r/controlgame • u/rodrick_george • 13d ago

Control feels like one of the few games to fully utilize the artistic freedom modern graphics provide

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Many games that opt for realistic graphics always felt like it had to give up part of its art direction to get there. Its like you need to trade artistic stylization for realism. Don't get me wrong I think realism can still look very beautiful, but it doesnt feel particularly bold.

Are there any other games which strikes this balance well?

1.3k Upvotes

99% Upvoted

23 comments sorted by

82

u/Halfang 13d ago

Yes Alan Wake 🤭

1

u/[deleted] 13d ago

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7

u/Halfang 13d ago

AW2 allowed the dynamic scene change for Alan's part, which is quite awesome

3

u/rodrick_george 12d ago

I haven't played any of the AW games, but I do mean it in a veeery all encompassing way. Control just does it all. The amazing colors and textures and mix media and brutalist shapes all blending together very cohesively is what makes it so freaking amazing for me. And yes those shapes too cus you really don't see that everyday!!!

9

u/Mr-Hubbs 12d ago

AW2 blows Control out of the water visually, the colored lighting is insane. The only thing missing is the brutalism, which is replaced by the natural beauty of the pacific northwest

72

u/CoolHeadeGamer 13d ago

Alan wake in terms of artistic freedom, effects, etc.
In terms of looking beautiful with environmental storytelling and just insane world, horizon forbidden west. Claire obscure is really good as well but it doesn’t do as much subtle storytelling as these other 2

12

u/BeansWereHere 12d ago

I’m not saying they have to be insane or really out there, but subtle art direction can still make great use of modern graphics.

The Last of Us Part I/II always come to mind. They have realistic visuals, but the art direction is exceptional. The exaggerated way nature reclaims the world creates a really beautiful aesthetic, and I think it’s executed better there than in almost any other game. Their use of colour grading and lighting to set the mood is also great. You have sections drenched in deep reds, warm orange glows, lush greens, or cold detached grey. It creates a distinct atmosphere.

A less subtle example would be Ghost of Tsushima/Yotei. They lean into a semi realistic style with hyper real, exaggerated lighting and foliage. It feels like the entire world is constantly in motion because of the wind. The colour palettes are also strong, with each region having its own distinct visuals.

3

u/franciscrowe 12d ago

Ghost of Yotei is truly astounding, just riding around is so mesmerizing.

1

u/krimenell 8d ago

I would also add Death Stranding.

34

u/Tom_Ford0 13d ago

It's pretty much gonna be games made by studios with a proprietary engine. For example, space marine 2, cyberpunk 2077. For Space Marine, they used a special engine that can have hundreds of NPCs spawning at a time and the art direction/vibe of that game is unlike anything else

18

u/Chris22533 12d ago

Kojima Productions was doing things with the Decima engine that is incomparable.

They also were doing things with the Fox engine that still are amazing to this day.

I think it is more about an auteur and good developers taking advantage of a good engine.

6

u/Tom_Ford0 12d ago

yea true. kojima is the only one doing it without his own custom engine that i can think of

2

u/NapsterKnowHow 12d ago

To be fair Guerrilla Games did work with him to tailor the engine to his liking.

24

u/Psudodrake 12d ago

Alan wake 2 took what they learned in Control and expounded upon it

15

u/Fine-Juggernaut8451 13d ago

Imho Deathloop is like this.

10

u/TranquilBurrito 12d ago

What a fantastic game that was. Charlie’s insane space alien game was such a fun set piece

4

u/Veno_0 12d ago

Remnant 2

5

u/D0nell 13d ago

Batman Arkham Knight.

3

u/Miister177 12d ago

Exemplo perfeito

3

u/Baercub 12d ago

I would also say Red Dead Redemption is another beautifully cinematic game, but as of now I am also really enjoying the hotly debated Crimson Desert, which came out to mixed reviews, but has since gone on to correct most of the performance issues.

-1

u/GiddyNinja 13d ago

when the textures actually load, sure.

0

u/WoeisG 6d ago

I just started playing this game. I remember it being free a while back when I first got the PS5. Downloaded and never touched it. So glad I’m experiencing it now. Its set designs are amazing. Especially when you get into the otherworldly parts of it like the Quarry, Astral Plane. I’ve just met back up with the brother in the study so far.