Games with great environments

[Kriven]

I honestly don't like the looks of either Giana Sisters or Dark Souls to be honest. They're both too far one way or the other. Dark Souls is really generic and plain looking, from what I've seen, and that Giana Sisters image is just way too busy with too many conflicting elements vying to grab your attention.

[Koh]

And that's where Seiken Densetsu comes in. Those games have the perfect balance, and are super appealing to the eyes. Should be the role model for any pixel artist. Color use couldn't possibly get any more balanced than this.




I wish all these games that use spritework as their selling point actually had more appealing graphics like that up there. I'm kind of tired of the whole half-assed 16 bit ordeal. They don't need to be super detailed, but their use of color is usually no where near this level. The shading is almost always monochromatic.

[Mystie]

Jeez, I make one simple post, and then it unravels into a big, long debate.

That how forums and topics like this work. It sparks conversation.

True, true.

[Virt]

I really like EarthBound's environments, specifically Fourside.

Spoiler

[Koh]

Looks pretty cool. Sort of gives a Manhattan vibe with the tall buildings. I don't think I ever got far enough in the game to see that place.

As a side note, does anyone ever get a horizontal scrollbar within the spoiler boxes? I can never get to see the full image in there when they're that large, so I have to get the link manually and open a new tab.

[Garamonde]

If you haven't played Trine 2, find a friend or two and do it. Seriously.

In this sidescrolling fantasy adventure, you take control of a wizard, paladin and archer as you smash, swing, and maneuver through majestic and breathtaking locations. All the while fighting goblins and other evil creatures, plus solving puzzles that grow more challenging as the game progresses.

Every level is stunningly detailed and the lighting is usually well-balanced in each area, absorbing you into its deep, very-3D atmosphere.

Spoiler

There are many creatures and objects throughout these gorgeous environments that you can interact with in some form or another, such as using the wizard's powers to feed a berry to a giant frog so you can cross over him. Many, including the frog, even play a role in the progression in the level. This gives a lot of interactivity and personality to the game.

Spoiler

Each character has very different playstyles and they are all needed to progress through the game. Having friends play different characters helps a lot in getting you through tough situations, and there are multiple ways to solve puzzles. This gives the game a sandbox-esque feel, lessening the linear feeling.

Spoiler

Fight your way through an onslaught of deadly monsters that terrorize the land and aim to be the end of you.

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Boss fights are grand and thrilling, while also challenging.

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Overcome these obstacles and save the once-peaceful kingdom from peril!

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The creators really put their heart and creativity into this game, and it shows.

[Koh]

Sounds like you put a trailer in a text format, ha ha. But it does look really beautiful. I've never heard of it before that post though.