Appreciating some of the best shots in my favorite video games

An ode to video game art directors and designers, who don't get nearly enough credit for their contributions to the gaming world.

Hello friends!

This edition of Patch Notes isn’t a long one. I’m currently working on a hockey piece I think you’ll all enjoy (with a collaboration, no less!) but this is something short to hold you over until then. I was inspired to write a little something on some of my favorite video game shots after finishing Netflix’s She-Ra and the Princesses of Power this week, and being amazed at some of the really neat shots the show had in its final season.

I’m not well-versed in filmmaking or direction or art design, but I do have an eye for pretty things. Let’s dive in!

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There’s no doubt that video games are art. It’s an argument that has gone back for at least the last decade, and is one that over time has become less and less of a contentious statement thanks to the staggering amount of people that play video games in our current society.

I’ve talked before about my love of video game music, how I listen to it while writing and how overall, it’s one of my favorite genres of music. Video games have a lot to offer, from the AAA blockbusters that grab the headlines to the under-appreciated indies with a lot of heart.

However, what most people remember about video games are the visuals and the moments that stick with you when all is said and done. Over the years, a video game’s art direction and cutscenes have become just as finely crafted as Oscar winning films, if not more so. From the biggest title of the year to the smallest game made by just a handful of people, there are some really stellar shots in video games that deserve to be highlighted.

For this, I only looked at the cutscenes of some of my favorite video games from over the years, not any photo modes these games may employ. While I have taken some really great photos in these modes, this piece is showcasing the work the developers have done to craft, position, and light scenes to their specific vision.

And of course, this list does contain spoilers for these games, so fair warning!

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019)

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is FromSoftware’s most cinematic game to date. There aren’t a lot of cutscenes in this game, but when they are used, they’re done to great effect. That last shot, of Sekiro facing off against the Divine Dragon (who is wielding a sword no less), is probably my favorite from the game. It’s just so… awe-inspiring, even still.

Nier: Automata (2017)

If given the opportunity, I will always make time to talk about how great of a video game Nier: Automata is. While the music is, arguably, the game’s strongest point in an overall stellar package, the game does not hold back on having some knock out visuals, from terrifying boss design to grounded (and sometimes otherworldly) locations. The final picture, from the definitive final battle of the game, is a visual marvel, but packs an emotional gut punch by the time you reach it.

Undertale (2015)

Undertale does a lot with a little in its 8-bit graphical style. The character designs are all extremely memorable and unique, but what really stands out for me is the composition and framing of certain scenes, especially the one with the castle in the background. Also, the background design is drop dead gorgeous. There’s a reason I own an art book for this game, folks.

Kingdom Hearts III (2019)

I could have picked any game from the Kingdom Hearts library, but I went with the most recent iteration just because it’s the best directed game of the bunch. The openings in the Kingdom Hearts series are no doubt the best looking and most visually appealing parts of the game, but Kingdom Hearts III showcased a consistent style in its cutscenes throughout. I took a lot more screenshots than what I showcased here, so that should be an indication as to how gorgeous this game was to look at.

Sayonara Wild Hearts (2019)

Sayonara Wild Hearts has possibly the best art style and vibe I’ve ever seen in a video game. The game oozes charm in every frame, in part thanks to its appealing character design and dazzling color palate. Between the music and the visuals, it’s really worth experiencing this game for yourself, if you can.

Horizon Zero Dawn (2017)

The post-apocalyptic world of Horizon Zero Dawn shouldn’t have as lovely of a color palate as it does, but here we are. I still maintain the game is the best looking game I’ve played, and it’s true. The world of Horizon Zero Dawn is one rich in personality and vibrancy, playing out the duality between the warm world of humanity and the cold one of the machines perfectly.

Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020)

Final Fantasy VII Remake uses a specific color palate for a reason, but man does it pull off some great things with it. Not only that, the game is just… so cinematic. Not just in its cutscenes, but in certain boss fights you’ll be treated to a visual set piece to set up the next stage of the fight, without breaking to a CGI cutscene.

But seriously, that last shot of the Buster Sword in the foreground and Cloud with the vast expanse of space in the background is masterful.

Miscellaneous

Final Fantasy XV (2016)

There’s something to be said for the few shots this game has of Luna and Noctis together (since they spend the entirety of the game apart). It’s sad stuff and makes me feel things.

Dark Souls (2011)

The Dark Souls games have very few cinematics, but the one you get when you reach Anor Londo for the first time is quite a treat. That perpetual sunset!

Persona 5 (2016)

Persona 5’s art style doesn’t really lend itself to memorable shots, except for the few sequences the game goes full anime for important moments. Go get ‘em, crime boy.

Overwatch (2015)

Blizzard, please bring back the cinematics for Overwatch. They’re high quality stuff, and have some really stellar visuals. They don’t impact the game itself, or are even in the game at all, but this shot in particular deserves to be spotlighted without a doubt.

Thank you for reading Patch Notes! If you enjoyed this, share it with your friends and on social media. If you just found this page, take a look at the archive and subscribe if you find something to your liking. Questions, comments, and article ideas can be sent to Mary Clarke on Twitter or at mclarkenhs@gmail.com.