Chasing the Elusive “Good Game”
I’ve been an avid gamer for as long as I can remember, starting off with the good old Sega Master System before upgrading to the mighty Mega Drive. Over the years, I’ve seen gaming evolve from pixelated adventures to photorealistic masterpieces, and let me tell you, the journey has been wild.
One thing that’s always puzzled me, though, is this obsession some folks have with graphics being the be-all and end-all of a “good game.” [3] Sure, a clean and visually appealing aesthetic can certainly enhance the experience, but for me, it’s the core gameplay that really matters. Give me a fun, engaging experience any day over a boring slog that just happens to look pretty.
Take the recent Tears of the Kingdom kerfuffle, for instance. [6] I’ve seen people complaining about the graphics, as if Nintendo hadn’t just pulled off a technical marvel by squeezing a gigantic open world onto a tiny Switch cartridge. Honestly, when I saw that first screenshot of Link overlooking a picturesque landscape, my jaw hit the floor. But apparently, some folks just can’t see past the slightly less-than-photo-realistic visuals.
The Allure of the Unexpected
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying graphics don’t matter at all. When a game looks truly breathtaking, it can absolutely add to the overall enjoyment. But for me, the real magic happens when a game surprises me with its sheer fun factor, even if it doesn’t necessarily push the boundaries of realism.
Take Dusk, for example. [4] This first-person shooter from 2018 is a love letter to the golden age of ’90s PC gaming, and it’s bloody brilliant. The graphics are intentionally low-fi, with a chunky, retro aesthetic that perfectly captures the spirit of the games it’s paying homage to. But the gameplay? Oh, the gameplay is where Dusk truly shines. It’s a heart-pounding, adrenaline-fueled romp that had me grinning from ear to ear.
And you know what? I didn’t care one bit that the visuals weren’t photorealistic. In fact, I’d argue that the game’s stylized approach is a big part of what makes it so darn compelling. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, less can be more.
Finding the Right Balance
Of course, I’m not saying that all games should eschew realism in favor of pure, unadulterated fun. There’s definitely a place for photorealistic experiences, especially in genres where immersion is key. [1] When I’m playing a racing sim like Gran Turismo 7, for instance, I want the cars to look and handle as close to the real thing as possible. The attention to detail and the sense of being behind the wheel of a high-performance machine is a huge part of the appeal.
But even then, I find myself drawn more to the “fun” aspects of the experience. Sure, GT7 is a technical marvel, but for me, Driveclub’s slightly more arcade-y approach, with its exhilarating camera shake and photorealistic visuals, is the real winner. [1] It’s a game that captures the pure joy of driving, without getting bogged down in the minutiae of engine specs and suspension tuning.
Embracing the Unexpected
Ultimately, I think the key is finding the right balance between realism and fun. [2] There’s a time and a place for both, and the truly great games are the ones that manage to strike that perfect equilibrium. Just look at something like Cuphead – a game that’s unapologetically stylized, with an aesthetic inspired by 1930s cartoons, and yet is an absolute blast to play.
And you know, sometimes the most unexpected games can be the most rewarding. [7] Take Proteus, for example – a game that’s essentially a serene, abstract exploration of a beautiful, generative world. It’s not about pushing the boundaries of realism or delivering a traditional gameplay loop. It’s about immersing yourself in an experience that’s genuinely calming and refreshing, and for me, that’s just as valuable as any cutting-edge graphical showcase.
So, the next time you’re faced with the choice between a game that looks like it could be mistaken for a real-life photograph and one that embraces a more stylized, unconventional approach, I’d encourage you to keep an open mind. You might just be surprised by the pure, unadulterated joy you find in the latter.
References:
[1] Knowledge from https://www.reddit.com/r/Driveclub/comments/t5a1bo/gran_turismo_7_vs_driveclub/
[2] Knowledge from https://defungames.com/2022/05/how-should-a-game-look/
[3] Knowledge from https://www.reddit.com/r/unpopularopinion/comments/qj3ct1/video_game_graphics_dont_need_to_be_more_and_more/
[4] Knowledge from https://filiph.medium.com/how-is-dusk-so-good-7874df791cf4
[5] Knowledge from https://www.quora.com/Do-you-like-realistic-or-unrealistic-games
[6] Knowledge from https://www.thegamer.com/graphics-over-gameplay-mentality-pros-cons/
[7] Knowledge from https://www.eurogamer.net/proteus-vs-photorealism
