Many video games no longer aim to provide maximum realism, serving combinations of art styles emphasizing captivating gameplay.

Let’s discover which titles excel in this category!

Gameplay mechanics, storylines, and memorable characters are vital, but unique visuals are equally crucial in making a brilliant video game.

Many titles combine cartoonish graphics with 2D environments, creating cool and delightful adventures. If you share this fondness for video games with unique art styles, make your gaming sessions unforgettable with our list of the most beautiful recommendations!

GameReleaseGenreDeveloper
Sable 2021-09-23 Indie Shedworks
Cuphead 2017-09-29 Indie Studio MDHR
Gris 2018-12-13 Adventure Nomada Studio
Okami HD 2006-04-20 Adventure Clover Studio
Hollow Knight 2017-02-24 Action & Shooter Team Cherry
Journey 2020-06-11 Indie thatgamecompany
No Mans Sky 2016-08-12 Adventure Hello Games
Transistor 2014-05-20 Indie Supergiant Games
Ashen 2019-12-09 Action A44
Hades II 2024-05 Action Supergiant Games
Hades 2019-12-10 Indie Supergiant Games
Cult Of The Lamb 2022-08-11 Indie Massive Monster
West Of Loathing 2017-08-10 Adventure Asymmetric

Cuphead

Release date:2017-09-29
Genre:Indie
Developer:Studio MDHR

Inspired by classic cartoons of the 1930s, Cuphead combines a high difficulty level with run-and-gun gameplay. And these are just a few features that make it one of the most recognizable titles of recent years!

Memorable personalities, a jazzy soundtrack, and old-timey visuals – expect all that upon entering the world of Cuphead for the first time. In this game, every hand-drawn frame vividly captures the spirit of the 30s!

Key features
  • Experience the unique story of Cuphead and Mugman
  • Discover challenging content within cartoon graphics
  • Enjoy spectacular confrontations with memorable opponents
  • Play solo or in multiplayer for up to two players

Hollow Knight

Release date:2017-02-24
Genre:Action & Shooter
Developer:Team Cherry

Like Cuphead, Hollow Knight features hand-drawn graphics but with a different aesthetic. It’s a real audiovisual feast!

Hollow Knight immerses you in the dark yet beautiful world of Hallownest, filled with secrets and diverse locations. The further you explore, the more you can witness how details make this adventure unforgettable.

Key features
  • Play as the Knight to uncover the secrets of Hallownest
  • Explore vast environments brimming with mysteries
  • Enjoy Metroidvania gameplay
  • Relish in hand-drawn visuals, inspiring many gamers to create their own art

Journey

Release date:2020-06-11
Genre:Indie
Developer:thatgamecompany

Instead of combat and creative ways of dying, Journey focuses on delivering a visually stunning experience that evokes emotions deeper than any other game.

Journey perfectly combines a sense of uncertainty, an aura of mystery, and radiant colors to present the player with a challenge that everyone can interpret in their own way. The main goal of this unique adventure is a high mountain looming in the endless desert sands – majestic and intriguing.

Key features
  • Travel across the desert to reach a faraway mountain
  • Discover answers to multiplying questions
  • Enjoy a wordless adventure set in a stunning setting
  • Play solo or in multiplayer for up to 2 players

Okami HD

Release date:2006-04-20
Genre:Adventure
Developer:Clover Studio

Following the story of the sun goddess transformed into a white wolf, Okami HD combines Japanese mythology with traditional visuals – perfect for enthusiasts of the most unique games!

Okami HD resembles a beautiful painting you can interact with by drawing chosen symbols on the screen. This way, the protagonist performs various miracles affecting the environment. No other title combines classic Japanese aesthetics with an engaging adventure like this one.

Key features
  • Play as a sun goddess transformed into a white wolf
  • Explore a vast world
  • Draw symbols to use various powers
  • Immerse yourself in a unique aesthetic inspired by traditional Japanese art

West Of Loathing

Release date:2017-08-10
Genre:Adventure
Developer:Asymmetric

If you seek the ultimate simplicity, West of Loathing is a must-play!

West of Loathing is an indie action role-playing game set in a Wild West-inspired land. There are only black and white graphics featuring stick figures – but each scene is brimming with detail and precision. It’s a perfect recommendation if you crave a more humorous take on a classic Western adventure!

Key features
  • Embark on an epic journey across a Wild West-inspired land
  • Explore an open world set in black-and-white visuals
  • Complete quests and fight in turn-based combat
  • Experience a humorous adventure within a simple and highly detailed environment

Conclusion

Isn’t it fascinating how video games resign from proven graphic solutions to experiment with different art styles? Some offer incredibly vibrant worlds, others infinite simplicity – but all deliver aesthetically pleasing experiences that definitely deserve our admiration.