Who said graphics alone dictated the aesthetics of a game? A distinct art style goes a long way as well
Who said only those with the PS5, Nintendo Switch, or a P100,000 desktop PC could enjoy beautiful games? As a proud owner of a P20,000 laptop that I’ve only upgraded once to 8GB RAM, my search for an after-work pastime has led me to 10 low-end PC games even our potato devices can handle.
And I’m not just talking about anything our PCs can handle. This selection proves that with the right art style, any game can be just as, if not more, beautiful than those that are much more graphically intensive.
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“Disco Elysium”
Outside visuals seemingly taken from a Van Gogh piece and gameplay inspired from the likes of “Baldur’s Gate 3” and “Dungeons & Dragons,” “Disco Elysium” contains a sprawling detective narrative that will keep you hooked for hours on end. It has a simple yet immersive character progression system ensuring variance across multiple playthroughs. Not to mention, its writing, music, and voice acting are sublime. No wonder it was a recipient of numerous awards back in 2019.
“Dredge”
“Dredge” is no leisurely walk in the park. Behind the facade of a casual fishing experience, the standout indie title of 2023 sets you in a vast world to explore while pitting you against the unknown monsters of the deep—and the toughest boss of all, resource management.
“Moonlighter”
Practically “Hades” meets “Stardew Valley,” “Moonlighter” has you shopkeeper by day and dungeon explorer by night. Hunt for resources as you uncover the dungeon’s secrets and sell your wares to expand your shop and upgrade your equipment. Don’t be fooled by its apparent simplicity or its cute visuals as the game grows more and more challenging the deeper you go.
“Void Stranger”
Pixel-art games are making a comeback but don’t let such simplistic visuals distract you from what “Void Stranger” really is—a punishing title that barely guides you on how to play the actual game.
Like the “Fear & Hunger” series we’ve mentioned on a previous list, “Void Stranger” emphasizes puzzles and interactions the game doesn’t let you on until you’ve accidentally come across them. And when you do, it either grants you a boon or completely sets your progress back (some back to the start if you’re unlucky enough). Frankly, you will either be drawn to its rich story or immediately quit after your first forced restart.
“Felvidek”
“Felvidek’s” distinct pixel-art style may seem unimpressive at first, but you’d soon find that this did not limit the developers from crafting unique animations, environments, and even cutscenes.
The game is set in an alternate version of 15th century Slovakia where you play as Pavol, an alcoholic knight. Fresh from a heartbreak after being left by his beloved, he joins Matej the monk to face the Hussites, Ottomans, and supernatural forces threatening their land.
“Dave The Diver”
There’s something about indie developers and seafaring games—they just never miss. “Dave The Diver” has you playing as a deep-sea explorer by day and a sushi restaurant manager by night. From resource management and platforming to combat and even cooking, there’s much to be done as you put on your diving gear and venture into the Blue Hole.
“Nine Sols”
This unassuming 2D platformer features a setting they’ve coined “Taopunk”—that is, a combination of the sci-fi elements of cyberpunk and the mysticism of Taoism. “Nine Sols” utilizes Sekiro-like combat mechanics and follows Yi as he embarks on a quest to defeat a series of bosses.
“Blashphemous”
This “Bloodborne”-like metroidvania set in a grotesque gothic world pits you, The Penitent One, against hordes of fearsome monsters and bosses. Not your typical hack-and-slash experience, “Blashphemous” allows you to customize your character to suit your particular play style. It also features souls-like combat mechanics with satisfying “God of War”-like finishers.
“Octopath Traveler”
The “Final Fantasy” series we all know and love has changed drastically through the years—from its original 2D-pixel design to the graphically intensive visuals it now features today. While many would forsake that look and leave it to the past, games like “Octopath Traveler” have revisited the bygone era and proved it still has a place in today’s gaming space. Taking 2D-inspired visuals and placing it atop a 3D world, “Octopath Traveler” offers a refreshing take on the JRPG genre.
“Laika: Aged Through Blood”
Though an uncanny combination, the guns and bikes in “Laika: Aged Through Blood” are used for an innovative gaming experience. Travel as a mother coyote warrior and embark on a journey of revenge using only a motorbike and gun. Dubbed the first-ever “motorvania,” the game is fast-paced and unforgiving, requiring quick reaction times, and experience with parrying and platforming games. It’s a refreshing title that will surely give anyone a worthwhile challenge.
