Some of the games mentioned on this list are so flawed that the graphics are one of the few things that make up for those flaws, and since this review focuses on the graphics only and not on the game, the story, or any other reason, they will indeed be connected. And while graphics are subjective (like anything else), we feel that the 15 games listed here have raised the bar in what developers can achieve in the graphics realm.
This list is ranked from good to great.
1- Silent Hill: The Short Message
For all its flaws, the first Silent Hill game built with Unreal Engine 5 is more than adequate in the graphics department. Intricate textures, peeling wallpaper, and dirt and dust are beautifully illuminated by harsh lighting that feels tense and immersive as we explore an abandoned apartment. The lighting is also excellent in the more action-oriented sequences of the game, and although the character models can look a bit sketchy at times, Silent Hill: The Short Message perhaps that you are remembered at least for looking good.
2 – He still awakens the deep
As another Unreal Engine 5 horror game on this list, like Silent Hill: The Short Message, Still Wakes the Deep features complex settings, gloomy lighting, worn graphics, and the bleak setting of the northern ocean where the game takes place. However, the difference between Quality mode and Performance mode changes significantly here; Video effects and motion blur give off a sea sick vibe in quality mode, although 30fps may be choppy for some. Performance mode is aimed at 60fps, of course, but some of the cinematic quality is lost.
3- Like a dragon: infinite wealth
We’re heading to the sunny tropical skies of Hawaii with Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, and while Kasuga and Kiryu’s new adventure may seem similar to their predecessors at first glance, upon closer inspection up close we find a new depth and quality in the graphic details. . It’s that word again: textures – concrete, marble, brick – all appear rough and realistic in bright sunlight, and Infinite Wealth really excels in its character models. Of course, the animation could be smoother, but the skin flashes, heat flashes, scars and onions show the history of the character wonderfully.
4- Dragon’s Dogma 2
Many argue that Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a graphical failure, but is that true? The truth is, Dragon’s Dogma 2 looks more than good. Indeed, it is a beautiful and fascinating experience, full of beautiful landscapes full of intricate plants, lakes and streams that naturally reflect light, with vibrant flames showing their warm glow off a deep surface. With the exception of a few performance stutters in densely populated areas, the frame rate rarely drops when there’s busy traffic against a gorgeous backdrop.
5- Stellar blade
The exclusive PS5 Stellar Blade was built using the old Unreal Engine 4, but that’s not why it failed, on the contrary, the game turned out to be amazing and amazing. The journey through a post-apocalyptic world combines beauty and melancholy. There are some nice visual effects like film grain and chromatic aberration that can be turned on or off, but Stellar Blade excels at using just the right amount of motion blur and depth of field to ensure realism. to add. If it weren’t for some low resolution textures here and there, Stellar Blade would have ranked higher.
6- F1 24
Racing games often showcase the best that graphics have to offer, and this year with F1 24 Codemasters has raised the bar with excellent graphics innovations. Ray reflections add realistic shine to vehicle surfaces, water and signs. Shadow accuracy is enhanced through ray-tracing shadows, while global diffuse lighting improves natural and trackside lighting quality, making F1 24 the most graphically impressive in the long-running series.
7- Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
For all its failures, it cannot be denied that Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is at least as visual. At the top of the list of features are its facial animations, which are among the most interesting and detailed ever seen in gaming, with special highlights such as eyes that express deep emotion, the emergence of charisma of the characters during an experience that is otherwise. The attention to detail extends to fantastic cityscapes, weapon models, and again surface textures, and it’s a shame that Kill the Justice League’s graphical prowess has been sidelined by the response to the game.
8- Helldivers 2
The surprise of the year is here, Helldivers 2 has won over many people thanks to its frenetic and violent multiplayer gameplay, but it is not mediocre in the graphics department either. Volumetric lights, shadows, clouds, fog, and how all these elements interact with minimal distortion to create an attractive battlefield stand out as the most attractive. Spotlights illuminate the fog of the earth, illuminating the incredibly dense environments to deliver a stunning setting reminiscent of Horizon Forbidden West.
9— CorpCam
Games played through wide angle lenses (Fisheye View) are very popular right now. While there are several on the horizon, the BodyCam team shooter is among the first to appear, and there’s something about that shaky, fluid look that adds a sense of tangible immersion unlike any other shooter. another. Of course, all this would be unique if the environments were not detailed enough, with realistic lighting and shadows. BodyCam is still in early access, so there’s always a chance it will look better when version 1.0 comes out.
10- Circle of Elden: Shadow of the Erdtree
Appointed with a pinnacle of amazing artistic direction. The new expansion for Elden Ring, Shadow of the Erdtree, accomplishes this feat again. So, yes, some of the technology used in this DLC may be outdated, but overall Shadow of the Erdtree doesn’t feel like it’s from several years ago. Colors are a combination of rich and rich, building materials and fabrics appropriately reflect the effects of time, and everything is lit in dim lighting to deliver a truly immersive experience.
11- Gray Zone War
Inspired by the stunning natural environments of the Southeast Asian country of Laos, the level designers of Gray Zone Warfare deserve all the praise we can give them. Although this game received mixed reviews in the final pre-production, the dense, lush forests, amazing reflecting pools, and beautiful sunlight should not be part of any negativity. These environments really take it to a new level. If Gray Zone Warfare can overcome its flaws, we could be in for something special here.
12 – Tekken 8
Starting life on Unreal Engine 4, development was switched midway to Unreal Engine 5, and the results of the more powerful engine are clearly visible. The character models are depicted in detail, from drops of sweat dripping on fibrous pulses to scarred faces and calloused worms; Tekken 8 characters look as realistic as possible, supporting the dynamic that the characters deserve. A fighting game has never been so beautiful.
13- Alan Wake 2: Night Springs
Last year’s Alan Wake 2 was one of the most graphically intensive games of 2023, with the newly released Night Springs expansion picking up where the main game left off. At times, the expansion feels a little too realistic, which is a good thing in itself because surreal horror often fails. If you can play this game with DLSS quality, ray tracing, and highest resolution, definitely go for it.
14- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
The second part of the remake trilogy of Final Fantasy VII games offers three quality modes, but to see the journey of Cloud and his companions outside of Midgar in the best and most interesting details, you have to try the activate graphics mode. This mode delivers very clear, high-resolution visuals, which critics say the game looks clear. Of course, running in graphics mode is at 30fps, but that might be a worthwhile sacrifice for such good graphics.
15- Senua Saga: Hellblade II
While the ranking of this list is subjective, it would be hard to argue against our number one pick. Not only is Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II the most impressive game of the year so far, it is also considered one of the most beautiful games ever released. Much of the focus has been placed on Ninja Theory’s use of MetaHuman’s Unreal Engine 5 technology to render Senua’s incredibly realistic facial expressions, but honestly, these detailed shadow environments capture the brutal harshness perfectly. Icelandic wildlife too. Hellblade II raised the bar; Take a photo in shooting mode and move in on any surface to be amazed by its real textures or get up close and personal with Senua’s life expressions that look very attractive even during combat. A great achievement.
