Well if you we look at it from an artistic perspective the word "graphics" would actually encompass the entire piece, visual design, techniques used to create the image and all. The difference is "computer graphics" are different than "artistic graphics".
Best looking Wii U game out right now?
- Thread starter MrOogieBoogie
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Well if you we look at it from an artistic perspective the word "graphics" would actually encompass the entire piece, visual design, techniques used to create the image and all. The difference is "computer graphics" are different than "artistic graphics".
Roddslayer
Member
1 MK8
2 WWHD
3 3D World
They all look amazing
2 WWHD
3 3D World
They all look amazing
Meh, MK8 looks pretty decent, but it's not one of the best looking Wii U games, and not even close to one of the best looking games of the generation.
Apart from the fact that moving from a Wii to a PS4 spec machine would have killed dev time and I'd hazard a guess and say that the games would still have looked the same for a while. Moving up in increments and all that.
GreatestHits
Member
Can we shut up about MK8 looking bad. You're not even allowed to have that opinion. It's objectively awesome
lol
olimpia84
Member
Mario Kart 8 is the best looking game so far this gen, imo.
GreatestHits
Member
This. I believe we do have a winner on the system... And no less than the flagship title. I certainly was surprised after all the talk about how the WiiU was crap compared to the other systems. They are holding their own against much more powerful systems. They still have the magic, but it helps when you tailor your system hardware directly to your games and your feature list. And what a beautiful product indeed that comes from that philosophy of design..
Katzenjammer
Member
Fortunately I've never noticed it either in normal play, and I usually get distracted by variable framerate and micro stutter.
These two categories often influence each other to a point where they are inseparable. Graphics is simply the final image that appears on the screen. Having a very advanced engine that can push out incredible amounts of polygons will not make the game look "objectively" better if what you are rendering looks like shit. Large parts of the engine might also be written just to cope with a desired look for the game (an example that comes to mind is Mirror's Edge).
The simplest way to look at game graphics and determining if you like it or not, is to simply not think about what happens behind the curtains and just evaluate what the game is showing you on its own. This seems obvious but is surprisingly difficult to when discussing on a forum like this.
Vanillalite
Ask me about the GAF Notebook
Child of Light
Sorceror12
Member
I think Nintendoland still holds up well.
User 479360
Banned
Super Mario 3D World
Mario Kart 8
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD
Super Smash Bros.
Mario Kart 8
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD
Super Smash Bros.
iamaustrian
Member
they updated it out anyway
So you can confirm it then? If so, I'll be buying my own copy when I can.
in your opinion, of course
Of course. "Best looking" is pretty subjective.
Its definitely not bad looking. It's just not up there with the best looking Wii U games, like SM3DW, Pikmin 3, and DKCTF.
My top three:
3.- Pikmin 3
2.- Super Mario 3D World
1.- Mario Kart 8
Seven months later and I'm still amazed over MK8's graphics. Captain Toad will be added on that list though considering it's using the SM3DW engine enhanced, with better lighting and detailed textures. HNNNNGGHH can't wait to take screenshots of that game <3
3.- Pikmin 3
2.- Super Mario 3D World
1.- Mario Kart 8
Seven months later and I'm still amazed over MK8's graphics. Captain Toad will be added on that list though considering it's using the SM3DW engine enhanced, with better lighting and detailed textures. HNNNNGGHH can't wait to take screenshots of that game <3
I doubt most people notice it, it's not just you.
iamaustrian
Member
I have never experienced that stuttered/missing frame myself (no matter how hard I looked) but several affected people here said it apparently disappeared with one of the latest update(s).
Even though it's only 720p and 30fps, Pikmin 3 is still the prettiest game on the system in my eyes. There's something about it that makes a bigger statement as to Nintendo's graphical prowess than any other game they've ever made. Everything in the environment is just so damn artfully placed.
Unlike games like Zelda and Mario, Pikmin's layouts feel very organic... Nevertheless, you also always seem to know where to look based on the environmental layout and exceptional camera placement. This is an EXTREMELY overlooked "skill" in discussions about "the best graphics." To pull this off so naturally so as to seem effortless is the mark of a great graphical design because it not only creates a perfect atmosphere, but it complements the gameplay very well.
So really, I guess what I'm saying is: Pikmin 3 is the prettiest Nintendo game ever made due to the artful placement of every little detail.
