In the world of video games, so much hinges on what you see on the screen that it’s impossible to separate the games from their graphics.  That’s probably why they call them “video” games. As consoles become more powerful and more fully understood by developers, graphics seem to continue on a never-ending path that will eventually bridge the so-called “Uncanny Valley,” forging on towards photorealism.  This year, as is the case with pretty much every year, the gaming world was treated to the most impressive visuals ever produced. There were games like Dead Space, Far Cry 2 and Crysis Warhead that blew players away with their technical prowess, rendering characters and environments with lifelike accuracy and stunning realism, and games like Patapon and Prince of Persia that capture our hearts with inimitable style and artistry, each carving their own niche in gaming’s visual landscape.  Then, there are the rare gems that manage to blend technical acumen with stylistic beauty to create unique experiences that stay fresh in our minds for years to come.  LittleBigPlanet and Rez HD immediately spring to mind. 

Only one game can be given the award for best visual presentation for 2008, however, and though the competition was certainly stiff, one title put images on our screens that surpassed all others.

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