In the world of realtime 3D graphics, depiction of nature scenes is one of more challenging parts due to possible stuff like organic items, beliavable materials or terrain space.
It could be more difficult to achieve compared to rooms/interiors or even city architecture.
Recently, i was thinking a lot about specific era, when game graphics already surpassed early attempts of PS1/Saturn/N64 days, but were still not reaching richness of UE3/Crysis days of PS3/X360. For this time, i'm the most interested to remember how things were done in between.
Platforms, games from which i suggest to remember here, would include Sega Dreamcast, Sony PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube and Microsoft Xbox. I also think it would be fair to accept Sony PlayStation Portable here, perhaps Nintendo Wii as well (it's powered up version of GC, tech wise, well). Don't know if we should also add Nintendo 3DS here, but i'm ok if you would. Obviously, i don't include Vita as i consider it being close to "almost PS3" tech wise, while DS is "close to N64" in my eyes. However, you are free to mention any arcade solution based on consoles that i suggested, if needed (there were plenty of them based on DC, PS2 and even Xbox).
For now, i would ask to leave out PC games out if discussion for plenty of reasons (i'm very interested how developers were reaching results with this or that fixed harware architecture, sometimes with amazing workarounds), please understand. Though i'm sure we could remember very impressive case in 90s or early 2000s like Outcast or Chrome. Might be a fit for another thread, i don't know.
I would be happy if you would not only try to post "greatest examples" (there are obvious choices that i will mention soon), but even less visually "strong" ones in case they are still charming, or did something interesting in it's own way, or there are other reasons why you would like to discuss it. Things like developer interviews or article quotes are also would be very welcomed in case you wanted to go a bit in depth.
So, for starters, some games i can currently remember and we can take a look of how much they succeeded or not with nature environment depictions. Feel free to discuss them and/or add your own examples!
***
DREAMCAST
***
D-2 (1999). Many would remember it for it's cold winter. Here is a curious quote from interview with Kenji Eno about artistic choice:
Technically, it's not very detailed i guess, in terms of landscapes, but i think it's still pretty nice for early 6th gen visuals.
***
Dead or Alive 2 (2000). One of most impressive games visually both on Dreamcast and it's arcade sister Naomi. Image doesn't do it justice as you need to see multi-floor stages by yourselves for best impression. Yes, it included some nice environments with mountains/water as well.
***
Virtua Fighter 3tb (1998). Would be really unfair if i didn't mention. Perhaps it was not as mind blowing as arcade debut of VF3 in 1996, but it made it home as launch title for DC, after all. As you remember, this game in series was the most experimental and had, for example, uneven floor - which also made sense for some nature-themed locations.
***
Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future (2000). Yeah, how about underwater? Surely Ecco is very stunning as sea world adventure.
***
Phantasy Star Online (2000). Kinda impossible to talk about nature in videogames without mentioning MMORPG genre, where very often players have luxury of exploring such world. Luckily, Dreamcast had PSO.
***
Shenmue II (2001). You can't talk about Dreamcast while not mentioning the most ambitious saga, Shenmue. While it mostly takes place in townsphere, in sequel you spend plenty of times in beautiful Guilin region, impressive with it's forest and mountains.
***
PLAYSTATION 2
***
Splashdown (2001). Do you really like water? And also open to enjoying some sky and maybe a bit of the land around? This one may quench a little thirst.
***
Final Fantasy X (2001). Heartwarming and epic jrpg by Square(Enix) was one of first "impressive graphics" releases for PS2. And of course it's world, Spira, had plenty of beautiful places.
***
Tekken 4 (2002). Maybe overall T4 isn't considered a best game in series, however it was pretty interesting both in design decisions and also very impressive from a technology point. Not only it had high-poly characters, but stages also were pretty good loking, including Beach and Jungle ones.
***
Way of the Samurai (2002). While not being very advanced compared to some other examples, this semi-openworld game has some memorable scenery, being set in Feudal Japan.
***
Forbidden Siren (2003). Siren series were an experimental approach to horror genre both in gameplay mechanics and narrative. And while Forbidden Siren 2 could be called an ultimate letter of love for the aesthethics of abandoned industrial places, i'd now remember those brief parts of first game that characters spent in natural areas, be that amazingly dark and horrifying mountain forest or rice fields nearby sunked in myst.
***
Downhill Domination (2003). This was some curious racing games made by people behind War of the Monsters and Twisted Metal franchise. I think i would pick this instead of early SSX games due to how it relies more on actual scene geometry rather than skybox backgrounds.
