Over time, comic books have evolved significantly from their early fame as a form of entertainment, giving rise to various media that emulate their distinctive visual aesthetic. For instance, we’ve seen this in the Spider-verse films and more recently, the popular animated series Arcane.
Regarding the realm of entertainment media, it’s worth noting that the style of comic books has been skillfully blended into several video games as well. While this isn’t a completely new concept these days, games that managed to execute this style flawlessly have left lasting impressions and are often considered among the most iconic or impactful video game titles for enthusiasts.
If you appreciate the artistic flair of comics or graphic novels, buckle up! Here’s a tailored selection of top 10 video games boasting a comic book art style – some are my personal recommendations, while others are widely acclaimed industry favorites.
While some games in this discussion may not have thoroughly integrated their art style, the fundamental concept remains deeply embedded within them.
10. The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker
The Sea is Your Oyster
In a distinctive artistic approach, The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker transforms the world of Hyrule into something reminiscent of a whimsical children’s storybook or, to be more specific, an enjoyable comic book.
In a playful, lighter style, Wind Waker stands out as one of the few games within the series that exudes a cheerful and whimsical atmosphere compared to the worlds depicted in Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess, the latter of which has a more mature and at times darker tone.
The artistic design mirrors the thrilling sensation of this game, as if you’re embarking on a voyage across the vast oceans alongside Link or discovering countless exotic islands scattered worldwide.
In essence, the unique art style combined with innovative gameplay mechanics in this game demonstrates that the developers have poured immense passion and dedication into its creation, setting it apart from other Zelda games that came before or followed it.
9. Borderlands
This Ain’t No Place For No Hero
For me, the Borderlands series holds a unique place in my heart. One of my most cherished memories involves spending countless hours with friends, chatting non-stop about life and various topics, all while raiding treasure together and battling bosses simultaneously.
Additionally, these games stand out not just by their gameplay, but also their distinctive visual aesthetic. It appears as if it were inspired by cell-shading, yet it employs bold ink strokes and outlines more commonly found in graphic novels or comics.
Additionally, these manually sketched textures contribute to a stylish appearance in the game, with the characters being particularly noteworthy. From the unique Vault Hunters to the charming non-player characters such as Mad Moxxi and Tiny Tina, they truly stand out.
Despite some reservations about the narrative choices in Borderlands 3 and doubts about the future of Borderlands 4, we can set those concerns aside because all the games in this series share a comic book art style, which makes them perfect for our focus on such games.
Instead of starting individually, I recommend diving right into the series with the Handsome Collection edition, which combines the second game and the pre-sequel title together. Plus, it includes all additional content for both games. Frankly, this package offers the most value as I find these games more appealing than the third one due to its questionable writing quality and narrative choices.
8. Viewtiful Joe
Side-Scrolling Action Bonanza
One video game series that frequently crosses my mind and seems due for a revival is the captivating Viewtiful Joe. This gem, unfortunately overlooked by many, showcases an unprecedented level of ingenuity from Capcom, at least in comparison to other games released during its time.
The primary reason for its creativity is its unique art direction that combines elements from 90’s Japanese Manga, along with the dramatic flair of shows like Kamen Rider and Super Sentai. This results in a visually striking and eccentric style that stands out among Capcom’s diverse collection of franchises.
As a dedicated fan, let me share my enthusiasm for a remarkable side-scroller action game that stands among the best in its category. I strongly encourage you to give it a try if its unique appeal catches your eye. Unfortunately, what keeps this gem from capturing the hearts of modern gamers are two factors: firstly, there’s no current-gen console port yet, and secondly, the gameplay exhibits a touch of unpolished roughness.
7. XIII
Part-Time Graphic Novel, Part-Time Graphic Shooter
XIII, a unique gaming experience, is deeply rooted in a genuine Belgian graphic novel series. With its distinctive blend of comic-style aesthetics and subtle cell-shading effects, it has earned a devoted following among enthusiasts, setting itself apart as a cult favorite.
The game is a first-person shooter with a noir-thriller narrative that bears some resemblance to Max Payne, especially since you delve into the enigmatic past of ‘XIII,’ who mysteriously gains the skills of a highly trained, covert military operative after waking up without memories.
In conclusion, I strongly advise trying out the classic versions of the game instead. The remake available on Steam has received poor reviews (as indicated by OpenCritic scores), and it seems to have destroyed much of what made the original so special. At times, it even makes the gaming experience less enjoyable from both a visual and gameplay perspective.
6. The Wolf Among Us
The Melancholy of Bigby Wolf
Telltale’s “The Wolf Among Us” brilliantly embodies the essence of a comic book narrative, seamlessly transformed into an engaging video game experience. This transformation is further enhanced by thoughtful gameplay elements that significantly contribute to the overall experience.
Drawing inspiration from Bill Willingham’s acclaimed Fables comic book series, the core of The Wolf Among Us revolves around an intriguing murder mystery plotline where your decisions influence different aspects and results. This complex narrative is further enriched by a richly developed ensemble of characters and Bigby Wolf, who serves as our captivating protagonist, steering the storyline throughout.
This engaging storytelling game has an exceptional, dark and melancholic style that sets it apart. It’s perfect for bookworms and might even be the best comic book game adaptation yet. By the way, I can’t help but warn you – waiting for its sequel could put you into a trance just like me!
