Visual Connection – Graphical Perfectionism

March 4th, 2010

I reckon that we need to rethink the way we approach graphics in video games. Rather than increased realism, we need increased perfectionism; visuals which are for all their intents perfect. Creating realistic-looking games only works against the grind of perfect graphics, as the higher the aim for realism, the greater chance there is of landing in the all too familiar uncanny valley.

What do I mean by “perfect graphics” though? Good point. Allow me to illustrate with a list of random games which I personally consider as visually flawless.

Abes Oddysey
Donkey Kong Country
Super Mario Bros.
House of the Dead II
Zelda: Wind Waker
Okami
Super Mario Galaxy
Wipeout HD
Yoshi’s Island
Metal Gear Solid: Ghost Babel
Zuma
Paper Mario
Super Monkey Ball
Wario Land SD
Final Fantasy Tactics
Resident Evil Remake
Metal Slug
Bionic Commando: Rearmed
Valkyria Chronicles

Each of the listed games are artistically beautiful, with no (or incredibly little) imposition from technical limitations. None of the above games can benefit greatly from increased graphical fidelity. In fact, better graphics would probably make House of the Dead II less effective, because it’s a game which ravishes in the graphical constraints. The low resolution textures actually serve to make the world more unappealing.

The graphical direction, that of perfection, seen in the above games are what we ought to be striving for, rather than pidgeonholing ourselves towards realism. Marvel at the screenshots below as examples of this perfection:

donkey-kong-country-screens

abe's-oddyssey

wipeout-hd

valkyria-chronicles

resident-evil-remake-cimea