***
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004). Do you like forests? We have you covered, then.
***
Shadow of the Colossus (2005). There is absolute no way we could talk about landscapes made via PS2 and not mention SotC! It was a game that triumphed both on artistic and technical (well, there were framerate problems, but also it used so many tricks to push hardware it always amazes what developers achieved). Really, one of absolute highlights of nature-based game worlds.
***
Darkwatch (2005). One of my favorite console fps games ever. And while it mostly takes place in town buildings or underground mines, i still can appreciate pleasant views of Wild West landscapes.
***
Wild Water Adrenaline featuring Salomon (2005). One of game by some ex-Outcast developers. While game itself might be an acquired taste, people behind it knew how to make some nice environments.
***
TransFormers Armada (2004). I think that folks who worked at Melbourne House were real wizards. They surprised me with Test Drive Le Mans for Dreamcast (perhaps most beautiful racing game there), and then they made Grand Prix Challenge for PS2 with very impressive weather and physics. Also known for PS2/PSP versions of Test Drive Unlimited. Now, game in question, TransFormers, might be one of games that really tried to push PS2 for foliage. Just gorgeous.
***
Genji: Dawn of the Samurai (2005). This samurai tale looks vibrant, picturesque and lush. Great opportunity to dive into breathing world of 12th century Japan's countryside.
***
Mountain Bike Adrenaline (2007). This was a budget game that became a victim of problems with physics engine which led to many bugs and problems. However, it had some nice nature sceneries based on 4 different countries around the world.
***
Final Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin (2013). It's pretty wonderful how FF XI was first released in 2002 and it's last expansion came out 11 years later. Of course, being mmo AND final fantasy game, it gives us plenty of wonderful environments of all kinds.
***
GAMECUBE
***
Wave Race: Blue Storm (2001). Sequel to beloved racing classic from N64 is a good way to enjoy water-focused environments from different parts of the world.
***
Star Wars: Rogue Squadron II - Rogue Leader (2001). It was a stunning launch title for GC, and had some memorable environments. Not only industrial tech of Dark Star, but also some nature scenery. Including cold snow areas of Hoth, of course.
***
Pikmin (2001). Now something unique. Pikmin is experimental take on strategy genre, and also due to how small characters are, it feels like you got caught into macro photography. And we all can enjoy beautiful flowers and other vegetation.
***
Lost Kingdoms (2002). One of FromSoftware hidden gems, Lost Kingdoms series were card-based RPG games. And yes, indeed they had some natural places to wander.
***
Doshin the Giant (2002). It is, in fact, remake of obscure N64DD game. But i can't miss it due to how it takes place on island and it's very relaxing to be there. Also main character, avatar of sun, can give habitants more trees.
***
Metroid Prime (2002). Phendrana Drifts might be one of most memorable winter-themed levels for many players.
***
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2002). What about some cel-shaded environments? Look no further than into Wind Waker! Great example of stylisation that holds up greatly after years.
***
Star Fox Adventures (2002). Unlike other games in series, this one takes an approach that allows exploration more. And, indeed, there are some lovely environments to immerse yourself into.
***
Star Wars: Rogue Squadron III - Rebel Strike (2003). Third part in series also featured impressive environments, including battles in a dense forest where trees can fall down from explosions.
***
Resident Evil 4 (2005). Yes, RE4 was one of GameCube's most visually powerful titles, and while it more excelled in "built by human hands" environments, there were some "pure nature" locations as well, which includes iconic forest from the beginning chapters.
***
Star Fox Assault (2005). As with any epic space adventure, you can visit various planets and enjoy pleasant views.
***
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006). Twilight Princess was one of "swan song" games for GC, and while perhaps it didn't push it as much as some other titles, it had nice variety of different nature environments, be those forests, fields, riversides, caverns or more.
***
Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie (2005). GameCube was pretty nice with multiplatform releases, and King Kong is no exception. And for us, who enjoy virtual world environments, it can provide some cool scenery, from rocky coasts to caves and jungles.
***
XBOX
***
Blood Wake (2001). If ocean and coastlines are all you need, then this early title is a good fit.
***
Dead or Alive 3 (2001). With access to new powerful hardware, Itagaki's team upped their game in visual department.
***
Halo: Combat Evolved (2001). There is no Xbox without Halo. Or so they say. Regardless, in this generation-defining (among console fps) game you can also enjoy different wonders of nature, whether you walk as soldier or use transport.
