In modern games, image quality has changed little over the past few years. Players have grown used to high detail, crisp textures, and lifelike character faces. Perhaps new graphics cards will shift the balance, but by 2024 the visuals remained on par with earlier generations.
Consequently, the selection emphasizes artistic design over tiny pixel counts in a hero’s boot. When combined with cutting-edge technology, these visuals can still astonish today.
Please note that the selection only includes games released last year. The PC versions Horizon Forbidden West, God of War Ragnarök and Final Fantasy 16 were not included in the material, because they appeared on the PlayStation 5 much earlier.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
The game demonstrates the power of current hardware. Details cover every shrub and house, and the broad range of textures is nearly photorealistic. It stands as an excellent choice for those who want the romance of flying a plane from home. The wow factor shows most clearly at high settings, which require a very capable computer.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Beautiful locales, striking battle effects, and well-crafted character faces come together in the Final Fantasy remake at a remarkable level. The image quality is ultimately bounded by the PlayStation 5 hardware, which makes the PC version appealing, arriving on January 23.
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Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
Despite mixed reception in other areas, the visuals stand out. The main character’s emotions read beautifully on her face, offering a compelling display. The lingering question remains whether the experience justifies venturing through Hellblade 2 for the sake of its aesthetics alone.
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Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
The Indiana Jones title impresses with both its looks and its gameplay. From MachineGames, known for the Wolfenstein series, comes a vibe akin to Deus Ex: Human Revolution, set in the late 1930s. The atmosphere blends adventure with clear, contrasting visuals, high-quality models, and advanced lighting. Even recent indie films seem muted in comparison to The Great Circle. Digital Foundry, a team that analyzes graphics in video games, noticed this project for its technical prowess.
Silent Hill 2 (2024)
In 1999, the life cycle of the original PlayStation began to wind down, and fog became a signature of Silent Hill. The recreated city under a translucent haze still feels incredibly realistic today. The remake makes full use of Unreal Engine 5, with convincing landscapes, interiors, character faces, and monsters. On PC, The Silent Hill 2 remake showcases these visuals at their best.
Black Myth: Wukong
Based on the classic Journey to the West, this title became a standout in 2024. It blends a strong plot with gameplay that nods to Dark Souls while adding its own flair. The world features dense forests and ancient temples, with vivid character models and memorable visuals. Large-scale environments and ray tracing generate the wow moments that accompany its action.
Kingdom of the ants
A real-time strategy about ants, the visuals are equally detailed. Each insect is crafted to the smallest detail, with visible hairs and joints. Coupled with rich landscapes, the result is a photoreal presentation. Hundreds of insects can appear on screen, exploring and fighting in a single frame, making RTS fans curious to try this title.
Tekken 8
Tekken 8 delivered the most impressive fighting action of 2024. A slew of new mechanics enhances attacks and restores health more effectively. Moving to Unreal Engine 5, battles look striking, with every muscle shown in static shots and in motion. The fights feel authentic and visceral, even within a fantasy setting.
Like a dragon: infinite wealth
Like a Dragon distills the Yakuza vibe into a turn-based combat system, weaving a wild plot. The Hawaiian setting brings bright colors, sunlit beaches, and palm trees to life, with expressive faces and detailed character work that adds to the overall feel.
STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl
The second STALKER entry sparked debate, yet its visuals stand out. The Exclusion Zone shows rusty wrecks, deserted buildings, and eerie lighting. Its atmosphere, combined with a large open world, remains intriguing. The experience benefits from strong atmosphere and detailed textures, but AI and bugs dampen the overall impression for some players. Still, when it comes to graphics, the showcase holds up well on capable PCs, where visual fidelity matters more than frame rate.
Do readers agree with this selection, or do other titles leave a stronger visual impact? Thoughts are welcome in the comments.
Which game graphics from the selection impressed readers the most?
(multiple choices allowed)
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