Summary
In a landscape dominated by Triple-A games, attention has turned to indie productions with a strong authorial voice and the ability to offer unique experiences. For decades, independent developers have been creating small games with big messages, often redefining the art of video games. Today’s technology has greatly expanded these possibilities, allowing creators to bring unique masterpieces to life.
From minimalist black-and-white designs to vibrant hand-painted worlds,indie gamesfeature diverse artistic approaches that stand out in the crowded game landscape. Here are some indie games that truly excel in their visual and artistic presentation.
Sablehas captured the public’s attention since its announcement, thanks to its cartoonish style inspired by the works of the artist Mobius, pseudonym of Jean Giraud, who contributed to various concepts of famous movies such as Alien and The Fifth Element.
The cel-shaded, hand-drawn aesthetic with clean lines and pastel colors amplifies the vast, desolate landscape of Sable’s world. The game’s visual design, characterized by its stark, nomadic environments and monumental architectural elements, offers a meditative experience, allowing you to escape from everyday life.
7Until Then
2D Pixel Art and 3D Graphics
Until Then may still be a little-known title, but it offers incredible visual storytelling through its pixel art aesthetics. Yes, pixel art is common in indie games, but Until Then focuses on the small, everyday moments, using the colors and the lights to create a world that feels lived-in and intimate.
The game’s art is reminiscent of the golden era of 16-bit games but with contemporary touches that add depth and emotion to each scene, blending 2D-pixel art with 3D graphics in an innovative way. The colors, the lighting, and the overall mood are central to the story, making Until Then a poignant visual experience.
Harold Halibutis one of the few video games that has successfully imitated the stop-motion technique, specifically through claymation. Characters and environments are meticulously crafted by hand, scanned using a technique known as photogrammetry, and then digitized. The attention to detail from Slow Bros. is evident, with each scene looking like a miniatureset from a stop-motion movie.
The underwater world of Harold Halibut, where humanity has built an artificial community, is visually distinct due to its handcrafted style, making every scene feel uniquely tactile.
Firewatchis widely recognizable for its visual art style, even if you haven’t played it. Olly Moss, a British graphic artist known for his minimalist poster designs, influenced the game’s art direction. The stylized, yet realistic rendering of the environment immerses you in the Wyoming wilderness.
The warm color palettes shift throughout the time of day, effectively conveying the passage of time and the emotional tone of the story. Firewatch’s environments create such a peaceful yet mysterious atmosphere, combining art and narrative to emphasizethe isolation and introspection experienced by the protagonist, Henry.
The concept of creating a rage game inspired by the Golden Age of American animation has resulted in something truly unique withCuphead. You play a cup-headed character reminiscent of the iconic Mickey Mouse from the 1930s,fighting bosses of all kindswith various backgrounds that evoke classic cartoons many grew up watching.
The attention to every detail, from the vintage film effect to the slightly blurred background, makes Cuphead an instant classic. However, you shouldn’t be fooled by this magic visual style, as it’s certainly not as peaceful as watching Snow White.
Playdead’s minimalist style has become its signature, andLimbois certainly an example of how minimalism can be used to create a powerful art style,and also be incredibly terrifying.
The game’s graphic design stands out with its use of silhouetted characters and level design where blurry backgrounds emphasize the stark contrast between light and shadow. This approach strips away unnecessary details, focusing on the game’s atmosphere and the emotion it evokes, creating a haunting experience that stays with you after the game is over.
A game likeJourneycouldn’t be missed on this list with the unique experience it offers, becoming a benchmark title in the indie game scene. The game uses an abstract and minimalist approach to its visuals, using simple shapes and forms to create an emotionally resonant world.
Colors fill these desolate environments: from the golden sands to the deep blue skies, the art in Journey is not merely aesthetics but also integral to the gameplay experience. The palette conveys the mood and the gameplay, guiding the player on an emotional journey that is as much about the visuals as it is about the story.
Gris transcends the traditional boundaries of art and video games, immersing you in a world constantly evolving like a watercolor painting. Colors play a crucial role, progressively unlocking new areas and influencing both the environment and the protagonist herself.
The elements in the game, such as obstacles typical of platform games, come to life in a dreamlike way at the protagonist’s touch. Gris’s journey is a visual poem, where the absence of text and dialogue puts the focus on the protagonist’s emotions, which fill the screen like a painter fills his canvas.
