Opinion Fest 2008: Best Graphics

With the advent of high-definition gaming, most hardcore gamers have come to expect a certain level of visual presentation with their video games, and RPGs are no exception. Though a good game is far more than a pretty set of polygons, no one can deny the impact that good graphics can have on the storytelling process.

The winners of this award managed to create visuals that not only capture the game’s artistic vision, but also leave a lasting impression all on their own.

Honorable Mention: The Last Remnant – Square Enix – Xbox 360

The Last Remnant deserves a mention here solely for Square Enix’s character model works. Though many of the game’s locales feel wide and empty, the character models – in gameplay and cutscene alike – are detailed and full of life. Last Remnant’s characters are easily the best in-game models from the developer to date.

3rd: Tales of Vesperia – Namco Bandai – Xbox 360

Capturing not only Fujishima’s character designs incredibly faithfully in 3D, ToV’s graphics are gorgeous, bright, and full of life. Though perhaps not as lush as last year’s Eternal Sonata, ToV manages to capture a traditional 2D presentation with beautiful 3D work, and represents on of the most compelling arguments for cell-shaded graphics.

2nd: Lost Odyssey – Mistwalker, Microsoft – Xbox 360

Developer feelplus managed to blend photorealism with both high fantasy and steampunk on the Unreal Engine in one of the most believable 3D JRPGs ever created. From the huge metronomes of the magic industrial revolution, down to the little details on the character’s costumes or the barely visible blue veins in Ming and Sarah’s breasts, Lost Odyssey is a testament that Japanese developers still have eyes for quality. Real-time and FMV alike are breathtaking, and Lost Odyssey is one game that will make you thankful for that HDTV.

1st: Valkyria Chronicles – Sega – PlayStation 3

If you want to talk about artistic vision, however, Sega’s Valkyria Chronicles stands as one of the most compelling arguments for originality and art direction. A vision of artistic excellence, Valkyria Chronicles looks like film quality anime painted on canvas throughout. Whether you like SRPGs or not, care for WWII retellings or not, Valkyria Chronicles stands as proof of what innovative cell-shading can accomplish, and makes for an awe-inspiring visual presentation. Though ToV and LO are incredible to look at, neither approaches the sheer vision that Valkyria Chronicles not only tackles, but outdoes itself in. Hopefully we will see more games take a page out of VC’s artbook.