Unity is a versatile game engine that has conquered the hearts of developers all over the world. So much so that it is the most used engine according to itch.io, with 110 thousand total projects on their website. For comparison, the runner-up, Construct, has only been used in 31.5 thousand projects – that’s less than a third of Unity’s total numbers!
As years go by, more and more features are added to this incredible engine, upgrading the toolkit to which independent (indie) developers have access, which in turn helps them create games that are ever more visually stunning. In this article, we’ll be exploring some of the best-looking Unity games out there, showcasing the creativity of game developers and the engine’s graphical capabilities.
Best looking Unity games: 7 visually stunning games made with Unity
While realistic graphics have an appeal of their own, they may not always be the best choice for a game. In fact, most games greatly benefit from taking a stylized approach to game art: it cuts development costs down, makes the entire process faster, and also adds a charm unique to your game.
However, what makes a game’s graphics truly incredible is the way everything comes together. The art style, color palette, textures, lights, environment design, characters, and even clothing all play a vital role in creating a game that looks amazing. Let’s take a look at 7 games that do so masterfully in their own ways:
Syberia: The World Before
Developed and published by Microids, Syberia: The World Before was released in 2022 and features spectacular visuals, with clockwork steampunk (and all its features, like robots and gears) being their major source of inspiration. This adventure game will take you on a time-twisting journey, telling the story of two different women from different eras at the same time.
Escape from Tarkov
Developed by Battlestate Games, a Russian game studio, Escape from Tarkov is a tactical first-person shooter (FPS) set in the fictional city of Tarkov. Plagued by political conflicts and constant fights between two private paramilitary companies, the city has since been sealed from the rest of the country. Known for its hardcore and action-packed gameplay, Escape from Tarkov became popular among realistic FPS fans, having since been praised for its immersive atmosphere.
As far as its graphics go, Escape from Tarkov’s high attention to detail and impressive graphics help players capture the feel of the game. It features realistic textures, lightning effects, highly-detailed weapon designs, immersive atmospheric conditions, and beautiful environments (both indoors and outdoors) that help create a sense of tension. In this game, a slight mistake could be your demise.
Morbid Metal
Developed by Felix Schade, a solo developer, Morbid Metal is a hack-and-slash rogue-lite where players can shapeshift between four different characters whenever they wish, each featuring unique abilities and dazzling attacks to mow down their foes. Two bad news for you, though: the game hasn’t hit the stores yet, and we don’t have an ETA for its release. Bummer.
In spite of that, Morbid Metal’s trailer gives us a taste of what its visuals will be like: nothing short of impressive. Its high-quality character models (which seem to take some inspiration from Warframe), intricate semi-procedurally generated elements, and beautiful visual effects are sure to cause a lasting impression on players all over the world.
Monument Valley series
Monument Valley is a series of mobile puzzle games developed by Ustwo games. In all of its two iterations, the game follows a silent princess named Ida as she navigates through impossible structures and mind-boggling optical illusions.
Despite not featuring state-of-the-art graphics, its minimalistic, yet highly stylized aesthetic that blends geometric shapes, vibrant flat colors, and intricate patterns in an isometric view creates an otherworldly setting that captivates its players. On top of everything, there is an atmospheric soundtrack that fits just right, making Monument Valley one of the best premium mobile games available.
Cuphead
Developed by StudioMDHR, this run-and-gun game made the news shortly after its release in 2017. It follows the adventures of Cuphead and his brother, Mugman, after a gamble at the devil’s casino has gone awry, leading them on a quest to repay their debt.
Despite being filled to the brim with challenging boss fights and platforming levels, Cuphead’s success was largely carried by its jazzy soundtrack and unique visual style, which takes heavy inspiration from the cartoons of a bygone era. Each and every frame was hand-drawn in the style of the 1930s cartoons, which creates fluid, but exaggerated movements, attracting young people looking for a challenge and nostalgic older gamers alike.
