Realism - jump the uncanny valley.

[thejboy88]

In recent years, video games have become so advanced in the graphics department that CG characters are fast becoming as realistic as real people.

However, I do not think that this is a good thing. I beleive that video games should make an attempt to branch out into the realms of the surreal, the fantastic and the absurd with regard to the visuals.

Ask yourself this, if a video game is more unusual in the way it looks, would you feel you were having more fun when playing it?

I don't know about the rest of you, but realistic games always seem less "upbeat" than those of a less realistic appearance.

P.S. - If you disagree that is perfectly fine.

 

[FalloutJack]

If I based a game solely on how pretty it was, I might've been more into Halo. But I'm not, so there we are. I'm actually okay with people making their game shiny. The most important thing, though, is "Will I enjoy it?". And, amusingly enough is, not Halo unless the fans tone it down a bit. (Okay, alot.)

 

[freedomweasel]

Every once in a while a game with an interesting art style makes me want to get it, the new Kirby Yarn game, and Okami both had this effect. The art style should fit the game. If something like MOH was done in some sort of stylized cell shaded style, I don't think I'd enjoy that at all.

Both have their place, but it does seem that the less realistic the models and style are, the more "fun" the game feels.

 

[Armored Prayer]

Thought I do enjoy realism I prefer stylized realism more. Take for example Gears of War 2, yes the characters look realistic but its done in a stylized way (Overly muscled up, crazy detail on their armor) that makes it have own unique look. This goes for the scenery (mainly the underground levels) as well. The crazy detail and realism in the game's graphics are stylized in a way that make it realistic yet unrealistic.

 

[AngelicSven]

I like a nice combination. For example, the character's in FFXIII generally look realistic, but the awesome art style and character designs give them a great texture and give them more life. Games like MW2 on the other hand don't grab me simply because 'Stoic Marine in Combat Gear' is something you can see every day if you turn on the news. To me, how a game looks depends less on how good the graphics are and more on things like art design.

I totally agree with this. You can still pull realism off and maintain upbeat immersion art design at the same time. It's just a shame there's that wave of FPS's that haven't realized that yet but Vanquish looks like it gets the picture a bit.

 

[zhemis]

I think, mostly, that games attempting to be dubbed 'realistic' also include a more gritty and harsh environment. The whole ball of wax thing. Some games go completely the other direction and just become absurdly unrealistic.

It's that fine line between that generally, imo, garners the best response from the public (or just from myself).

 

[Crocidurinae]

Games with non-realist graphics tends to be better - or at least a lot more imaginative.
Take for example Patapon, Katamari Damacy, Locoroco, Half-minute hero: they look great (in their own ways) and were all proposing something unique when they come out.
They tend to age better, too.

Realism is only good whith a strong art design, like in Bioshock.

 

[crimsonshrouds]

I love borderlands art style though i wish they had made the enemies more varied...

 

[Geekosaurus]

In recent years, video games have become so advanced in the graphics department that CG characters are fast becoming as realistic as real people.

Hmm...I think there's still a way to go.

 

[discordance]

The problem with super-realism is that it starts to look dated very quickly. Stylized graphics can still look good years later. KQ V [http://www.abandonia.com/files/games/118/Kings%20Quest%205%20-%20Absence%20Makes%20the%20Heart%20go%20Yonder_2.jpg] still looks pretty, but KQ VII [http://www.sierraplanet.com/kingsquest8/screen01.jpg] is just ugly.

 

[Rock Beefchest]

Games with non-realist graphics tends to be better - or at least a lot more imaginative.
Take for example Patapon, Katamari Damacy, Locoroco, Half-minute hero: they look great (in their own ways) and were all proposing something unique when they come out.
They tend to age better, too.

Realism is only good whith a strong art design, like in Bioshock.

You hit the nail on the head with one of your statements here. The fact that when the game is less realistic they age better. Take the Grand Turismo line. If you compare the games from the first one to today the old ones are almost not playable due to the distracting nature of the poor ugly cars compared to the photo realistic vehicle from the newest installments. Whereas you can pick up and play Mario Cart right now and the pixellated characters don't take anything away from the experience.

Edit: Damnnit Ninja'd, My point still stands though.