While photorealism is one measure of graphical excellence, artistic style can be equally impressive. Moon Studios’ Ori and the Will of the Wisps, released in 2020, is a prime example of how a distinctive art style can create a visually stunning game.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a 2D platformer, but its visuals are anything but flat. The game uses a technique called parallax scrolling to create a sense of depth, with multiple layers of background elements moving at different speeds as the player traverses the environment. This creates a rich, three-dimensional feel despite the game’s side-scrolling nature.

The game’s color palette is one of its standout features. Vibrant, luminescent blues and purples dominate many of the game’s environments, creating a dreamlike, ethereal atmosphere. These are contrasted with warm oranges and reds in other areas, adding variety and emotional resonance to different parts of the game world.

Ori, the game’s protagonist, is a masterpiece of character design. The small, glowing spirit creature is beautifully animated, with fluid movements that make it a joy to control. Ori’s glow serves both an aesthetic and gameplay purpose, standing out against the detailed backgrounds and helping players keep track of their character during fast-paced sequences.

The game’s environments are incredibly diverse and detailed. From lush forests to barren deserts, each area has its own distinct visual identity. The level of detail is astounding – leaves rustle in the wind, water ripples and reflects light, and particles float through the air, bringing every scene to life.

Lighting plays a crucial role in Ori and the Will of the Wisps’ visual appeal. The game makes extensive use of dynamic lighting, with Ori’s glow illuminating nearby surfaces and other light sources casting realistic shadows. This creates a sense of depth and atmosphere that’s rare in 2D games.

What’s particularly impressive about Ori and the Will of the Wisps is how it maintains its visual fidelity even during intense action sequences. The game runs at a smooth 60 frames per second on most platforms, ensuring that the beautiful visuals never come at the cost of gameplay responsiveness.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps proves that “best graphics” doesn’t always mean “most realistic.” Its breathtaking art style and attention to detail create a visual experience that’s every bit as impressive as any photorealistic game.