AAA gaming has developed to the point where gameplay isn't the deciding factor anymore. Now, cutting-edge video games need the best graphics around to wow the masses.
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The PS3 and Xbox 360 era of gaming consoles emassed some truly unforgettable games that are still remembered as some of the best of all time.
That being said, it's always optimal for games to nail both graphics and gameplay to make for the perfect combination. Developers who ensure that both these pillars in their games are rock-solid usually attain widespread fan adoration as a result.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Beauty Of This Game Was Further Enhanced With A Next-Gen Patch That Balanced The Gameplay, Too
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Released
- May 19, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
The Witcher 3 is one of the greatest video games ever made, capping off Geralt's adventures on a high note. At the time of its release, The Witcher 3 looked jaw-droppingly good, and the gameplay was also a blast to engage with despite some faults.
After almost a decade had passed since its release, CD Projekt Red decided to launch a free patch for the game that would improve its graphics even further and balance the gameplay. The Cyberpunk 2077 effect was clear as day, with The Witcher 3 continuing to stand strong as one of the prettiest and most competent video games of all time.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Despite Some Clunkiness Issues, The Realistic Gameplay And Beautiful World Work In Perfect Harmony
Red Dead Redemption 2
- Released
- October 26, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a masterclass of open-world gaming. Does the game have some issues stemming from a focus on realistic gameplay? Sure, but the act of equipping a rifle for the hundredth time isn't too annoying once players are immersed in the sandbox and Arthur Morgan's tale of redemption.
The gunplay feels weighty, and seeing slow-mo cams of Arthur's cinematic kills is great. The beauty of this world is incredible and has aged like a fine wine, with the game's many systems ensuring that Red Dead Redemption 2's sandbox feels alive and gorgeous to behold.
Ghost Of Tsushima
Sucker Punch Productions Went All Out To Craft This Amazing Open-World Game
Ghost of Tsushima
- Released
- July 17, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
Sometimes, photorealistic visuals aren't necessary for a title's graphics to stand out. Granted, Ghost of Tsushima's models definitely look great, but it's the art design that went into the open world's design that helps it stand out in their eyes.
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Jin Sakai's adventures are a blast to get into as players stand off against Mongols and Straw Hat Ronin, cut them down using a variety of styles, and stick to the shadows from time to time to play the dirty game against this ruthless invading force. All of this takes place against the backdrop of Tsushima Island, a place full of beautiful landscapes and colorful locations that will wow fans no matter how much they explore this incredible sandbox.
The Last Of Us Part 2
The Visuals And Gameplay Are Naught Dog At Their Very Peak
The Last of Us Part 2
- Released
- June 19, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
Naughty Dog has been at the forefront of the video game industry when it comes to graphics and technical performance, with the slick and detailed animations of The Last of Us Part 2 making this clear as day. Players may have mixed opinions about the story, but there's no denying that this title is a blast to play.
Jumping on enemies to take them out, using a bow to take out enemies from afar, crafting explosives and seeing bodies fly in the aftermath, and seeing enemies become more animated & terrified as they drop like flies is a blast every single time. All of this, coupled with Naughty Dog's state-of-the-art visuals, ensures that The Last of Us Part 2 will establish itself as a major technical achievement in many ways.
Cyberpunk 2077
The Visuals Were Already Top-Notch, And Updates Ensured That The Gameplay Would Do Justice To The Graphics
Cyberpunk 2077
- Released
- December 10, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
It's amazing to see the love that Cyberpunk 2077 is showered with now, especially after it endured one of the worst video game launches of all time. The visuals of this title were in a class of their own (perhaps a bit too much, given the technical issues the title was plagued with), but the gameplay either felt too shallow or was constantly held back by bugs.
Not only did CD Projekt Red iron out the bugs, but later patches also added new gameplay content and balanced things out to make perks and weapons feel more meaningful than ever. In its current state, Cyberpunk 2077's visuals and gameplay are on a whole other level, and fans can only wonder how The Witcher 4 will top this.
Baldur's Gate 3
Larian Studios Had Already Perfected Their Approach To Gameplay, And BG3 Enhanced The Graphics To New Heights
Baldur's Gate 3
- Released
- August 3, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
While Larian's gameplay had been ironclad ever since they worked on the Divinity: Original Sin series, the visuals could be a bit too simplistic for some. With the inflow of cash preceding Baldur's Gate 3's release, the studio finally decided to work upon one of its glaring faults to make this much-awaited RPG sequel feel like the next biggest thing.
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Larian succeeded in this department, with Baldur's Gate 3 being one of the greatest RPGs ever made, with visuals that look incredible. The character itself is such a major improvement from its predecessors that players can spend hours on this screen only, and the rest of the game lets players look at everything from incredible environments to detailed character models that are a joy to behold.
Grand Theft Auto 5
The Next-Gen Update Ensured That The Graphics Would Look Better Than Ever, With The Gameplay Being Top-Notch
Grand Theft Auto 5
- Released
- September 17, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Mature Humor, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action
Grand Theft Auto 5 was already a gorgeous game when it launched, and the next-gen patch ensured that modern technology like Ray Tracing would make this title look better than ever before. This ensured that Grand Theft Auto Online would enjoy more longevity, something that is clearly Rockstar's priority.
The gameplay of Grand Theft Auto 5 was tantalizing more than a decade ago, and it still holds up. Shooting down foes and using explosives to tear them apart in both single-player and multiplayer feels great, with the visuals doing a great job of making the on-screen action look spectacular.
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
Easily The Best-Looking And Feeling Uncharted Game By Quite Some Margin
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
- Released
- May 10, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Blood, Language, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Adventure
It may have been released a while ago now, but that takes nothing away from how incredible Uncharted 4 looks even now. The animation quality was off the charts back then, and the realistic physics ensured that environmental actions and combat felt weighty, crunchy, and satisfying.
This harmony between visuals and gameplay makes Uncharted 4 the closest thing to a playable movie, with the action looking cinematic every step of the way. The story is more emotional than before and gives players some breathing room between extreme set pieces... While also getting to appreciate the jaw-droppingly good graphics.
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A post-apocalyptic setting adds a certain uniqueness to a game. These titles left an everlasting impression on gamers.