***
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (2002). One of most important RPG series entered world of console platforms with this game. Morrowind is pretty unique with it's weird and wonderful world. Have fun exploring it!
***
Otogi: Myth of Demons (2002). Among more unique Xbox games, Otogi series were spectacular mixing ancient Japan setting with surreal imaginery. There are different natural environments to explore, on earth and in air, warm and cold, during day and night.
***
Panzer Dragoon Orta (2002). Games in PD series often touch question of how civilization and technology conflicts with nature and organics. In Orta, as usual, you can witness both sides.
***
Amped 2 (2003). As usual, if you love winter theme and mountains, then snowboarding games are a good pick. Amped series debuted on Xbox and used hardware well to depict the cold vastness.
***
Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge (2003). If you want more golden combo of sea, mountains and skies, go here.
***
Ninja Gaiden (2004). Just like with RE4, i couldn't leave out platform's extremely important game. And yes it also shines more in city environments or indoors, but still there are some parts of the games that you spend in mountains or caves.
***
Fable (2004). Fable was a project with great ambitions and not all of them made it into final release. However, it still made a gift for players by providing various environments to enjoy. As for forest areas, there is Darkwood, Greatwood, Witchwood and more!
***
OutRun 2 (2004). One of best arcade racing games also looks amazing. Hardware was based on Xbox platform, so home conversion was great. Yes, like usual, road itself is artificially made by humans, but there is still nature around you to enjoy.
***
RalliSport Challenge 2 (2004). If you desire to have even more contact with mother nature in a racing game, than you should consider rall for off-roading experience. This game in question was created by DICE, so it looks good as well.
***
Conker: Live & Reloaded (2005). It doesn't have that much organic places like some games could have, but there are still portions of nature exploration with nice vegetation and fauna.
***
Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath (2005). This game is pretty quirky and very charming. But also you spend plenty of times outdoors, hunting or surviving in canyons, lakes, caves or forests. Weird West, as i would say.
***
Far Cry: Instincts (2005). Really need to mention this. It's not just an attempt to bring "the jungle fps" to Xbox, but more like an awesome spin-off built specially for it. So use this to refresh your tropical resort feelings.
***
Well, that's all for now. Looking forward discussion and/or other examples!
It could be more difficult to achieve compared to rooms/interiors or even city architecture.
Recently, i was thinking a lot about specific era, when game graphics already surpassed early attempts of PS1/Saturn/N64 days, but were still not reaching richness of UE3/Crysis days of PS3/X360. For this time, i'm the most interested to remember how things were done in between.
Platforms, games from which i suggest to remember here, would include Sega Dreamcast, Sony PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube and Microsoft Xbox. I also think it would be fair to accept Sony PlayStation Portable here, perhaps Nintendo Wii as well (it's powered up version of GC, tech wise, well). Don't know if we should also add Nintendo 3DS here, but i'm ok if you would. Obviously, i don't include Vita as i consider it being close to "almost PS3" tech wise, while DS is "close to N64" in my eyes. However, you are free to mention any arcade solution based on consoles that i suggested, if needed (there were plenty of them based on DC, PS2 and even Xbox).
For now, i would ask to leave out PC games out if discussion for plenty of reasons (i'm very interested how developers were reaching results with this or that fixed harware architecture, sometimes with amazing workarounds), please understand. Though i'm sure we could remember very impressive case in 90s or early 2000s like Outcast or Chrome. Might be a fit for another thread, i don't know.
I would be happy if you would not only try to post "greatest examples" (there are obvious choices that i will mention soon), but even less visually "strong" ones in case they are still charming, or did something interesting in it's own way, or there are other reasons why you would like to discuss it. Things like developer interviews or article quotes are also would be very welcomed in case you wanted to go a bit in depth.
So, for starters, some games i can currently remember and we can take a look of how much they succeeded or not with nature environment depictions. Feel free to discuss them and/or add your own examples!
***
DREAMCAST
***
D-2 (1999). Many would remember it for it's cold winter. Here is a curious quote from interview with Kenji Eno about artistic choice:
Technically, it's not very detailed i guess, in terms of landscapes, but i think it's still pretty nice for early 6th gen visuals.
***
Dead or Alive 2 (2000). One of most impressive games visually both on Dreamcast and it's arcade sister Naomi. Image doesn't do it justice as you need to see multi-floor stages by yourselves for best impression. Yes, it included some nice environments with mountains/water as well.