Unlike games like Zelda and Mario, Pikmin's layouts feel very organic... Nevertheless, you also always seem to know where to look based on the environmental layout and exceptional camera placement. This is an EXTREMELY overlooked "skill" in discussions about "the best graphics." To pull this off so naturally so as to seem effortless is the mark of a great graphical design because it not only creates a perfect atmosphere, but it complements the gameplay very well.
So really, I guess what I'm saying is: Pikmin 3 is the prettiest Nintendo game ever made due to the artful placement of every little detail.
Oh I agree that one does absolutely nothing without (and often directly influences) the other but they can be seperated for the sake of discussion and in a lot of cases need to be.
evilromero
Member
My vote goes to Mario Kart 8. It's a combination of scope and art style.
Choppasmith
Member
Smh at all the graphics snobs. "Do you heathens even SEE those jaggies? I can't poison my eyes with such terrible graphics. Hmph!"
In any case, for me it's REALLY close, but I think I'd have to say it's MK8 then Smash then 3D World.
In any case, for me it's REALLY close, but I think I'd have to say it's MK8 then Smash then 3D World.
It almost doesn't even matter that there are flat ground textures. It only adds to the game's charm when played in person...
...screenshots of the game aren't very flattering for some reason and expose the "flatness" of some of the assets. But it's gorgeous in-game, and in motion.
Astral Dog
Member
Mario 3D World > Mario Kart 8.
Its more pleasing to the eye, there is something about MK8 that looks off to me, about the IQ and lightning compared to 3D World.
Its more pleasing to the eye, there is something about MK8 that looks off to me, about the IQ and lightning compared to 3D World.
Sorceror12
Member
Is that some kind of press shot? It's waaay to clean.
Sorceror12
Member
...possibly. It might be a bullshot. I guess I should do more than google Sonic Lost World. The Zelda DLC shot above doesn't do it justice though, it looks really good in motion....Not as good as some of the juggernauts mind you, but still great.
I think Super Mario 3D World and Mario Kart 8 are on par when it comes to visual appeal
both are great looking games. However, lighting gives the edge to Mario Kart 8.
I like how Mario Kart 8 mimics real world lighting/global illumination. Nintendo places light sources everywhere so the game feels cohesive.
There's also some prebaked radiosity and shadows that make the game feel more alive and unique.
Super Mario 3D World has a similar aproach but is nowhere near MK8. It lacks a lot of those details.
It still feels "cartoony/plastic" if that makes any sense.
both are great looking games. However, lighting gives the edge to Mario Kart 8.
I like how Mario Kart 8 mimics real world lighting/global illumination. Nintendo places light sources everywhere so the game feels cohesive.
There's also some prebaked radiosity and shadows that make the game feel more alive and unique.
Super Mario 3D World has a similar aproach but is nowhere near MK8. It lacks a lot of those details.
It still feels "cartoony/plastic" if that makes any sense.
Sorceror12
Member
oh i agree. it looks fantastic in motion as with the normal levels on lost world too. i also like the art style of the game.
James Scott
Banned
I'd go with 3D World if the camera was more dynamic like Galaxy's. It's a very clean look and some levels look really incredible.
MK8 is my choice, best looking current gen game for me
Great lighting, animation, just super pretty.
Even looking for it after people made such a big deal about it, i never noticed the 59fps thing.
Never had a big problem with the jaggies either despite destroying my experience with a lot of 3ds games. You can't really notice them while moving and since it's a racer you're not supposed to stop moving.
I think all first party Wii U games look really good (except for maybe DK, HW, and NSMBU which are all serviceable at least)
I really like how PG's Wii U games look too. W101, despite being technically similar to Wii games in some parts, looks really charming with its art style thanks to the tilt shift camera making it look like miniature play sets. Bayonetta 2 has nice colors and really nic characters even if some parts are rough. Really nice art direction too.
Stuff like Smash looks wonderful (on certain stages) and games like Captain Toad are delightful.
All of their 2015 stuff looks like a step up from everything they've released thus far and I'm excited.
MK8 is my choice, best looking current gen game for me
even if it's not technically the most impressive or whatever
Even looking for it after people made such a big deal about it, i never noticed the 59fps thing.
Never had a big problem with the jaggies either despite destroying my experience with a lot of 3ds games. You can't really notice them while moving and since it's a racer you're not supposed to stop moving.
