10 Best Open World Games With Great Art Style

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The art styles in video games are one of the most crucial factors in shaping the experience.

Your personal taste plays a significant role here, but a unique gameplay style can create an engaging ambiance that might entice you to spend considerable amounts of time playing.

In my gaming experience, without the meticulous and outstanding art direction, even the grandest virtual realms could feel empty or lack depth.

By the way, some open-world games stand out with their distinctive visual aesthetics, which makes the process of exploring and advancing all the more rewarding.

Different game styles skillfully emphasize the key elements that make up a game, ranging from unique character designs to captivating settings.

Discover some exceptional open-world games boasting unique and breathtaking art styles, making them stand out in comparison to typical graphics.

10.
No Man’s Sky

The Journey Is The Only Destination

Driven primarily by science fiction novels and artwork from the 1970s through the 1980s, the game titled “No Man’s Sky” offers an adventure filled with sci-fi elements and exploration.

On an unidentified interstellar probe, you find yourself assuming command, as your spacecraft, partially damaged, embarks on a journey towards the farthest reaches of the cosmos.

In this storyline, you’ll be exploring the secrets of its world without a defined objective.

The main tale revolves around discovering the enigmas of the world, but it doesn’t have a particular end point to reach.

As a gamer, I’d say when it comes to the game’s aesthetics, each planet feels alien yet captivating with its mix of otherworldly allure and retro-futuristic flair. What truly blows my mind is that no two planets look alike due to its endless, procedurally generated terrain.

If you’re someone who enjoys aimless wandering rather than following predefined quests, No Man’s Sky seems like a celestial reverie, with exploration being the main attraction, making it an ideal choice to open this list.

9.
Tchia

I Am An Island Girl?

Tchia is an engaging action-adventure game that takes place in a vibrant, culture-inspired tropical island chain. One of its standout features is its captivating artwork and innovative gameplay elements.

In the game, you embody a spirited teenager named Tchia, on a mission to rescue your captured father. This unique character can leap from one soul to another, thereby gaining command over more than thirty animals and numerous inanimate objects.

As a passionate gamer, I found myself immersed in a world that seemed to have sprung straight from a watercolor masterpiece. The characters were intricately designed with a cel-shaded touch, while the backdrops boasted textures reminiscent of real life. This artistic blend made every new discovery a delightful surprise – be it hidden side quests, captivating points of interest, or the countless non-player characters I encountered along my exciting journey.

Tchia delivers a thrilling exploration experience, wrapped up in compelling narratives, and boasts strong navigation capabilities. Yet, it seems that the battle system could have been more refined.

8.
No More Heroes

Anime Collectibles Aren’t Cheap

The game titled “No More Heroes” is an action-adventure title boasting a unique blend of styles. It combines the vibrant animation style reminiscent of anime, the nostalgic feel of retro gaming, the edgy vibes of punk culture, and the cinematic flair of Western films.

As Travis Touchdown, a struggling otaku, your goal is to rise through the ranks and become the top assassin. To achieve this, you must face off against each member of the United Assassins Association in a series of battles that demand in-game funds.

Additionally, you could take on multiple temporary jobs outside of the game to supplement your income, however, some of these tasks might appear monotonous or routine because they often involve repetitive duties or goals.

The reason I found this game enjoyable was because it had a cel-shaded visual style that perfectly complemented its high-energy, chaotic atmosphere and offbeat humor.

Furthermore, its standout character designs, exhilarating death sequences, and fluid fighting dynamics give it a distinctive persona that makes it one-of-a-kind.

7.
Don’t Starve

Gothic Tim Burton-esque Vibes

In its unique indie survival genre, the game Don’t Starve stands out with its paper-cut gothic art style. The game is all about surviving as the title implies, and it adds an extra layer of challenge through a mechanism called permadeath, making the game progressively more difficult as you play.

In this game, you have the opportunity to control several characters, with the aim being to postpone death and endure for as long as you can.

Initially, I found myself taking shorter journeys, but with time and practice, one could potentially endure in perpetuity beyond mastering the challenge this game presents. The grueling mechanics and intricate world setup kept me on tenterhooks right up to the final level.

The artistic style of Don’t Starve brilliantly conveys an atmosphere of peril and amusement, giving it a distinct taste in gaming.

What really resonated with me was the way its Tim Burton-esque appeal and artistic flair transformed its terrors into a delightful and eccentric pandemonium.

6.
Sable

Hand-Drawn Piece Of Art

The game Sable lacks traditional combat and a linear progression path, but it certainly doesn’t disappoint in terms of visual appeal, boasting an art style reminiscent of Moebius. Instead,

As a young girl named Sable, you set off on a quest to locate a fitting mask amidst the ruins of Midden and bring it back to your wandering tribe.

As a passionate gaming enthusiast, I must say that Sable easily finds its place among the ranks of games known for their exquisite hand-painted art styles. The game’s visually stunning stylization and breathtaking vistas are truly a sight to behold.

Despite a handful of technical glitches and less-than-thrilling challenges obstructing my appreciation of its splendor, I believe that delving into its realm individually could prove incredibly captivating – an experience not to be underestimated.