***
Virtua Fighter 3tb (1998). Would be really unfair if i didn't mention. Perhaps it was not as mind blowing as arcade debut of VF3 in 1996, but it made it home as launch title for DC, after all. As you remember, this game in series was the most experimental and had, for example, uneven floor - which also made sense for some nature-themed locations.
***
Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future (2000). Yeah, how about underwater? Surely Ecco is very stunning as sea world adventure.
***
Phantasy Star Online (2000). Kinda impossible to talk about nature in videogames without mentioning MMORPG genre, where very often players have luxury of exploring such world. Luckily, Dreamcast had PSO.
***
Shenmue II (2001). You can't talk about Dreamcast while not mentioning the most ambitious saga, Shenmue. While it mostly takes place in townsphere, in sequel you spend plenty of times in beautiful Guilin region, impressive with it's forest and mountains.
***
PLAYSTATION 2
***
Splashdown (2001). Do you really like water? And also open to enjoying some sky and maybe a bit of the land around? This one may quench a little thirst.
***
Final Fantasy X (2001). Heartwarming and epic jrpg by Square(Enix) was one of first "impressive graphics" releases for PS2. And of course it's world, Spira, had plenty of beautiful places.
***
Tekken 4 (2002). Maybe overall T4 isn't considered a best game in series, however it was pretty interesting both in design decisions and also very impressive from a technology point. Not only it had high-poly characters, but stages also were pretty good loking, including Beach and Jungle ones.
***
Way of the Samurai (2002). While not being very advanced compared to some other examples, this semi-openworld game has some memorable scenery, being set in Feudal Japan.
***
Forbidden Siren (2003). Siren series were an experimental approach to horror genre both in gameplay mechanics and narrative. And while Forbidden Siren 2 could be called an ultimate letter of love for the aesthethics of abandoned industrial places, i'd now remember those brief parts of first game that characters spent in natural areas, be that amazingly dark and horrifying mountain forest or rice fields nearby sunked in myst.
***
Downhill Domination (2003). This was some curious racing games made by people behind War of the Monsters and Twisted Metal franchise. I think i would pick this instead of early SSX games due to how it relies more on actual scene geometry rather than skybox backgrounds.
***
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004). Do you like forests? We have you covered, then.
***
Shadow of the Colossus (2005). There is absolute no way we could talk about landscapes made via PS2 and not mention SotC! It was a game that triumphed both on artistic and technical (well, there were framerate problems, but also it used so many tricks to push hardware it always amazes what developers achieved). Really, one of absolute highlights of nature-based game worlds.
***
Darkwatch (2005). One of my favorite console fps games ever. And while it mostly takes place in town buildings or underground mines, i still can appreciate pleasant views of Wild West landscapes.
***
Wild Water Adrenaline featuring Salomon (2005). One of game by some ex-Outcast developers. While game itself might be an acquired taste, people behind it knew how to make some nice environments.
***
TransFormers Armada (2004). I think that folks who worked at Melbourne House were real wizards. They surprised me with Test Drive Le Mans for Dreamcast (perhaps most beautiful racing game there), and then they made Grand Prix Challenge for PS2 with very impressive weather and physics. Also known for PS2/PSP versions of Test Drive Unlimited. Now, game in question, TransFormers, might be one of games that really tried to push PS2 for foliage. Just gorgeous.
***
Genji: Dawn of the Samurai (2005). This samurai tale looks vibrant, picturesque and lush. Great opportunity to dive into breathing world of 12th century Japan's countryside.
***
Mountain Bike Adrenaline (2007). This was a budget game that became a victim of problems with physics engine which led to many bugs and problems. However, it had some nice nature sceneries based on 4 different countries around the world.
***
Final Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin (2013). It's pretty wonderful how FF XI was first released in 2002 and it's last expansion came out 11 years later. Of course, being mmo AND final fantasy game, it gives us plenty of wonderful environments of all kinds.
***
GAMECUBE
***
Wave Race: Blue Storm (2001). Sequel to beloved racing classic from N64 is a good way to enjoy water-focused environments from different parts of the world.
***
Star Wars: Rogue Squadron II - Rogue Leader (2001). It was a stunning launch title for GC, and had some memorable environments. Not only industrial tech of Dark Star, but also some nature scenery. Including cold snow areas of Hoth, of course.