I think all first party Wii U games look really good (except for maybe DK, HW, and NSMBU which are all serviceable at least)
I really like how PG's Wii U games look too. W101, despite being technically similar to Wii games in some parts, looks really charming with its art style thanks to the tilt shift camera making it look like miniature play sets. Bayonetta 2 has nice colors and really nic characters even if some parts are rough. Really nice art direction too.
Stuff like Smash looks wonderful (on certain stages) and games like Captain Toad are delightful.
All of their 2015 stuff looks like a step up from everything they've released thus far and I'm excited.
Yeah i get the willies just looking at the textures
Jokes aside its a decent looking game and evokes a strong atmosphere, but I wouldnt put it up as the best. I remember in particular being really let down when the same texture overlays onto the screen whenever you look up at a light, felt cheap.
lyrick
Member
ZombiU is funstuff games incarnate. It doesn't look the absolute best, but at times it is rendering two separate screen images.
it definitely has eerie down though:
peanutbutterlatte
Member
Wow, Zombi U got dat Home Bargains font down. Can't wait to play it.
One of few ports where they made an effort to get it running as well as it possibly could.
I'm going with Wind Waker as I took 259 shots of the game.
Some spoilers in there too for those who have not played the game.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/62859263@N07/sets/72157644992212225/
The skies and the character expressions are among my favorite shots. Funny thing, I was reading through The Cutting Room Floor Wiki recently about the development of OoT and one entry from Glitterberry "The developers seem to have a fondness for blue and pink skies." They still do! And I wouldn't have it any other way because it's so gorgeous to watch the sunsets in Wind Waker.
Some spoilers in there too for those who have not played the game.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/62859263@N07/sets/72157644992212225/
The skies and the character expressions are among my favorite shots. Funny thing, I was reading through The Cutting Room Floor Wiki recently about the development of OoT and one entry from Glitterberry "The developers seem to have a fondness for blue and pink skies." They still do! And I wouldn't have it any other way because it's so gorgeous to watch the sunsets in Wind Waker.
EternalTruth
Member
Mario Kart 8 and Smash
pinkurocket
Member
ZombiU does look really atmospheric.
I mean, the models and textures aren't the best, and no AA either but it really has a great look. I love the darkness and the eerie feel. Really well done.
I mean, the models and textures aren't the best, and no AA either but it really has a great look. I love the darkness and the eerie feel. Really well done.
Yep, totally agree.
I believe certain games on the system do certain things better than others.
Mario Kart 8's lighting has not been surpassed on the system. Along with the unique art style, it is definitely a treat to one's eyes--especially at a rock-solid 60FPS.
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U keeps its constant 1080p framebuffer whilst having a locked 60FPS on the Wii U is pretty impressive. Definitely has the best image quality on the system, and looks beautiful.
All in all, I think Super Mario 3D World takes the award for the best-looking game. To reiterate, I don't believe it's the most impressive, technically (that would either go to Mario Kart 8 or to Sm4sh). Its art-style, a constant 60FPS, and decent image quality along with the animations going on the screen at once make for a very vibrant, lively look for the game. It strikes a balance among these qualities without really sacrificing the visual quality of the game itself. Considering each level has its own theme, each level offers our eyes something fresh and pleasing to look at from the last. The fact that it does this through so many levels without making the game dull just goes to show how much care was put into the artistic design of the game's numerous levels.
Mario Kart 8's lighting has not been surpassed on the system. Along with the unique art style, it is definitely a treat to one's eyes--especially at a rock-solid 60FPS.
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U keeps its constant 1080p framebuffer whilst having a locked 60FPS on the Wii U is pretty impressive. Definitely has the best image quality on the system, and looks beautiful.
All in all, I think Super Mario 3D World takes the award for the best-looking game. To reiterate, I don't believe it's the most impressive, technically (that would either go to Mario Kart 8 or to Sm4sh). Its art-style, a constant 60FPS, and decent image quality along with the animations going on the screen at once make for a very vibrant, lively look for the game. It strikes a balance among these qualities without really sacrificing the visual quality of the game itself. Considering each level has its own theme, each level offers our eyes something fresh and pleasing to look at from the last. The fact that it does this through so many levels without making the game dull just goes to show how much care was put into the artistic design of the game's numerous levels.