Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is visually stunning. Every character, even the NPCs, feels lifelike while still having that striking, almost idealised beauty. The fashion design is stylish and distinct without being over the top like in many JRPGs. The environments are imaginative, varied, and colourful. I often pan the camera around as if I’m on a sightseeing trip.

Other games I admire for their art direction:

BioShock - the sheer Art Deco flair.
Shadow of the Colossus - one of the most atmospheric worlds ever created.
Chrono Trigger - pixel art at its absolute peak, with the character design of Akira Toriyama.

        • ewigkaiwelo@lemmy.worldBanned
          3·
          11 months ago

          Indeed, and no AI here) Another project of this kind with impressive art is Ultima Ratio Regum that also relies heavily on procedural generation. In the current version it even generates wells and hedges and flowers in ANSI graphics which looks incredible, and the sole developer is working towards a steam release as well

      • ewigkaiwelo@lemmy.worldBanned
        3·
        11 months ago

        I do, sometimes, the gameplay takes a while to get used to but the humour is great. It’s on Steam and itch