Best Games With Low Graphics – Investment Policy

Video game graphics have come a long way in recent decades. Early 2000s games look quite dated now, but today’s games feature incredibly realistic characters – sometimes almost too realistic. Features like ray tracing, lifelike reflections, detailed hair, and even visible skin pores are now possible. While not every gamer uses these high settings all the time – maybe just for screenshots – the improvements in graphics are truly impressive.

You don’t need incredibly realistic graphics to create a successful game. In fact, we’re starting to see a trend in PC gaming where simpler games are becoming more popular, especially as PC parts get more expensive. Games that are smaller and can run on older computers are gaining traction. Ultimately, a fun, engaging gameplay experience that doesn’t rely on things like microtransactions or superficial content is what really matters – graphics take a backseat to enjoyment. Plenty of highly successful games prove this point by achieving success without needing top-of-the-line graphics.

Vampire Survivors

Highly Addictive Retro-style Bullet Hell

When I think of games that unexpectedly became huge hits with incredibly simple designs, Vampire Survivors immediately comes to mind. It’s a fantastic find not only for fans of bullet hell or roguelite games, but also for anyone who feels nostalgic for classic arcade games and a more straightforward gaming experience.

The game is easy to understand but incredibly captivating: you start in a world filled with enemies and try to survive for as long as you can. Between waves of enemies, you can spend the gold you’ve collected to become stronger. You’ll also discover power-ups, unlock new items, and find hidden treasures.

Ultrakill

A Love Letter For Quake And Doom

Classic games like Doom and Quake remain enjoyable even now, which is why it’s exciting to see newer games like Ultrakill drawing inspiration from their old-school, somewhat rough-around-the-edges style. Ultrakill lives up to its name – it’s all about intense, over-the-top action and destruction.

This game throws you into intense battles against waves of demons and other monstrous enemies. Just like in the classic Doom, you regain health by collecting their blood. The game intentionally features a retro visual style – both the levels and creatures will feel instantly familiar to fans of older first-person shooters. It’s a fast-paced, visually striking experience that doesn’t need fancy modern graphics to be incredibly fun.

Crow Country

Leaning Into Old-School PS1 Graphics

A growing trend in gaming is the deliberate use of retro graphics. This can be to evoke feelings of nostalgia, or to recreate the unsettling atmosphere of older games. This technique works especially well in survival horror, and it’s a key reason why Crow Country gained popularity. The game intentionally mimics the look and feel of early PlayStation 1 horror titles like Silent Hill and Resident Evil.

So, I ended up exploring this seriously creepy, abandoned theme park – it totally felt like something ripped from Silent Hill 3! Even though I didn’t grow up playing games on those older consoles, I totally get why people are so into this game. It’s just packed with nostalgia! Plus, the story is really well-done, and they throw in some awesome puzzles, which is always a win for me.

RimWorld

Simple But Effective Graphics For A Super Fun Colony Sim

Over time, the character designs in RimWorld have become pretty famous in the gaming world. Even people who haven’t played the game likely recognize the characters – they’re known for their simple, cylindrical bodies and heads.

It sounds easy, and the game’s world is too! You’ll build and guide a colony in a randomly generated 2D world. The art style is simple but appealing, and the game is so engaging and unpredictable that it doesn’t need fancy graphics to be fun.

Terraria

Vibrant 2D Pixel Goodness With Personality

One of the best things about Terraria is its charming retro pixel art style, which will appeal to fans of classic RPGs. While the game is simple overall, it’s packed with intricate details in everything from its textures to its many items. You could think of it as a 2D version of Minecraft, but with more focus on RPG elements and characters that aren’t limited to blocky designs.

In Terraria, you’re placed in a vast, open world where you’re free to set your own goals. Whether you want to build a home, attract characters to live in your world, or challenge powerful and unique bosses, the game lets you decide. This freedom is a key reason why Terraria has remained so popular over the years.

Undertale

Its Quirky Art Style Is As Unforgettable As Its Story

If you played RPG Maker games over fifteen years ago, you’ll probably see some familiar elements in Undertale. It’s a truly independent game – it looks simple, but has a surprisingly rich and complex story. The art style is unique and endearing, with sprites that feel like a throwback to classic RPGs.

Many players enjoy the unique, retro look of Undertale, but what truly makes it special is its gameplay and story. Don’t be fooled by its simple appearance – the game is surprisingly deep, and your decisions significantly impact the experience with each playthrough. Even the battles are different, letting you find peaceful solutions instead of always fighting. Undertale cleverly subverts common RPG ideas, making it a fantastic game for anyone who loves video games.

Project Zomboid

The Sims 1’s Retro Charm Is Hitting Extra Hard

I first became interested in Project Zomboid because of its unique look. I don’t usually enjoy zombie survival games—I thought Dying Light was just average—but Project Zomboid immediately appealed to me with its top-down perspective and retro color scheme. It reminded me of classic games like The Sims 1, and even the somewhat blurry character designs felt wonderfully nostalgic.

This game is incredibly addictive and lets you create your own unique zombie apocalypse experience. The world is huge, and each playthrough feels fresh because loot is randomly generated. Your goal is simple: survive as long as you can against endless waves of zombies. It’s a sandbox game that really gets the core gameplay right, making it consistently fun and engaging.

Return of Obra Dinn

Colorless, But Fully Engaging And Packed With Mystery

Many of the games we’ve looked at have used retro or simple graphics, and this next one takes that even further – it’s completely black and white. That game is Return of Obra Dinn, and while that might not appeal to everyone, it’s a fantastic example of a game that excels despite not relying on flashy visuals. Or, perhaps you’ll find its distinctive style to be exactly what you enjoy?

You’ve been tasked with figuring out what happened to the merchant ship Obra Dinn, which vanished and has recently reappeared in port. It’s a deeply mysterious case that will require careful deduction and clever thinking. It’s an ideal game for puzzle lovers seeking a satisfying, but not overly lengthy, challenge. Be warned, though: once you solve the mystery, you’ll immediately want to experience the game again from the beginning, knowing nothing beforehand – that’s how captivating it is.

Caves of Qud

Low-Resolution, Immense Gameplay

Few things feel more old-school than the vibrant green interface and heavily pixelated graphics of Caves of Qud. It’s about as basic as visuals get, but surprisingly, it still offers a fantastic roguelike RPG experience that continues to captivate players. Be warned, though – this game doesn’t offer much guidance. However, it features a procedurally generated open world that feels truly alive and constantly changing.

This game offers a rich and immersive world filled with everything you’d expect from a great RPG: quests, interesting places to discover, and a surprisingly detailed backstory. Despite its simple graphics, the gameplay is surprisingly complex, and the robust character creation options will keep you engaged for hours.

Baba Is You

A Fresh And Challenging Puzzle Game That Keeps It Simple

As a Finnish gamer, I had to mention Baba Is You. This game is challenging and can be a little frustrating, but it’s incredibly unique. You win by changing the rules of the game itself – manipulating blocks and how they interact until you figure out how to win. It’s a really fresh take on puzzle gameplay.

Baba Is You is a truly rewarding game, though it demands a lot of patience. Its art style is unique – it blends the retro, pixelated look of Caves of Qud with the playful charm of Undertale. This handmade quality gives the game a cute and endearing feel, reminiscent of classic Pac-Man titles.

2026-01-13 06:08