 · Oculus Rift · PC (Microsoft Windows) · PlayStation 4 · PlayStation 5 · PlayStation VR · PlayStation VR2 · SteamVR · Xbox One · Xbox Series X|S
Inspired by the adventure and imagination that we love from classic science-fiction, No Man's Sky presents you with a galaxy to explore, filled with unique planets and lifeforms, and constant danger and action. In No Man's Sky, every star is the light of a distant sun, each orbited by planets filled with life, and you can go to any of them you choose. Fly smoothly from deep space to planetary surfaces, with no loading screens, and no limits. In this infinite procedurally generated universe, you'll discover places and creatures that no other players have seen before - and perhaps never will again.
The Banner Saga
Android · iOS · Linux · Mac · Nintendo Switch · PC (Microsoft Windows) · PlayStation 4 · Xbox One
The Banner Saga is a Viking-themed tactical role-playing video game.
Abzu
Nintendo Switch · PC (Microsoft Windows) · PlayStation 4 · Xbox One
Abzu is an exploration game where you are a lone diver in a lush ocean world. The diver descends deeper and deeper into the depths, where she will encounter majestic creatures, discover ancient secrets, and search for her true purpose. Abzu roughly translates to "The Ocean of Wisdom" from ancient Sumerian.
Jet Set Radio Future
Xbox
Jet Set Radio Future is a video game developed by Smilebit and is the sequel to Jet Set Radio. Similar to the original, it depicts a future Tokyo where freedom of expression is outlawed. The user plays a character in the GG's, a gang of in-line skating graffiti artists who skate around Tokyo covering up rival gangs' graffiti, knocking over Rokkaku police, and dancing to the electric soundtrack. The game uses a cel-shaded style of animation, and has been widely acclaimed for its unique music style, detailed art, and gameplay. Though the game is set in the future, its style and content incorporates many aspects of 1980's old school hip hop culture, as well as 1990's J-pop culture.
Control
Google Stadia · PC (Microsoft Windows) · PlayStation 4 · PlayStation 5 · Xbox One · Xbox Series X|S
Control is a supernatural 3rd person action-adventure will challenge you to master the combination of supernatural abilities, modifiable loadouts and reactive environments while fighting through a deep and unpredictable world.
BioShock Infinite
Linux · Mac · PC (Microsoft Windows) · PlayStation 3 · Xbox 360
BioShock Infinite is the third game in the BioShock series. It is not a direct sequel/prequel to any of the previous BioShock games but takes place in an entirely different setting, although it shares similar features, gameplay and concepts with the previous games. BioShock Infinite features a range of environments that force the player to adapt, with different weapons and strategies for each situation. Interior spaces feature close combat with enemies, but unlike previous games set in Rapture, the setting of Infinite contains open spaces with emphasis on sniping and ranged combat against as many as fifteen enemies at once.
Donkey Kong Country
New Nintendo 3DS · Super Famicom · Super Nintendo Entertainment System · Wii · Wii U
Donkey Kong Country is a side scrolling platformer by British developers Rare in 1994. It featured revolutionary pre-rendered 3D graphics that give the game a very unique look compared to most other games on consoles at the time. The two playable characters featured in the game are the titular character, Donkey Kong and his nephew, Diddy Kong. Together the two swing, climb, jump, swim, cartwheel, ride animals, and blast out of barrels on their way to recover their stolen bannanas from the evil King K. Rool and his Kremling army. The adventure takes you through a variety of different environments and levels that continually change up gameplay. Donkey Kong Country also provides plenty of opportunities for exploration with almost every level having a multitude of collectible, shortcuts, and hidden bonus areas.
Persona 3 Reload
Nintendo Switch 2 · PC (Microsoft Windows) · PlayStation 4 · PlayStation 5 · Xbox One · Xbox Series X|S
Step into the shoes of a transfer student thrust into an unexpected fate when entering the hour "hidden" between one day and the next. Awaken an incredible power and chase the mysteries of the Dark Hour, fight for your friends, and leave a mark on their memories forever. Persona 3 Reload is a captivating reimagining of the genre-defining RPG, reborn for the modern era.
Gris
Android · iOS · Mac · Nintendo Switch · PC (Microsoft Windows) · PlayStation 4 · PlayStation 5 · Xbox One · Xbox Series X|S
Gris is a 2D platformer developed by Nomada Studio and published by Devolver Digital. Released in December 2018, it is a visually striking game that follows the journey of a young woman named Gris as she navigates a world of grief and loss. The game features no dialogue, relying on its hand-painted art style, evocative music, and environmental storytelling to convey its themes. Gameplay involves exploration, light platforming, and puzzle-solving, with Gris gaining new abilities as the story progresses. It received critical acclaim for its artistic design and emotional depth.
The Long Dark
Linux · Mac · Nintendo Switch · PC (Microsoft Windows) · PlayStation 4 · Xbox One
Welcome to The Long Dark, the innovative exploration-survival experience Wired magazine calls "the pinnacle of an entire genre". The game is a thoughtful, exploration-survival experience that challenges solo players to think for themselves as they explore an expansive frozen wilderness in the aftermath of a geomagnetic disaster. There are no zombies but only you, the cold, and all the threats Mother Nature can muster.
Ghost of Tsushima
PlayStation 4
Uncover the hidden wonders of Tsushima in this open-world action adventure. Forge a new path and wage an unconventional war for the freedom of Tsushima. Challenge opponents with your katana, master the bow to eliminate distant threats, develop stealth tactics to ambush enemies in order to win over the mongols.
