Battlefield 1 looking 2016 Battlefield 1’s reveal trailers looked incredible but many people refused to believe that the final release would look even nearly as spectacular. However, the were wrong. The scale of battlefields, the stunning scenery, and the epic action looked just as we’d hoped. Battlefield 1 is graphically impressive both online and in single player.
The Last Guardian Having waited so long for The Last Guardian, a game that started its life on the PlayStation 3, we weren’t confident that it would look as impressive graphically as other games released in 2016. However, the lush grassy fields, crumbling ancient world, and every feather on Trico’s body proved that The Last Guardian is one of the most impressive games of the year.
Final Fantasy XVThe world in Final Fantasy XV is one of the game’s most impressive elements. The size of the map, the varied landscape, and the unique landmarks make the world look incredible. The giant creatures are also really well designed and add to the scale of the game.
Forza Horizon 3 The attention to detail on the cars has always made the Forza games wonderful to look at but the exotic locations in the Horizon spin-offs take the visuals to the next level. Horizon 3’s Australian setting is vast, varied, incredibly detailed, and a fantastic place to explore in your super-car.
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End The Uncharted games have always looked good but A Thief’s End is stunning from start to finish. The tropical locations look as impressive as the ancient coves and the characters look like real people. Presenting the visuals like an epic movie makes Uncharted 4 even more engrossing. It may be the best looking game of 2016.
Ratchet and Clank
The Division
Inside
Abzu
The Witness
Bound
The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine
Dark Souls 3
Firewatch
Watch Dogs 2
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Battlefield 1
Battlefield 1's reveal trailers looked incredible but many people refused to believe that the final release would look nearly as spectacular. However, their skepticism was put to rest. The scale of the battlefields, the stunning scenery, and the epic action looked just as we'd hoped. Battlefield 1 is graphically impressive both online and in single player.
The Last Guardian
Having waited so long for The Last Guardian, a game that started its life on the PlayStation 3, we weren't confident that it would look as impressive graphically as other games released in 2016. However, the lush grassy fields, crumbling ancient world, and every feather on Trico's body proved that The Last Guardian is one of the most impressive games of the year.
Final Fantasy XV
The world in Final Fantasy XV is one of the game's most impressive elements. The size of the map, the varied landscape, and the unique landmarks make the world look incredible. The giant creatures are also really well designed and add to the scale of the game.
Forza Horizon 3
The attention to detail on the cars has always made the Forza games wonderful to look at but the exotic locations in the Horizon spin-offs take the visuals to the next level. Horizon 3's Australian setting is vast, varied, incredibly detailed, and a fantastic place to explore in your new super-car.
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
The Uncharted games have always looked good but A Thief's End is stunning from start to finish. The tropical locations look as impressive as the ancient coves and the characters look like real people. Presenting the visuals like an epic movie makes Uncharted 4 even more engrossing. It may be the best looking game of 2016.
Ratchet and Clank
Ratchet and Clank isn't visually impressive in the same way as games like Uncharted 4 and Battlefield 1. It is how beautiful the game looks in the Pixar style animated style that makes it impressive. The leap forward in terms of graphics from the original games is staggering and Ratchet and Clank's world is a joy to play around in.
The Division
Admittedly, The Division didn't look as impressive at launch as it did when it was first revealed. Having said that, the desolate winter version of New York City is still beautiful. The world is detailed and cluttered, with rusting cars and road blocks acting as helpful cover. The snow flurries that wash over the screen also makes the city a terrifying place to explore.
Inside
The visuals of Inside are understated, but stunning nonetheless. Every inch of the game world has been polished to perfection and every movement the player makes has a reason. The shadows that engulf rooms, the mysterious world, and the strange characters convey how meticulously designed Inside is.
Abzu
Under water is perfect for creating a beautiful world. Described as Journey under water by many players, Abzu's abstract depths and peaceful moments create a jaw-dropping experience. It is colorful, varied, and detailed from start to finish.
The Witness
Considering that The Witness is so focussed on puzzles, it was surprising that the world surrounding them was such a highlight. Each area was different, and the art style added to the mystery of the world. The beautiful world even affected the puzzles in an ingenious way.
Bound
Bound's visuals are more abstract than we've seen from any other game this year. The surroundings ripple and fold as you dance through the world. It adds so much to the gameplay and overall beauty of the game, especially in virtual reality.
The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine
The Witcher 3 was one of the best looking games of 2015 and the substantial DLC, Blood and Wine, is no different. The lush landscapes, detailed structure and lighting effects add to the living, breathing world. Blood and Wine gives players another chance to explore Witcher 3's world.
Dark Souls 3
Dark Souls 3's world is a level above the other game's in the series. Each area and every enemy, especially the bosses, are incredibly well designed and create a sense of dread as you explore. The tone of the game is created by the design of the world and is consistently unique and beautiful in its darkness.
Firewatch
Firewatch isn't beautiful in the conventional way. It is the lighting and color choices that make Olly Moss' art style so eye-catching. It is impressive that such a short game can introduce a setting that is such a joy to explore.
Watch Dogs 2
San Francisco is a beautiful city and is re-created really well in Watch Dogs 2. The city as a whole feels like the real world location and each individual landmark looks almost identical to its real world counterpart. Having the chance to explore a real world city however you'd like adds a lot to the overall experience.
About the author
Tom Hopkins
A Film and English graduate from London who plays far too much FIFA. Playing Games since 1999. Favorite Genres: Third-Person Action, Racing, and Narrative-Driven.
