Five Intriguing Game Designs
While many can take a look at video games and consider them a complete waste of time, I’m constantly critiquing every artistic quality about them. They’re much like movies – many are made for all the wrong reasons, while others are simply works of art. For this post, I wanted to focus on a few games which have visually intrigued me in their design, and compiled this short list for you to enjoy. And if you want to see them in action, feel free to click on their images for a short sample video.
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Click to watch a sample trailer
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
When this title was originally unveiled in 2001, it was met with an incredibly negative response from its fans. Since the franchise had been continually evolving into a darker and more mature style as the technology improved, this charming cel-shaded style was the absolute last thing most expected. As such, most couldn’t even consider it a true Zelda game. I was always amazed how a style-change could completely alter fans’ opinions of a series whose gameplay was just as enjoyable as ever.
I actually found this new look more appropriate for the series, as it has always been known for being a bit comical and light-hearted in parts. More importantly though, its lack of detail or textures allowed the Gamecube to focus more of its power on keeping the gameplay smooth and responsive.
Over time, fans have come to appreciate its look, and in the process learned not to judge a book by its cover….
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Click to watch a gameplay sample
Rez
With a focus on both music and gameplay as a unique combination, Rez’s greatest achievement is by using visuals that enhance the music (or is it the other way around?). With each level pulsing to the beat of a techno/trance song, and every action you make affecting the music, you’re completely immersed in a game that’s essentially a glorified iTunes visualizer. That’s what makes the style so fantastic though, as this is the perfect representation of interacting with electronic music.
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Click to watch a gameplay sample
Wario Ware, Inc. Mega Microgame$!
Although this will probably the most bizarre series I will ever play, Wario Ware’s frantic pace and random microgames were accented by inconsistent and insanely bizarre visuals. It’s the first game I’ve ever played where the graphics are intentionally pathetic, yet I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s almost as though making it look as horrible as possible is an art form in and of itself.
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Click to watch a sample video
Killer7
Although it must be played in order to be fully understood (and even then I was still a bit lost) this title uses simple gradients and heavy contrast to create an atmosphere that’s simply unmatched. By straying from realism, its violence is showcased through this striking visual look – making the experience much more engaging. Mix this with animated cutscenes created by completely separate artists with very different styles, and you’ve got a game centered around art. The game is rated ‘Mature’ for many reasons, but the sample video I’ve chosen is safe to watch.
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Click to watch a gameplay sample
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
When the most recognizable video-game character of all time is going to star in a game that plays nothing like you’d expect, what is the design team to do? Apparently make him and his entire world out of paper. What’s most fascinating is how it’s not just a visual overhaul for the sole purpose of having a different look – instead, being made of paper is an integral part of the gameplay. Fold into a paper airplane, turn sideways to slide into thin areas, etc. It’s all visually entertaining and also quite clever. It’s great to see how it all comes together. Oh, and the game is also hilarious, but that doesn’t have much to do with design, does it….
Tags: art, Art and Design, Design, Killer7, Mario, Paper Mario, Ray, Rez, video games, Wario, WarioWare, Wind Waker, Zelda