Top 10 Artistic Video Games

“Bastion”, developer Supergiant’s first game, showed the world that they could create a wonderfully colorful and vibrant world filled with ‘noir’-style elements and adult themes. “Transistor” takes all of the best things about “Bastion” and doubles down on them to create an imaginative, fun and breath-taking action RPG. The stylish cyberpunk universe in “Transistor” blends with an off-beat storyline, following a singer named Red as she attempts to get her voice back from mysterious thieves, creating one of the slickest and most memorable games in recent years.

Everything about this game is just so vibrant and inspired. “Grim Fandango’s” story follows Manny, a low-level employee at the Department of Death who is working off his past sins by providing new souls with travel packages to the afterlife. It’s an interesting story that sheds an extremely goofy light on somewhat heavy themes. The environments are stunning, the music fits perfectly, and most importantly, in a game almost exclusively about narrative - “Grim Fandango” has some of the best dialogue and writing ever seen in a video game.

Most games on the PS Vita tend to fly under the radar, and that’s a shame in the case of “Tearaway,” because it’s one of the most inspired and fun games to come out recently. The first thing that jumps out are the wonderful, construction paper-style graphics, but what makes this game so special is how interactive it is, and how it demands creativity from the player. Using both the Vita’s touchscreen and cameras to great effect, “Tearaway” literally pulls you into its universe, forcing you to interact in a variety of innovative ways with its whimsical environments.

A somber, introspective game focusing on themes of loss and regret, “Braid” set the foundation for many independent games to follow. “Braid” is mature without resorting to any violence or the traditional ‘adult’ themes that many games rely on. The water-color graphics and great soundtrack set the tone for an existential adventure through time and space; and with deviously challenging puzzles and a refreshingly well-written storyline, this game isn’t just style – it’s one of the best indie games ever made!

The game’s opening section, where you’re greeted with absolute nothingness, is a little startling at first. Yet, “The Unfinished Swan’s” genius is in its pacing, and how it thrusts you into the shoes of the protagonist, Monroe. Once you figure out the mechanics, the sense of discovery as you throw paint at the world, watching it unfold before you, is pretty amazing. The delightful storybook-style narration helps guide you, but ultimately, “The Unfinished Swan” is about discovering your own path, and there hasn’t been any other game quite like it.

Cel-shaded graphics were still a relatively new phenomenon, yet “Okami” showed the gaming world that they could be more than just a gimmick. With its recent HD remake, this game stands out as one of the most beautiful games ever created. Beyond the art direction and wonderful, colorful graphics, Okami also includes a unique and interesting storyline, starring Amaterasu, the goddess of light, as she restores peace and life to her land. Plus, spells and powers are activated by “drawing,” symbols using calligraphy, so this game also literally requires a bit of artistic skill.

Hidden beneath its casual, relaxing gameplay and ambient orchestral soundtrack lies a message about humanity’s destructive co-existence with nature. Your journey starts as a single petal, wilting away in a shabby apartment in an grey cityscape, yet before long you’re soaring across the lush fields that you’ve restored to life. “Flower” is simple, minimalistic, and brief – yet it’s also touching, awe-inspiring and totally unique. With so many games focusing on violence and destruction, it’s great to find a game that decides instead to celebrate life.

With an innovative monochrome art style and some of the coolest ambience and environments ever seen in a video game, “Limbo” stands out as one of the artistic landmarks in modern gaming. The bleakness of this game is contrasted by those moments of light and joy as you finally solve a particularly difficult puzzle. Some scenes just stick in your mind, like, for example the first time you encounter that giant spider. “Limbo” is certainly an emotional adventure, and there’s a real sense of pride when you help the protagonist reach the end of his exile.

What, exactly, does the shining mountaintop shrouded in the distance signify? That’s the question in “Journey,” an ambitious and staggering work of art from the developers of “Flower” and “Flow.” There’s just one breath-taking detail after another in this game – from the amazing graphics, to the perfect soundtrack, down to the effortless grace of the gameplay mechanics that see you jumping and gliding across spectacular and huge environments. “Journey’s” mysterious universe is unlike anything else – it feels lonely, daunting, imposing – and yet, it’s just begging to be explored.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Ori and the Blind Forest” (2015)

“Monument Valley” (2014)

“Final Fantasy VIII” (1999)

“Electroplankton” (2006)

“LittleBigPlanet” (2008

“Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker” (2002)

It’s just you, your horse, and a handful of colossi populating the world of “Shadow of the Colossus,” yet somehow, the game feels so full of history, life and lore. There’s something beautiful about the quiet stillness that greets you as you explore this mysterious land. The colossi themselves are totally breath taking, each creature more unique and awesome than the last. The gameplay premise is fairly simple –yet, “Shadow of the Colossus” remains one of the most memorable games of all time, thanks in no small part to its strong artistic direction.

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