Michael
Vafeas
|
by Michael Vafeas |
| As experienced video game enthusiasts, we like to believe that at the core of every great game is a well-designed and well-executed idea that is enjoyable to participate in. Indeed, some people believe that gameplay and interactivity should be the only criteria on which to base judgment of a particular game. Many are affectionate of the notion that a videogame’s graphics are of little significance, so long as the gameplay is good. In truth, however, while no one can dispute the preeminent importance of gameplay factors such as interactivity and good play control, it is unwise to assume that the visual aesthetics any game should be completely overlooked. Generally, a great game with good graphics is great; A great game with great graphics is phenomenal. Such observation comes at a time in which it seems that visuals are given priority over all else, and developers strive to take your breath away with rendered characters modeled from zillions of polygons in a convincing 3-D environment. While placing a person in a realistic virtual world is all fine and dandy, what is to be said for those of us who like to actually do something in this environment? We have all tasted the bitterness of games with supreme graphical prowess that have failed us terribly when it comes to actually playing the game. The sentiment in this case is usually one of disappointment, since screenshots and over-the-shoulder watching can only make one hope and expect that a game plays as good as it looks. The experience teaches us that while graphics may be interesting to watch, the pure joy of playing games does not come from observation alone, and that special effects by the bucketful are no substitute for decent gameplay, period. However, when a videogame is developed with a well-conceived engine and is programmed by individuals who are experienced in their field, graphics can add a distinct richness and quality to the game that could not be otherwise achieved. Tomb Raider, Super Mario 64, and Night Warriors are all examples of titles with superior programming. Moreover, they have a graphical excellence and style that makes each respective title as much a joy to play as to watch. Anyone who appreciates art will immediately realize that videogame graphics, when used effectively, function as more than pretty pictures. Walking through a dimly lit corridor sets a mood like no other. Exhilaration flows through you as you fight an enemy that appears many times larger than yourself. Looking up through a semi-transparent water surface and viewing a world distorted by rhythmical, undulating waves makes you see --- and believe --- that you are in the game. Game artists are keenly aware of this, and they go to great lengths to try to emulate a feeling or association with the world which they are creating. If it were not for the different responses that are elicited by visual stimuli, games would have less variation, and comparatively little depth. Conclusively, while it cannot be argued that a poorly executed game frosted over with tons of silicon and overlaid with an orchestrated CD-soundtrack remains, in essence, a bad game, graphics add a certain je ne sais quoi to a game that we all identify with, directly or subconsciously. As long as companies continue to fabricate games such as Virtua Fighter 3 and Star Fox 64, I will continue to welcome the blend of fantastic gameplay and graphics that make my jaws drop. For the future, you can bring on the texture-mapped, anti-aliased, z-buffered, and light-sourced polygons by the truckload, so long as you don’t forget the gameplay at home. |
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