Quite recently, it appears that a lot of AAA game developers have been attempting to make their games more accurate depictions of real life with photo-realistic graphics. Due to advancements in technology, recent attempts at photo-realism no longer look laughable.
While today’s releases no doubt look better than ever before, there are many issues that arise from the desire to have games look true to life. Chief among these are the three specific issues I will be exploring: performance, aging and consistent visual appeal. So, let us ask the all-important question. Is photo-realism necessary on consoles?
The Power of Performance
In the world of film, a consistent 24 frames per second is ideal. In the world of video games, things are much different. Since the gaming medium is interactive, a consistently higher frame rate is required to improve player reactions and prevent any potential frustration. This contrasts greatly with the filmic medium where audiences are unable to interact with the events on screen and incur no consequences should harm befall the film’s protagonist.
PCs are much for powerful than consoles. Therefore, they can maintain a high graphical fidelity while still producing a relatively high frame rate. On the other hand, when developers attain photo-realism on consoles, a higher frame rate must be sacrificed. If, on rare occasion, this is not the case then the frame rate will most likely not be consistent.
As alluded to earlier, this can cause players great frustration. Should they need to react quickly in any given situation, a slower frame rate will severely diminish their speed and accuracy. This approach may work in horror games where suspense is key, but not so in action-adventure titles where constant quick thinking is a must.
Aged Beyond Your Years
Who can forget the dirty, gritty, noir streets of Max Payne (Remedy Entertainment)? Or the clever backdrops of classic Resident Evil titles which were essentially just 2D images? Those of you who do indeed remember these titles may have forgotten that they are no longer the visual masterpieces they were once revered as.
Unfortunately, like all things, even the best video game graphics age but certain games drink from the fountain of youth less frequently than others.
Grand Theft Auto III (DMA Design, 2001) is a perfect example of how cruel Father Time can be to games who choose a more realistic aesthetic. For its time, GTA III provided the most true to life depiction of a large, bustling American city. Its geometry and detail were
However, to the eyes of today’s gamers, there is little that impresses. Faces look steamrolled and the entirety of the game’s world lacks detail. Not to mention there are enough jagged edges to could cut you through simple contact with your monitor.
Conversely, Naughty Dog thoroughly knocked it out of the park with Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy (Naughty Dog, 2001), a game with a more cartoonish art style. When it was initially released, it was most certainly the fairest in all the land in terms of platformers. Luscious environments, detailed facial animations and a generous helping of variety.
You Have to Admit it’s Getting Better
The Precursor Legacy has been outdone by more recent platformers but it remains visually appealing. The game has aged gracefully over the years. All the points I expressed earlier still ring true to this day. When comparing this game side-by-side with the formerly discussed Grand Theft Auto III, the clear winner in terms of graphical appeal is undoubtedly Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy.
Nice Lights, Shame About His Face
Today’s console games do indeed contain many visual delights. Top tier, dynamic lighting and mesmerising particle effects are modern treats which should remain in demand.
However, for every positive I express towards photo-realism, there will always be a negative to counteract it. This lies mostly in modern facial animations. Many look spectacular and almost fool you into believing you are watching real actors. Others pull me out of the experience completely.
As much I love Marvel’s Spider-Man (Insomniac Games), I am afraid that Peter Parker’s facial model is far too distracting any time I am forced to bear witness to it. The developers have clearly put a great deal of effort into making him look like a real man, so players can empathise with him more, but every facial muscle movement is far too stilted.
But I empathise more deeply with the cell-shaded expressions of Link in TLoZ: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo). Although the cartoon graphics cut down on detail, developers could forego making Link look like a real human being. All of our little imperfections can remain happily absent from Link’s character model.
A Decades-Old Art-Form
Instead of aspiring for photo-realism on consoles, we should instead be aspiring for more stylised graphics. This ensures that AAA developers can get their games looking pretty without using frame rate as the sacrificial lamb. Implementing stylistic graphics will also keep today’s releases looking as fresh and clean in the future as they look upon release.
Finally, eradicating the need to create character models which accurately resemble human beings will work wonders for AAA developers. Artistic licence removes imperfections much more effectively than even the most highly recommended face-creams. When all is said and done, video games should be proud to be a form of animation. Real life can be drab, but video games can be so much more.
