Modern games that prove graphics don't make a game good

[fnlrpa]

I don't believe it, but a good amount of people think that the quality of the graphics shows how good a game is. What are some relatively recent(2005/06-) that show that graphics don't show a quality of a game?

For me it is the mount and blade series. They are addicting despite the graphics.

 

[Mysterious Username]

I always here about how people think graphics are the only thing that matters, but I have yet to see someone who actually thinks that. It's like it's some kind of theoretical strawman that everyone is convinced exists, but it actually just a figment of our fears of developers misunderstandings of what gamers want.

On topic, every great classic console game.

 

[ohnoitsabear]

I'm going to have to go with the obvious example of Minecraft, or Dwarf Fortress (not exactly sure on when it first came out, but the fact that it's being regularly updated makes it modern enough), which has text based graphics and ends up being a unique and memorable experience, partially because of the lack of fancy models or sprites.

Although I must argue that despite graphics not being an indicator of quality, good graphics can enhance the experience of a game. For example, Metro 2033 would not been nearly as effective without the outstanding graphics.

 

[Cheesepower5]

The mega-popularity of the DS in general. And what's already been mentioned, especially M&B.

 

[80Maxwell08]

Does it depend on comparison to the platform? Since if not I would go with the Ys games. The 3 on the PSP a couple of years ago certainly weren't jaw dropping (for the platform) by any mean but I've had more fun with them than most mainstream RPGs. Also 2 of them are on sale on Steam right now. I cannot recommend them enough.

 

[fnlrpa]

I always here about how people think graphics are the only thing that matters, but I have yet to see someone who actually thinks that. It's like it's some kind of theoretical strawman that everyone is convinced exists, but it actually just a figment of our fears of developers misunderstandings of what gamers want.

On topic, every great classic console game.

maybe not on this site, but I have met a bunch of people at school who hated some games because "the graphics are not as good as call of duty"

 

[fnlrpa]

Does it depend on comparison to the platform? Since if not I would go with the Ys games. The 3 on the PSP a couple of years ago certainly weren't jaw dropping (for the platform) by any mean but I've had more fun with them than most mainstream RPGs. Also 2 of them are on sale on Steam right now. I cannot recommend them enough.

yes on the system and the standard of graphic on it

 

[fnlrpa]

[quote="ohnoitsabear" post="Although I must argue that despite graphics not being an indicator of quality, good graphics can enhance the experience of a game. For example, Metro 2033 would not been nearly as effective without the outstanding graphics.[/quote]

I agree that graphics can make a game, but they shouldn't always be the end all be all of games

 

[Mysterious Username]

I always here about how people think graphics are the only thing that matters, but I have yet to see someone who actually thinks that. It's like it's some kind of theoretical strawman that everyone is convinced exists, but it actually just a figment of our fears of developers misunderstandings of what gamers want.

On topic, every great classic console game.

maybe not on this site, but I have met a bunch of people at school who hated some games because "the graphics are not as good as call of duty"

Well they're stupid.

 

[fnlrpa]

I always here about how people think graphics are the only thing that matters, but I have yet to see someone who actually thinks that. It's like it's some kind of theoretical strawman that everyone is convinced exists, but it actually just a figment of our fears of developers misunderstandings of what gamers want.

On topic, every great classic console game.

maybe not on this site, but I have met a bunch of people at school who hated some games because "the graphics are not as good as call of duty"

Well they're stupid.

I agree

 

[80Maxwell08]

Does it depend on comparison to the platform? Since if not I would go with the Ys games. The 3 on the PSP a couple of years ago certainly weren't jaw dropping (for the platform) by any mean but I've had more fun with them than most mainstream RPGs. Also 2 of them are on sale on Steam right now. I cannot recommend them enough.

yes on the system and the standard of graphic on it

All right then well even by PSP standards they were pretty subpar so they still work for me. Though the ones on PC now definitely work in this case even by their original release dates.

 

[Brendan Stepladder]

Cave Story. Cave Story Cave Story Cave Story.

This thread is officially closed.

 

[Don Savik]

Mount and Blade. Never played it but I cant deny its huge cult following and mod scene.

Cave Story. Cave Story Cave Story Cave Story.

This thread is officially closed.

Does that...count? I mean it purposely uses a pixel aesthetic.

 

[ScrabbitRabbit]

maybe not on this site, but I have met a bunch of people at school who hated some games because "the graphics are not as good as call of duty"

Well they're stupid.

Especially since CoD's not that great looking by modern standards. It's certainly not ugly, but it's just about around the "average" mark for this gen.

Personally, I feel that tech can only take you so far without great art direction. There are many games from past generations that I still think look better than numerous modern games just because they understood how to use (in a none-technological sense) shading, lighting and shadow, amongst other things, effectively. I love the moody, gothic look of the Legacy of Kain games despite their dated technology, for example, and I do feel that good graphics, in this sense, are very important to any game that heavily relies on visual feedback (so, y'know, the vast majority of games).

There are lots and lots of recent games that use simple graphics engines and are still fantastic. Magicka is ridiculously fun and, while you wouldn't call it "retro" it ain't exactly Metro...

 

[scorptatious]

Well there's Xenoblade Chronicles. The graphics and character models sort of remind me of early to mid PS2 games. From what I've played of it so far however, I'm having a blast.

 

[evilneko]

Any CryTek game.

 

[Nazulu]

I always here about how people think graphics are the only thing that matters, but I have yet to see someone who actually thinks that. It's like it's some kind of theoretical strawman that everyone is convinced exists, but it actually just a figment of our fears of developers misunderstandings of what gamers want.

Heh, you should talk to my brother and ever single one of his friends. He told me that a game can not be great with out really good graphics.

OT: Look, I think all games should try there best to be as visually appealing as possible, mostly through great design though.

Almost all new games bore me to tears since the design is so bland, and that's becase they are relying too much on the graphics. I believe great graphics should only be used to improve on the design, but then again, this generation doesn't appreciate design as much unfortunately. That's why you see so many remakes, just improve the visuals with CGI or whatever and add in some stupid humour, wullah! A cash cow.

 

[CityofTreez]

Any CryTek game.

This. All of this.

People wouldn't give two cents of attention to say Crysis if it weren't for the graphics.

 

[Eddie the head]

Well Minecraft and Terraria, as well as Journey it's got a pretty aesthetic but not grate graphics