2009 was an amazing year with jaw dropping games like Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, but it looks like 2010 is going to be another graphically rich year with some stunning games coming out for each console. Here we take a look at sixteen games that are going to blow you away visually in 2010, in no particular order.
Note: There is a high probability that your favorite game might not be listed here, but you can always state them in the comments section below. Also we have considered only those games which are yet to be released.
God of War 3
God of War 3 is easily one of the best looking games of 2010. With the game’s engine using and almost maxing out the Cell processor, it will be PlayStation 3’s benchmark for 2010. Kratos’s animations and the grunt look on his face goes to show that Santa Monica will be pulling off a visually jaw dropping experience.
Alan Wake
Alan Wake is an Xbox 360 exclusive by Remedy Entertainment, the company behind Max Payne games. It features an open-ended world backed by an epic story. The first thing you notice about Alan Wake are the beautiful visuals. Everything from environment to characters seems stunning and attention to detail is clearly shown on screen. This is one game to watch out for in 2010.
Crysis 2
The original Crysis is undoubtedly one of the best looking games to date and with Crysis 2 due out in 2010, the benchmark for visuals is going to be placed a step higher. Using the updated Cry Engine known as Cry Engine 3, developers have promised that the sequel has progressed vertically and will have new environments such as the destroyed city which was mentioned in the magazine: PC Gamer.
Splinter Cell: Conviction
Sam Fisher never looked so good. And in the upcoming Xbox 360 exclusive, Conviction should be able to challenge the best games out there. The firefights and the presentation are awesome which makes Conviction a game that we should keep an eye out for. The only thing that might go against is this game is the graphics of the enemies; so far they are pretty bland. If Ubisoft can fix them up than we are in for a treat.
The Last Guardian
Team ICO is perhaps the quietest game developers out there, since they actually take a lot of time to develop their games. ICO and Shadow of the Colossus were a masterpiece on the PlayStation 2 and judging by the initial videos of the Last Guardian, we should expect a visually immersive world, one which we will love to get lost in forever.
Fable III
Lion Head studios are a team that actually always strives for excellence in their work. Judging by what they did with Fable II back in 2008, Fable III will be game that could set new standards for RPG games, not only for visuals but also for gameplay mechanics.
Lost Planet 2
The original had one of the prettiest graphics back in 2006 on the Xbox 360, then came along a really shabby PlayStation 3 port. But the sequel being given equal development time for both versions, Lost Planet 2 might just be the game that you have to play regardless of what console you own. The recent boss fight videos were a treat to watch and I must add this. Lost Planet 2 has some of the most realistic looking snow in video games.
Dante’s Inferno
The game looks fantastic and runs at an oh so smooth 60 frames per-second throughout. The art style is truly hellish and sets up a great atmosphere. There is no doubt in my mind that Dante’s Inferno will be a fantastic game when it releases and will be one of the top games 2010 has to offer.
Rage
If you have seen the trailers of Rage, than you know the reason why this game is mentioned over here. Under development by id Software using the id Tech engine, Rage will throw players in a world that has belted by the impact of 99942 Apophis. Visually the game looks amazing and as we all know the reputation that id software carries, we are sure to see some cracking art and animations throughout the game.
Halo Reach
Though we have seen just one trailer and some really good looking screen shots, we have to play the “assuming” game. If the screen shots are anything to go by then Halo Reach might be one of the best looking first person shooters on the Xbox 360. Bungie are a great team of developers so naturally I would expect them to max out the 360. But let’s wait and watch.
Bioshock 2
Back in 2007, Bioshock was heralded for its superior graphics and animations and then in 2008, for the re-release for the PlayStation 3 in 2008, it was again given accolades for its graphics. Looks like the trend will continue in 2010 with the game hitting the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 very soon. Expect some of the craziest looking enemies, awesome representation of plasmid behavior and more!
Gran Turismo 5
As is the case with every game in the famed franchise, Gran Turismo 5 will be no different; if Prologue was anything to go by, Gran Turismo 5 might be the most amazing looking racing simulator ever. Almost five years into development, it will be hard to make out whether the car on your HDTV is real or in game.
Battlefield: Bad Company 2
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is game that is looking like it is going to surpass what Modern Warfare 2 achieved. The original was known for the ability to destroy certain objects like walls, but in the sequel you will be able to bring down an entire building. Graphics, judging by the various game play videos, Bad Company 2 looks as good as or even better than Modern Warfare 2. The game takes place in many different locations like snow mountains and jungles which will be present in the campaign as well as the various multiplayer modes.
Star Craft 2
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty is being developed by Blizzard Entertainment as a sequel to the award-winning 1998 video game StarCraft. Set in the 26th century in a distant part of the Milky Way galaxy, the game is built around three species: the Terrans, human exiles fromEarth; the Zerg, a race of insectoids; and the Protoss, a species with vast psionic power. Wings of Liberty specifically focuses on the Terrans, while the expansions Heart of the Swarmand Legacy of the Void focus on the Zerg and Protoss, respectively. Start Craft 2 will have some amazing art work and visuals, you can check some of the HD screen shots here.
Heavy Rain
Heavy Rain being developed by Quantic Dreams, who also made games like Fahrenheit, is an upcoming AAA PS3 title. Ever since it was first shown back at E3 2006, it caught the eyes of everyone and people were stunned by the quality of tech demo that was shown. Everyone has been in love with Heavy Rain since then and one of the reasons is the sense of realism associated with Heavy Rain. Everything seems so close to real life that every time you see a new Heavy Rain trailer you are left amazed and that is mainly due to the awe-inspiring visuals.
Dead Space 2
To be released some time in 2010, Dead Space 2 should be as good looking, should be as scary and should be as addictive as the original. If anyone of you did played the original, it was truly an amazing looking game, wasn’t it? I don’t have any screenshots to show nor any videos, but judging the by the caliber and the potential of Visceral Games, it should be of no doubt that Dead Space 2 will be another jaw dropping experience.
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