I don't usually care about the graphics of a game as much because I don't think graphics are exactly what determines whether or not a game is good. But, I do think that graphics are great to support the greatness or failure of a game. So, in this case, which is better? Realistic graphics like most of the shooters, and some adventure games out there like Uncharted? Or, Beautiful or unique artstyles like Wind Waker or Okami?

Personally, I tend to like the more unique artstyle, because I think those games will be remembered for their artstyle, while the graphics of realistic games would tend to be overpowered sooner or later.

i agree with you that the graphics dont decide the game but they help a lot of views on like you can have the example of borderlands it kinda cartoony but it has great gameply then you can compare that to fall out with realistic graphics and good gameplay also it matter of a opinion cause the more fantasy the game is the more cartoony the game is usually so it depends on the style of games you like not the graphics really.

crjude1 : well, when you said that the more fantasy the game is, the more cartoony it is... I don't think you're exactly right on that part. Final Fantasy anyone? the game is pretty realistic in terms of how the people are drawn, and stuff like that. Halo is pretty fantastical too(sort of) and that's pretty realistically modeled and drawn.

I love when they go for a more original art-style. Games like Okami and wind waker come to mind. However, i also love some of the games that go for a more traditional artwork, but really work extensively on atmosphere and theme. That's why bioshock is one of my favorite games artistically, although games like shadow of the colossus and flower do them both phenomenally.

An J0e : yeah, maybe that should be a choice lol. Because some games tend to look very realistic, yet they've got this great unique vibe that really help make the game great.

still though you dont get that real life playing scenario and environment and cutscenes u do in like a modern warfare 2.

crjude1 : mehhh wasn't that game a little unrealistic? My point is, I personally support more unique artstyles. They may be a little realistic too, but while MW2's graphics would be overpowered and soon it'll be considered "not so good," games with beautiful and unique artstyles would be remembered for their beauty and creativity.
Take Wind Waker for example. It's very simple, but it's got some nice cel-shading, and whether you like it or not, it'll go down in history as the first cel-shaded Zelda as opposed to the more realistic Ocarina and Majora.

I'm all for the unique art styles that games have. Okami is probably one of my favorite games in terms of graphics. These types of games tend to stick out more in my mind.

I don't mind realistic looking graphics though. As long as the settings are well done. Like Assassin's Creed

I don't care so much for graphics so long as I can tell what everything is, but they are appreciated. As far as my favorite graphics style, it depends on the theme of the game and how the whole thing is presented. I liked the graphics of Wing Waker just as much as i liked Twilight Princess, and they are on completely different ends of the scale, in the same franchise no less.

Lagslayer : I wouldn't say that Twilight Princess was realistic though. It had a unique style all it's own.

Zamiel : Well, I guess he meant that the graphics was a lot more "realistic" than WW. Like I said, I don't mind if it looks somewhat realistic as long as it has a unique vibe or atmosphere. Twilight Princess' style was epic, the whole Twilight effects and stuff and the lighting... I loved it. It was unlike anything I've seen and I was kind of sad that Skyward Sword isn't a direct sequel with the same style.

mdynasty926 : Yeah, I loved the way Twilight Princess looked, but I wouldn't want them to make the games the same way every time.

Zamiel : Yeah that's true I wouldn't either. But Majora's and Ocarina's artstyle was similar and they were direct sequels, and judging from the concept art that was shown at last year's E3 I assumed that the next Zelda would be a direct sequel... I was very wrong lol.

well see ther you go bringing up windwaker its very cartoony and unrealistic like i said you dont get the same feel you get of true spatial awareness that u do in say like Fall Out 3

crjude1 : sure. I'm just saying that WW would be remembered for their cel-shading and artstyle. Fallout 3, I think it would be overpowered at some point in the future. There WILL be games with better graphics. Maybe by sequels, or games like it. It doesn't matter. Wind Waker has an artstyle that isn't really the same with most games, so the graphics wouldn't be as forgettable.

I really don't have a preference... although I do kinda lean towards the more unique stuff like Okami. I think that it really depends on the feel the game is going for.

I prefer a game that artistically follows the idea of itself. I don't want a fantasy game that has photo-realistic art, as that is not what fits the game.

I guess when I play a game I like it to look realistic(omg im the first to say it!), becuase I like feeling like the game is almost real. Ya know what I mean?

scorpion347 : Yeah I know what you mean haha.

It depends on what the game is going for. Mirror's Edge, for example, is extremely beautiful to look at, in my opinion. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is much less beautiful but a lot more brutal and real. The style of these games is very differnt. The first one is a parkour game where you spend time running from the police in a semi-futuristic land where the government has ceased control of virtually everything(Original, right?). Whereas, Call of Duty is set during the most violent and aggressive battles and wars of our history. Two different themes, two different art styles.

I guess what I'm saying is that its not so much the style that makes a difference as long as it fits the game. Can you imagine if zelda games were given a twist of reality? Or if Uncharted were cell-shaded. I think the artwork isn't key to the game but, it makes a difference in the overall mood and appearance.