Even we are in an AI-powered world and currently, much of the inventions are taking place using AI. We are living in a world full of HDTVs and hyper-realistic graphics. Thus, it’s easy to forget that some of the best video games in the industry rely not on photorealistic design, but on the original art style that is hand-drawn. Many video game companies are still using hand-drawn characters and scenes in their unique games.
Here we have collected for you the top 10 most beautiful games for PC and gaming consoles that are hand-drawn, the designers of which drew everything by hand and then transferred it to digital form giving life to their imaginations.
10. Child of Light
The fabulously beautiful watercolor animation of this game allows you to completely immerse yourself in the problems and wonders of the magical world of Lemuria for several hours. Another interesting feature of this game is the poetic form of all dialogues.
The main character of Child of Light is the girl Aurora, who must save Lemuria from the evil Queen Umbra. The game has a corporate mode, so you can go on an adventure together, in this case one player will play as Aurora, and the other as a firefly who will help the heroine in battle.
9. Odin Sphere
Vanillaware is a video game developer with a hand-drawn art style perfected, and Odin Sphere’s 2D mystical adventure is a prime example.
In the game you need to gather a group of adventurers and defeat numerous enemies in order to save the magic kingdom. The script and design of the world is inspired by Norse mythology, the works of William Shakespeare, fairy tales and early video games such as the 1997 Princess Crown.
The bright colors and wide-eyed characters are the highlight of Odin Sphere’s design. Even enemies and bosses look like characters taken straight from the manga.
8.The Banner Saga Series
Inspired by Scandinavian mythology and enhanced with visuals worthy of Ralph Bakshi’s cartoons, this series is the perfect union of storytelling and visuals.
A detachment of warriors is under the control of the player, who must complete a certain task at a certain point in the game world. On the way to the goal with the squad, various incidents will often occur, and the player will need to make decisions that affect the further development of events.
7. Hollow Knight
One of the most beautiful hand-drawn games in the world, it features an easy-to-learn yet difficult-to-master style that keeps players coming back for more. Hollow Knight is very friendly to beginners, but will not allow you to subjugate everything that happens in the game without proper practice.
In addition to addictive gameplay, it also has an art style worthy of Tim Burton’s works.
6. Cuphead
Don’t be fooled by this fun cartoon style, Cuphead will put even seasoned players down on its animated floor. Its main character lost in a dispute with the devil, and in order to return the favor, he fights with various bosses (fortunately, with an endless number of attempts).
The game’s design is inspired by cartoons from the 1930s. Even the animation technique of Cuphead is the same as that used in animation in the 30s of the last century. With one exception: Cuphead gameplay is 60 frames per second, whereas older cartoons have 24 frames per second.
Cuphead is a very atmospheric project, but its brutal complexity is daunting. Players may appreciate the graphics, but they won’t like it if they can’t go through the first location. You can? Well, good luck!
5. Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet
One of the most unusual 2D games on PC and Xbox 360 was created by the studio of Canadian animation artist Michel Gagne. This arcade game features not only amazing visuals, but also a complete lack of dialogue and speech. The whole plot is revealed with the help of videos.
In addition to destroying enemies, the player will have to collect puzzles and look for numerous bonuses hidden in the “branches” of locations.
4. Dragon’s Crown
Another beautiful 2D game from Vanillaware studio. This action / RPG for PS4, PS3 and PS Vita consoles is a mixture of traditional fantasy themes, characters and images.
Every frame, every cut-scene, every character, monster or wait animation looks like something from the Dungeon Master’s Guide brought to life. Paying homage to Conan the Barbarian and many other famous fantasy sagas, the developers have definitely created this game with love.
3. Jotun: Valhalla Edition
This hand-drawn action game is worth taking a look at at least once.
You have to play for the harsh Torah, who died ingloriously, and now with her actions in her afterlife must prove to the gods that she is ready to feast in Valhalla, along with other warriors. Jotun’s mythical themes are worthy of the iconic God of War, and its gorgeous hand-drawn animations are on par with Samurai Jack.
2. Skullgirls
One of the games that are almost pure fan service. Is it bad? In this case, no. In contrast, the 2D fighting game, based on the work of illustrator Alex Achad, has insanely creative imagery and animations that make it memorable.
1. Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom
This platformer game is a sequel to the Wonderboy adventure game series. With its fun cartoon style and versatile gameplay, Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom has received positive reviews from gamers and critics alike. In the first 7 days of its existence, the game has sold 50,000 copies.
An interesting ability of the protagonist is the ability to transform into one of 6 animal forms (you can switch between them at any time). Add to this an interesting storyline, unique weapon and armor abilities that can also be improved, and you will understand why on Metacritic Monster Boy received high ratings for various platforms (at least 85/100).
So, which hand-drawn video game is now your favorite one? tell us in the comments.