5. Sly Cooper
Never a Dull Moment
I couldn’t help but bring up the “Sly Cooper” video games created by Sucker Punch, as they share a distinct animation style reminiscent of comic books popular among teenagers in the early 2000s.
The game stands out among top action-adventure titles because it allows you to join forces with Sly and his team of cunning thieves, executing stealthy heists that earn you substantial rewards in the form of treasures collected from each level.
As a fellow gamer, let me tell you, even though some small issues prevent them from running smoothly on PS5, if you haven’t played these games yet, you’re really missing out. They laid the groundwork for PlayStation’s golden era in the gaming industry and boasted some of the best comic-book-style cinematics I’ve ever seen.
4. Comix Zone
Sketch Turner vs. The World
Regardless of personal opinions, the Sega Genesis undeniably paved the way as a pioneering video game console during its era, boasting numerous cherished games. One title that swiftly pops into mind for this collection, hailing from some of the console’s lesser-known masterpieces, is “Comix Zone”.
In simple terms, “Comix Zone” is a game that resembles the “Streets of Rage” series, with its action-packed beat-em-up style. You play as Sketch Turner, battling mutants and other strange creatures in your own comic book world, trying to overcome insurmountable odds in your story.
The primary charm and distinctiveness of this game lies in its unusual environment: Comix Zone immerses you completely within a comic strip world. This is evident from the level layout where you engage in battles, to the cinematic sequences and gameplay visuals, which are all presented as comic book panels.
One great aspect is that you don’t need to have a Genesis console; instead, you can play the game on Nintendo Switch through the SEGA Mega Drive and Genesis Classics Collection. It’s an overlooked classic from SEGA that beautifully captures the comic book art style in video games, making it a true gem for nostalgic gamers.
3. Hi-Fi Rush
Happy-Go-Lucky Rockstar
It’s hard to overlook the sensation created by Tango Gameworks’ game, Hi-Fi Rush, which spread like wildfire on social media platforms and gaming charts, garnering a multitude of favorable responses from players who embarked on Chai and his group’s fanciful adventure.
Apart from its clever action-oriented game mechanics, Hi-Fi Rush stands out for its exceptionally vibrant art design reminiscent of comic books. In fact, it features speech balloons and other comic book effects, lending an extra touch of creativity to the gaming experience.
Despite the uncertainty about a possible sequel, it’s delightful to witness Tango Gameworks revitalized under Tencent. The game Hi-Fi Rush has endured and continued to be cherished by gamers since its initial launch, which underscores its lasting impact on the gaming community.
2. Ultimate Spider-Man
An Ultimate Dose of Nostalgia
In my leisure hours, I often find myself thinking about a select group of PlayStation 2 games, and sometimes it’s Ultimate Spider-Man that stands out as one of the finest open-world games for the console. It’s a title that rivals other beloved Spider-Man games from my childhood, such as Spider-Man: Friend or Foe, or even the movie games inspired by the Raimi Trilogy.
The exceptional comic book art style in Ultimate Spider-Man sets it apart and gives it a distinctive character among other games. This is evident from the entire open world to the combat with enemies, which features traditional effects such as pop-up text, speech bubbles, and other comic-like elements, particularly noticeable during boss battles.
One enjoyable aspect is this: not only can you take on the role of Spider-Man, but you’ll also have the chance to play as Venom, who offers unique gameplay mechanics, battles against bosses, and missions that differ significantly from those of our friendly neighborhood superhero. This means there are occasional instances where you get to step out of Spidey’s shoes and experience something else instead.
In essence, this game prioritizes quality over quantity, meaning it’s not like the expansive open-world titles such as the latest Spider-Man games from Insomniac. However, what it does offer is something that Insomniac only hinted at – the ability to play as Venom without any limitations.
1. Gravity Rush
Forever Underrated & Underappreciated
Deep in my heart, I can’t find it in me to ever pardon Sony for ruthlessly dismantling and closing Japan Studios, a team that crafted many games that shaped my creativity, such as Bloodborne, LocoRoco, Ico, and especially the Gravity Rush series.
I have a deep affection for “Gravity Rush,” originally known as “Gravity Daze” in Japan, which I was introduced to by a friend’s recommendation back in 2016. Over time, this unique game captured me with its somewhat dizzying visuals and the most captivating virtual worlds I’ve ever encountered in a video game.
In addition to its unique zero-gravity gameplay, Gravity Rush features Kat and Raven as its primary characters and a world that’s beautifully designed. What sets it apart is the use of comic book-style panels for cutscenes and segments, which may initially surprise you but ultimately adds to the charm of the game. This artistic choice complements the overall aesthetic of the game, making it even more delightful.
As a gamer, let me tell you, this game has become my go-to recommendation. It wasn’t just its unexpected twist that hooked me during my teenage years, but also its irresistible charm. And if you’re like me, who loves getting lost in entertainment where the action unfolds high above the earth, then you’ll find it hard to resist this game set in the vastness of the sky.
Initially released as a PlayStation Vita game, Gravity Rush was later upgraded to a PS4 version, and its sequel significantly improves upon the original while retaining the captivating appeal I previously mentioned. On sale, it’s an obvious choice for anyone seeking games that continue to receive well-deserved attention long after their initial release.
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2025-04-14 18:43