Summer Rose's Reviews: Computer Game Art Styles

Summer Bates Josh Rai

Games Design Level 3

Unit 78 - Digital Graphics for Computer Games

There are a number of different artistic styles when relating to video games, here are some examples of these styles which include, Photorealism, Cel-shaded, Abstract and Exaggerated.

Photorealism is an art style which tries to make objects, characters and the environment to look as real as possible, it is mainly used in first person shooters. Cel-shaded is an art style where the characters and environment look hand-drawn and they have a ‘comic book’ feel to them. Abstract is an art style which uses geometric shapes and is nowhere near realistic, these games contain nothing that would relate to the human world. Exaggerated art styles are ‘over the top’ art styles, this is where the creators have dramatically exaggerated human features, physical or mental. These games tend to have an exaggerated environment too, it is done to give games an original feel and it can also add a huge fun factor to it.

ART STYLE

Photorealism – Life like

Last of Us – Action, survival

Last of us is a popular ‘photo-realistic’ game. The developers have purposefully created life-like characters, I believe they have done this in order to make the players build a connection with the characters and have a more emotional time whilst playing the game. They have also done this so that players can relate to them, and to make us feel like we are actually apart of the game. People are more likely to buy photorealistic games as they look more appealing to modern day gamers.

Cel-shaded – Comic book style

Borderlands Franchise

The first Borderlands game was made in 2009 created by Gearbox Studios, and then a company called Telltale games decided to carry with the Borderlands franchise in 2014 and they produced Tales from the borderlands. The Cel-shaded style is a ‘comic book’ styled game.

Abstract – Geometric shapes

Geometry Wars

Abstract has been used here to appeal to a wide audience, it creates an original feel for the game. This is also something that can easily catch someone’s eye.

Exaggeration – Exaggerate human/environmental features

Saints Row

Exaggeration is where the characters are exaggerated eg. Big eyes and inhumane strength. For example, Saints Row involves super powers and this is exaggerated. The environment is also exaggerated because of the 'Glitch' effect that is used.

COMPUTER GAME GRAPHICS

Pixel Art: Pixel art is 2D sprites and 3D isometric sprites. 3D isometric sprites are 2D images that you can see from different angles. Examples of pixel art games are Chrono Trigger and Pokemon (3D Isometric).

Concept Art: Different objects in the game like, weapons, vehicles and the characters. (Art style) Idea of characters/objects (drawings). The way the characters are designed will show off their personality as well, this will present a clear image to the play as to what these characters are truly like.

Texture Art: What is the art style of these objects? (Plastic, wooden, etc.) (Visual: physical properties) A dark texture would create a dull atmosphere, which could present a frightening scene.

Background graphics: Walls, Forests and Clouds. A game that presents its background graphics well is Until Dawn, with the forest and weather. Negative and positive atmospheres can be presented by the way the background is designed.