Genshin Impact
Developed by MiHoYo and released in 2020, Genshin Impact is an action role-playing game (ARPG) with gacha elements. It takes place in the whimsical world of Teyvat, where players meet a variety of colorful characters and embark on a dangerous journey as they search for their lost sibling.
One of the greatest factors for Genshin Impact’s success was its graphics, featuring a vibrant and colorful open world that players can explore however and whenever they like. From its towering mountains to its lush forests, every cranny and nook of the game was carefully designed and hand-crafted, with many secrets to unravel and collectibles to find. The game’s characters are also colorful and unique, with visually impressive particle effects to complement their flashy skills.
Hollow Knight
This 2D side-scrolling action game was developed by Team Cherry. In Hollow Knight, players take on the role of a knight who explores an intricate and atmospheric world filled with unique fauna to conquer, secrets to find and challenges to overcome. As players find their way through the game, they might find power-ups and abilities that can drastically change the gameplay, unlocking new possibilities.
It’s safe to say that Hollow Knight’s graphics were a major factor in making it a popular and successful game. Its unique art style combines dark backgrounds with vibrant characters and creatures, creating a stark contrast between both. By carefully animating all creatures and cleverly using light and shadow, Hollow Knight’s developers were able to create a mysterious, yet atmospheric and alluring world that feels very professional
Unity Unleashed: Crafting the Future of Gaming with a Versatile Game Engine
Unity stands as a testament to its prowess in the gaming world. Over the years, Unity has grown to be the go-to engine for developers, offering a powerful toolkit that empowers them to create outstanding games. Whether you’re into 2D games, immersive VR experiences, or engaging 3D worlds, Unity has proven itself time and time again.
Some of the best games made with Unity are visually stunning, showing that the engine is fully capable of producing top-tier, AAA-quality visuals. From VR hits like “Beat Saber” that immerse players in a rhythmic lightsaber duel to expansive 3D games with the scope of “Pokemon Go,” Unity pushes the boundaries of what a game can look like.
Moreover, Unity’s extensive capabilities extend to the mobile world, where it has become a leader in mobile game development. Unity not only powers popular games on platforms like PS4 but also fuels many mobile games you might have played on your phone. The engine’s flexibility allows it to create everything from addictive strategy games to captivating card games. It’s all about what the developer is trying to achieve, and Unity provides the means to do so.
Unity’s contributions don’t stop at visuals; it’s a robust engine for multiplayer and battle royale games. It keeps players engaged with its reliable performance and immersive experiences. The Unity community, too, is a driving force behind its success, showcasing the engine’s potential in each unique creation. Unity isn’t just a game engine; it’s a platform for dreams and ideas to take shape.
In essence, Unity has not just been a game development engine but a powerful tool for crafting entire universes of interactive experiences. It’s the engine that can turn a simple concept into a mesmerizing and realistic experience. So, whether you’re a game development company or an independent creator, Unity is here to help you push the boundaries of what’s possible in the gaming world.
Are you ready to create your upcoming game with Main Leaf?
In conclusion, Unity is definitely a powerful game engine capable of creating rich visual experiences. While it might not match up to the Unreal Engine in terms of realistic graphics at the highest end, Unity still holds its own and is widely used in the industry. Remember that, as we mentioned earlier in the article, it’s not about realism, but how all the visual elements come together to create an unforgettable experience.
However, the success of a game doesn’t depend only on its graphics – it’s critical to invest in good game design and development, too. The former will ensure the gameplay feels great and the world is immersive, whereas the latter will be the ones building the game brick by brick and fixing (or trying to fix) all those pesky bugs. And that’s where we can help you out!
At Main Leaf, we develop phenomenal games on demand for our clients, offering a one-stop solution for all game development needs. Having done so for 13 years, we are experts in all areas of game creation – design, art, and programming – and we would love to bring your vision to life.
Our roster of 70+ skilled professionals is ready to take on your project at any time – and all you need to do to get started is request a game quote down below. Don’t worry, we’ll respond within 24 hours!