***
Pikmin (2001). Now something unique. Pikmin is experimental take on strategy genre, and also due to how small characters are, it feels like you got caught into macro photography. And we all can enjoy beautiful flowers and other vegetation.
***
Lost Kingdoms (2002). One of FromSoftware hidden gems, Lost Kingdoms series were card-based RPG games. And yes, indeed they had some natural places to wander.
***
Doshin the Giant (2002). It is, in fact, remake of obscure N64DD game. But i can't miss it due to how it takes place on island and it's very relaxing to be there. Also main character, avatar of sun, can give habitants more trees.
***
Metroid Prime (2002). Phendrana Drifts might be one of most memorable winter-themed levels for many players.
***
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2002). What about some cel-shaded environments? Look no further than into Wind Waker! Great example of stylisation that holds up greatly after years.
***
Star Fox Adventures (2002). Unlike other games in series, this one takes an approach that allows exploration more. And, indeed, there are some lovely environments to immerse yourself into.
***
Star Wars: Rogue Squadron III - Rebel Strike (2003). Third part in series also featured impressive environments, including battles in a dense forest where trees can fall down from explosions.
***
Resident Evil 4 (2005). Yes, RE4 was one of GameCube's most visually powerful titles, and while it more excelled in "built by human hands" environments, there were some "pure nature" locations as well, which includes iconic forest from the beginning chapters.
***
Star Fox Assault (2005). As with any epic space adventure, you can visit various planets and enjoy pleasant views.
***
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006). Twilight Princess was one of "swan song" games for GC, and while perhaps it didn't push it as much as some other titles, it had nice variety of different nature environments, be those forests, fields, riversides, caverns or more.
***
Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie (2005). GameCube was pretty nice with multiplatform releases, and King Kong is no exception. And for us, who enjoy virtual world environments, it can provide some cool scenery, from rocky coasts to caves and jungles.
***
XBOX
***
Blood Wake (2001). If ocean and coastlines are all you need, then this early title is a good fit.
***
Dead or Alive 3 (2001). With access to new powerful hardware, Itagaki's team upped their game in visual department.
***
Halo: Combat Evolved (2001). There is no Xbox without Halo. Or so they say. Regardless, in this generation-defining (among console fps) game you can also enjoy different wonders of nature, whether you walk as soldier or use transport.
***
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (2002). One of most important RPG series entered world of console platforms with this game. Morrowind is pretty unique with it's weird and wonderful world. Have fun exploring it!
***
Otogi: Myth of Demons (2002). Among more unique Xbox games, Otogi series were spectacular mixing ancient Japan setting with surreal imaginery. There are different natural environments to explore, on earth and in air, warm and cold, during day and night.
***
Panzer Dragoon Orta (2002). Games in PD series often touch question of how civilization and technology conflicts with nature and organics. In Orta, as usual, you can witness both sides.
***
Amped 2 (2003). As usual, if you love winter theme and mountains, then snowboarding games are a good pick. Amped series debuted on Xbox and used hardware well to depict the cold vastness.
***
Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge (2003). If you want more golden combo of sea, mountains and skies, go here.
***
Ninja Gaiden (2004). Just like with RE4, i couldn't leave out platform's extremely important game. And yes it also shines more in city environments or indoors, but still there are some parts of the games that you spend in mountains or caves.
***
Fable (2004). Fable was a project with great ambitions and not all of them made it into final release. However, it still made a gift for players by providing various environments to enjoy. As for forest areas, there is Darkwood, Greatwood, Witchwood and more!
***
OutRun 2 (2004). One of best arcade racing games also looks amazing. Hardware was based on Xbox platform, so home conversion was great. Yes, like usual, road itself is artificially made by humans, but there is still nature around you to enjoy.
***
RalliSport Challenge 2 (2004). If you desire to have even more contact with mother nature in a racing game, than you should consider rall for off-roading experience. This game in question was created by DICE, so it looks good as well.
***
Conker: Live & Reloaded (2005). It doesn't have that much organic places like some games could have, but there are still portions of nature exploration with nice vegetation and fauna.
***
Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath (2005). This game is pretty quirky and very charming. But also you spend plenty of times outdoors, hunting or surviving in canyons, lakes, caves or forests. Weird West, as i would say.
***
Far Cry: Instincts (2005). Really need to mention this. It's not just an attempt to bring "the jungle fps" to Xbox, but more like an awesome spin-off built specially for it. So use this to refresh your tropical resort feelings.
***
Well, that's all for now. Looking forward discussion and/or other examples!
Last edited:
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