Gain inspiration from these video games with eye-catching art styles
There have been many iconic artists throughout history and some truly talented creatives out there today, but even the most respected figures in the art sphere get stuck for ideas. In fact, it’s common for artists to hit a wall. It’s totally normal. However, many artists tend to unlock their creativity through a variety of methods, be it traversing a remote location, listening to music, or even playing video games.
In the modern world, tucking into the plethora of gaming platforms out there actually works for a lot of artists in need of some inspiration. In particular, products with eye-catching art styles can stand out, with today’s sophisticated releases coming with glorious backdrops, stunning character designs, and crisp graphics. Alongside playing undeniable favorites like DraftKings online roulette games with a twist, such as Basketball Roulette, and catching Pokémon on the move in Pokémon Go, there are some extremely alluring titles with some truly spectacular art styles.
Whether you’re in the planning stages of your next project or you’re stuck on a current piece, below is a brief look at a selection of video games with eye-catching art styles, all of which could provide you with some much-needed inspiration.
Okami
If you’re a fan of traditional Japanese art, then Okami is a game that will probably give you a number of ideas moving forward. A title offering ink wash painting and woodblock prints, alongside a whole host of other creative inclusions, players take on the role of a wolf named Amaterasu and attempt to bring Earth back to normal. Alongside the title’s engaging plot, players also control a celestial brush to paint the world as we know it in reality, all while immersing themselves in a game with no boundaries. Overall, Okami is special.
Limbo
A brilliant game in its own right, Limbo is a puzzle-platform title with an alluring black and white art style. A unique inclusion compared to the rest, it contains a spooky feel to it, a world full of never-ending dangers, and physics-based puzzles to solve. From the game’s spine-chilling but engaging aspect to its 2D silhouette aesthetic that really is special to look at, Limbo is exceptional in more ways than one.
Journey
Not everyone is aware of Journey as it isn’t the most popular game on the list, but it’s certainly a game artists will take to, given its vast desert landscape that is packed full of lovely visuals. The further players advance in the game, loneliness begins to wane as they see mountains, learn more about the game’s protagonist, and immerse themselves in a wonderful environment containing man-made structures and more.
Monument Valley
Whether you play the first instalment of the game or the second, Monument Valley really is a feast for the eyes. A puzzle game with a beautiful difference, it features stunning Escher-like environments filled with impossible architecture and a variety of shifting structures. A game that is particularly popular on mobile, Monument Valley is definitely worth checking out.
Cuphead
If you’re partial to classic art styles and looks, then you’ll undoubtedly enjoy Cuphead’s uniquely retro design. Inspired by the early cartoons from the 1920s and 1930s, the game does a remarkable job of mimicking some of the most iconic animations we’ve ever seen. Alongside the game’s charming look and feel, players can also tuck into a fast-paced product where paying back the devil is a must.
Special mention must also go to Mulaka, Firewatch, Split Fiction, Yoshi’s Wooly World, Sable, Gris, The Curse of Monkey Island, BioShock, Shadow of the Colossus, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, and Persona 5.
By Guest Author