Indie games present an artistic vision that isn't seen much in AAA games. The visual aesthetic of these games can become a strong foundation for the story and gameplay. However, some games rely on visual storytelling like the well-known indie game, Journey.
Artistic qualities in indie games transcend being simply a game and provide a sentimental experience. Below is a list of some of the most visually pleasing games that create memorable atmospheres. Some feel magical while others feel grim, but each of these games beautifully presents their intentions.
10 Kentucky Route Zero
Although it's a point-and-click game, the journey through the secret Kentucky highway is adventurous since each act is a new place to explore. Kentucky Route Zero has a minimalistic art style with geometric, blocky design. However, simplicity is the strength of this game.
A distinctive aspect of the game is text dialogue presentation. The text takes up much of the screen which makes KRZ feel like an interactive graphic novel. The colors compliment the somber tone of the game and atmospheric sounds from the rain or insects make up the lack of speech.
9 Abzu
This underwater exploration game is about a diver who enters the depths of the ocean to discover who they are and other secrets. Players in Abzu swim through oceanic sanctuaries filled with colorful sea life. Massive murals, underwater castle-like structures, and ruins add wonder to the oceanscape.
There are moments in the game which reflect conflict with deep-sea dangers. Moments like when the character is swimming alone beside giant whales or jumping out the water with dolphins is heartwarming.
8 Eastward
The game Eastward is an extremely detailed pixel art game about a decaying world because of something sinister lurking the lands. In the game, the human population is decreasing and one girl gives hope that this can be changed.
The art style was inspired by the expressive 90's Japanese animation. The train is an integral feature of the game, its how you get around the world and explore new lands while trying to prevent a catastrophe. This game is visually stunning with its elaborate structure and presents a picture-perfect, modern take on pixel art.
7 Firewatch
The game Firewatch took 2D graphic art and turned it into an immersive 3d world. Firewatch is a visually stunning portrayal of Wyoming wilderness. The art style is so vivid when it needs to be that you can almost feel the warmth of the sun at sunset through the screen.
It takes realistic qualities such as forests, distant fog, and mountains and turns it into something simplistic, yet picturesque. The sky, which takes up a lot of the screen at times, is just as eye-catching as the rest of the game. The surprises of exploring the outdoors and an intriguing 1989 mystery story only add more greatness to the game.
6 Mutazione
This game is about a young girl named Kai who goes to a mutant island to care for her dying grandfather. Mutazione carefully layers shapes and colors on top of each other. The art-style is similar to a Matisse art piece with its colorful, abstract, and disproportionate shapes.
In the game, players can create gardens with vibrant mutant flora which have melodious tunes. This hand-illustrated game is meant to relax your heart with rich stories from the town locals and imaginative scenery.
5 Night In The Woods
The game Night in the Wood's 2D appearance of a charming small town filled with anthropomorphic characters is heartwarming. Although it has a cute appearance, the story and dialogue contrast it humorously. The art style is reminiscent of children's storybook illustrations, but this story was made for Millenials.
The flat, bold colors are paired with a warm yellow glow in the sky which creates a cozy autumn vibe. The simple design makes the town accessible which lets the player discover new stories and characters easily. The innocence in design and the complex layers of the storytelling mesh quite well.
4 Oxenfree
Oxenfree takes place on an eerie, abandoned island where a group of teenagers come to hang out. The best way to describe the art-style is that its like Bob Ross meets modern art, but with a horror movie influence.
The grim collage of autumn forests, fog under bridges, and the lamp posts lighting up the way through the dark maintain give an unsettling feeling. The screen is mostly zoomed out which gives a sense of loneliness and impending adversity. The story loops and glitchy static tv effects are used impeccably to give you goosebumps.
3 Inside
Inside is haunting in the most beautiful ways. The dark and quiet setting is suspenseful. The main character is a young boy who wears a bright red shirt. Although it's one of the only bright colors, it's still an ominous color in this context of a gory game.
The occasional lights shinning down feel more dangerous than the dark because of the dooming sense of surveillance. The environment relies on the artistic display of light and dark since the boy is sneaking around in dangerous places. Inside relies on trial and error so players need to figure out when the shadows and light can be a friend or a foe.
2 Gris
The environment in Gris is an enchanting collection of watercolor paintings and ink drawings. The fantastical world of color and design heightens the players' sense of curiosity. Throughout the game, players uncover different colors and unique atmospheres relating to them.
Gris is so beautifully crafted that it makes you eager to find more beauty. The flowy dress of the character in a predominantly geometric world makes her stand out. Similarly, the watercolor spreading across a canvas compliments the geometric buildings and trees.
1 Journey
The game Journey is one of the most memorable and visually captivating indie games. Although there is no talking or text in the game, the atmosphere of each chapter creates an emotional experience. The colors and music take on the role of storytelling.
Having to share this spectacular world with anonymous adds to its emotional appeal. The game mixes soft pastels with burning yellows and calm deep blues. Each color blends into the next, yet they individually have an important role in the game.