WithCuphead’snewDelicious Last CourseDLCavailable for returning gamersto sate their appetites, players can once again be drawn into the beautiful and alluring artwork featured in the game.Cupheadutilizes arubber hosestyle of animation that was popular back in the 1920s and 1930s with a heavy emphasis on watercolor for its backgrounds.
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Achieving this art style is no small feat either as every frame of animation would have been hand-drawn on paper before being inked and put into the game. No doubt, games should be primarily assessed on their mechanics, narrative, and how much fun they offer. However,an apt art stylethat seamlessly melds with gameplay can significantly enhance the immersion and experience. Though having a distinct visual presentation, players should know thatCupheadis not the only critically acclaimed game that displays a dynamic hand-drawn aesthetic.
7Child Of Light
Child of Lightis a 2014 platforming RPG released byUbisoftthat takes place in a fantastical land called Lemuria. Revolving around several characters, the player must recover the sun, moon, and stars from the dreaded Queen of Night to be able to return home. The game was designed using theUbiArt Framework enginewhich allowed the design team to directly import their concept art.
The designers wanted players to feel like they were in an animated painting and to give the impression of being in an ‘underwater dream’. The game’s visuals employ watercolor elements and Ubisoft even collaborated with Cirque Du Soleil to give off a theatrical feel and inspire the costume design of the characters.
6Spiritfarer
Spiritfareris a management simulation where players take on the role of a spirit guide whomust collect soulsand aid them in reaching the afterlife. The theme of death is contrasted bySpiritfarer’sbright and beautiful hand-drawn character animations and drawings. Rich, tantalizing, and evocative, the game feels like being in a Hayao Miyazaki film at times as it fuses familiar cultures, a colorful cast of characters, and heartwarming intimacy.
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Though not as flashy as games such asCuphead.Spirtfarer’sunique art direction enhanced by the musical composition offers players a chance to personally connect with its memorable characters and story.
5Indivisible
An action role-playing platform game,Indivisiblepresents an interesting pitch. The game melds Japanese-style animation with a Southeast Asian aesthetic and setting, a territory few mediums and games have been to. The game’s gorgeous and alluring art combined with its feisty action shine particularly well together as players.
On closer inspection, the game also goes beyond its original Indonesian-inspired aesthetics andincorporates the mythology and designsfrom other Southeast Asian and East Asian cultures and nations. This is reflected in the diverse cast of enemies that players get to fight as well including tusked ogres inspired by Burmese folklore and shamans that emulate African Animism.
4Ender Lilies: Quietus Of The Knights
Though quite a mouthful to say,Ender Lilies: Quietus of the knightsis a 2D dark fantasy action RPG where players attempt to uncover the mysteries of a ruined kingdom. Players control Lily, a sole-surviving priestess who wakes up with some classic video game amnesia. The game appears to beinspired by aesthetics from theMetroidvaniaandBerserkfranchises with its grimdark, brooding, and melancholic art style.
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Although its color scheme and palette are muted compared to other titles on this list, likeCuphead, each animation frame, character, and landscape is drawn by hand. Players looking for an atmospheric but equally challenging game to complete should give this title a try.
3Bastion
ThoughSupergiant Gamesis more well known for its most recent titles such asHadesandPyre,Bastionwas the game that started it all. The game frankly looks delightful despite being released more than 10 years ago. The game features striking yet gorgeous hand-painted 2D visuals as the designers intended to express beauty in a post-apocalyptic world.
According to the artists, the hand-painted style was to soften the sharpness as exhibited in other isometric games and depictions of devastated environments. Bright, lush, and equally haunting,Bastionalso comes with anincredible soundtrackwhilst being a visual treat that delivers a compelling and immersive story.
2Wildermyth
Wildermythis a charming party-based RPG that pays homage to classic tabletop dungeon crawlers. The game employs procedural storytelling, turn-based tactical combat, and choose-your-own-adventure mechanics that deliver a tantalizing fantasy ride.Wildermythis also a visual delight that beckons players to embark on a classic fantasy adventure. With several scenarios and multiple paths to tread, the game has come a long way since its initial early access release back in 2019.
Utilizing a 2D art style seemingly inspired by paper-mache aesthetics and a story that is told using comic strips dubbed ‘the library of plays’, the game may initially appear casual but can offer playersa unique and immersive fantasy experience.
1The Banner Saga Trilogy
Whilst many games can be considered breathtaking,the Banner Saga Trilogydoes so in a unique way that has captivated the gaming community. The game is set in a dying fantasy world inspired by Norse mythology where players must lead their convoy to safer pastures away from the horrors pursuing them.
Featuring turn-based tactical combat and branching narratives, the game is incredible to behold and is likely to immediately immerse players into the world and story. The game’s design and art are like something out of a fairy tale and give off a sense of wonder, particularly during cutscenes when player’s convoys encounter the various Godstones. Settling for a traditional style, the game’s art direction is deeply inspired by Eyvind Earle’s work fromDisney’sclassicSleeping Beauty.Intricate, striking, and jaw-droppingly beautiful,the Banner Sagais a must-play for fans of the fantasy genre and video game connoisseurs.
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