The next generation of gaming consoles is here, and they are ushering in a new era of gaming technology. GameSpot reports that both the Xbox One and the Playstation 4 consoles were so highly anticipated that both companies sold more than 1 million units within 24 hours of their launch. With game developers finally able to access to increased processing power and graphics cards of these consoles, the graphical limitations of the previous generation have been cast aside. Here are some of the most visually appealing games of 2013:
‘Tom Clancy’s The Division’
“Tom Clancy’s The Division” is set to change the way people play online RPGs, and XBOX Magazine reports “The Division” features thousands of weapons, gadgets, crafted items and more. Among the most stunning graphical advancements to be displayed at E3, “The Division” runs in the new Snowdrop engine, developed in-house by Ubisoft for next-gen console use. The graphics look brilliant and fluid, with no load times and smooth framerates. Crisp light and deep shadows cut across the post-apocalyptic skyline of New York, and textures ranging from the cloth of BDUs to skin glisten with a shimmering light that seems almost real. “The Division” was built solely for next-gen consoles, and it shows.
‘Infamous: Second Son’
Game developer Sucker Punch has truly taken advantage of the power of the Playstation 4 to take the “Infamous” franchise to the next visual level. The graphical upgrade from the previous title in the series to “Second Son” is incredible, but is more than just flowing particle effects and lifelike-reflections — the fidelity and quality of onscreen faces is astounding, and the light plays off the skin of characters faces in cut scenes natural and organically. Beautiful atmospheric effects, such as snow and rain, create a sense of wetness that makes futuristic Seattle seem realistic, and gives it a quality that is reminiscent of “Bladerunner.”
‘Battlefield 4′
While the much anticipated “Battlefield 4” is available for both the Playstation 3 and the Playstation 4, the graphical difference is noticeable. The already noteworthy realism of the “Battlefield” franchise is amplified by the sharp fidelity of the PS4′s powerful graphic processor, allowing detailed textures and particle effects to replicate flame and smoke realistically. Lush environments full of living plant life whip in the wind and tropical storms set in on tiny islands. Sunlight beams through clouds of dust caused by the collapsing of skyscrapers. Naval vessels burn on the surface of troubled waters on moon-lit oceans. The stunning hi-res graphics are just one of the many reasons “Battlefield 4″ was one of the most anticipated titles of 2013, with Forbes reporting more than a quarter million pre-orders for the PS4 version alone.
The Witcher 3
“The Witcher 3” is setting out to define next gen fantasy RPGS. With a mammoth world that IGN reports is even larger than the famed Skyrim region of “Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,” the newest game in the famous “Witcher” franchise has created a vast and magical world of danger and adventure. Every area in the vast sandbox world of “The Witcher 3” has its own unique visual style, differing architecture, weather, climate, and locals. The terrible creatures of the Wild Hunt look incredible — the trailer for the game shows a stag-like creature called a Leshen dissolving into a flock of birds before reappearing as a twisted amalgamate of roots and antlers to do battle with the franchise’s protagonist, Geralt. Staring from the coast out towards the many islands that populate the explorable region of the game, the depth of field is almost vertigo-inspiring. “The Witcher 3” has set out to take its place on the throne as the king of next-gen fantasy RPGs.