5.
Eastshade

Brush Mightier Than Sword

Similar to the last post, Eastshade immerses you in a breathtaking journey that leaves you spellbound. The artwork, reminiscent of a painting, seamlessly complements its narrative, continuing to astonish me.

In this scenario, you’ll assume the part of an artist, a human one, venturing through four distinct areas within the animal-populated island world of Eastshade.

In this game, as an artist, you’ll find yourself visiting various places to finish your artwork. Exploration is essentially the core experience here.

Noteworthy is the fact that Eastshade deviates from being a typical walking simulator. Instead, it incorporates gameplay elements, advancement, and a well-structured storyline, which significantly contribute to the overall gaming experience.

That said, its art style and visuals compel you to sink endless hours into exploring it.

If you’re seeking a laid-back game that emphasizes exploration,

4.
Paradise Killer

Detective Work Meets Vaporwave Chaos

As a gaming enthusiast with a knack for detective stories, diving into the open-ended exploration of Paradise Killer was nothing short of captivating. Frankly, I found myself wandering aimlessly and yet, surprisingly, I could still finish the game without cracking the main mystery wide open.

In Paradise Island 24, you assume the role of a detective named Lady Love Dies, who has been banished for three hundred thousand days. Your mission is to identify the murderer when you are summoned to unravel the mystery. The intricate plot unfolds in ways that go far beyond typical expectations.

As a devoted admirer, let me share that Paradise Killer delivers an undeniably psychedelic journey, and it’s all thanks to its vibrant vaporwave art style and atmosphere. This world, illuminated by neon lights, seamlessly complements the intriguing cast of characters you’ll encounter – each one a suspect in their own right.

Providing an exceptional detective adventure, I appreciate how the game enables players to uncover mysteries within its strange atmosphere.

3.
Valheim

Viking-Fueled Adventure

Isn’t it true that we’re all fond of open-world survival games? But if you haven’t yet discovered this preference, perhaps the striking aesthetics of “Valheim” will captivate you, ranging from its immersive exploration to its atmospheric lighting.

In the imaginary realm called Valheim, you find yourself inhabiting a Viking who’s been down on his luck. You must thrive in this challenging environment by vanquishing adversaries, constructing dwellings, and manufacturing essential items to survive and endure.

This game boasts a charming artistic design, using soft low-resolution graphics to craft a tranquil, one-of-a-kind ambiance.

The stunning vistas remind me so much of old-school 3D games, their retro appeal is simply captivating and hard to forget.

Despite its awe-inspiring exploration and combats, Valheim may initially prove challenging for newcomers due to its steep learning curve. However, as you progress, the game becomes increasingly manageable.

2.
The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

No Sense Of Urgency

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve got to admit it – The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild truly raised the bar for our beloved franchise, thanks to its stunning cel-shaded art style that drew heavy inspiration from Studio Ghibli. There’s no denying that this game’s open-world design and artistic flair left a lasting impact on its successor.

In this scenario, you’d find yourself stepping into the shoes of Link, a man who’s recently awakened from a century-long sleep, completely devoid of any recollections about his previous life, such as his identity or reason for being.

Experiencing Breath of the Wild (BOTW) was incredibly immersive for me because of its engaging storyline. What makes it unique is that you have complete freedom in deciding not only how to restore your memories but also how to save Hyrule from Ganon.

As a dedicated gamer, what I love most about this game is the freedom to delve into the depths of exploration and crafting. These elements offer a fulfilling, non-linear journey that lets me dive deep and truly get lost within its world.

In my opinion, what sets this particular Zelda game apart is its distinctive art style and straightforward environment layout. Instead of going for photorealism, it offers an aesthetically pleasing, visually engaging world that makes each exploration feel like a visual treat.

1.
Ghost Of Tsushima

Akira Kurosawa’s Dreams Come Alive

In terms of stunning visuals, Ghost of Tsushima stands out due to its breathtaking landscapes, which appear as if they’ve been masterfully painted.

In the context of feudal Japan, inspired by the masterpieces of Akira Kurosawa, this game’s visual aesthetic seamlessly combines realistic elements with an artistic sense reminiscent of film composition.

In this scenario, you assume command over Jin Sankai, who is pondering a strategy that balances the principles of the samurai warrior with the ghost’s covert approach, as he finds himself facing overwhelming numbers from the Mongol invaders’ naval force.

In the game Ghost of Tsushima, instead of using traditional waypoints for locations, the game invites you to explore intuitively by following the direction of the wind or observing the flight patterns of birds, which guide you towards important points of interest. This method makes the exploration engaging and rewarding.

In this artistic approach, natural elements are consistently integrated, giving an earthy feel to the artwork. For instance, taking a soak in any hot spring can help restore your vitality, or tracking birds leads you to hidden treasures, quests, and discoveries.

To put it simply, the game I’m playing is an extraordinary work of art when it comes to exploration. In fact, I’ve found myself spending a lot more time gazing at its stunning landscapes on horseback rather than focusing on its side missions or other tasks.

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2025-06-01 15:41