Over the past few decades, the technology surrounding games has evolved at an exponential rate. This is particularly true when it comes to the level of realism being achieved by computer graphics and also various improved methods of motion capturing and 3D object scanning. Like animated or live action sports movies, sports games in particular can greatly benefit from a heightened sense of realism, giving players far more immersion and making them feel like they are participating in a real sports event.
The following are examples of some of the highest levels of realism yet seen in sports games, or many other games for that matter.
1. FIFA 23
The beloved FIFA franchise by EA sports has gradually been reaching greater and greater levels of realism over the years with each instalment adding improvement. With FIFA 23, though, it has truly reached next-gen levels. With the introduction of “HyperMotion” technology in the last instalment, a new method of motion-capture, player movement has been made more life-like than ever before. Together with its stunning quality graphics, and selection of real-world players and stadiums, FIFA 23 is pushing the envelope of sports game realism to ever greater levels.
2. NBA 2K23
Boasting some of the smoothest gameplay alongside some of the most incredible graphics yet seen in a 2K sports game, the NBA 2K series developers pay a level of attention to realistic detail that is simply astounding. The details can be as small and subtle as players in the game get visibly tired as time goes on, and even developing sweat on their skin. The realism is provided both by the quality imagery as well as the well-captured player movement, which all looks extremely life-like.
Though there are different versions available for current and last-gen game consoles, the exact same smooth gameplay and incredible-looking graphics are offered by each.
3. Steep
Newer titles, like Shredders, have attempted to emulate Ubisoft’s snowboarding masterpiece, Steep, since it was first released in 2016. None have quite managed to top its stunningly realistic visuals though. This is made all more evident when participating in some of the game’s other fun activities besides snowboarding and skiing, such as paragliding and wingsuit-flying. Several other exciting activities are also added by DLC.
4. MLB The Show 23
Not only does MLB The Show 23 by developers San Diego Studio stand as one of the most robust games of its type currently available in terms of gameplay, the visuals are also at a level never seen in a baseball game. The cinematic intros are particularly impressive, with crisp, clean graphics, beautifully rendered in maximum detail, showing realistic looking players, stadiums, and animated crowds of spectators. Detailed customisable characters are another big selling point, as well as multiple entertaining styles of gameplay for those looking for a challenge or just some straight up fun.
5. PGA Tour 2K23
After purchasing and rebranding “The Golf Club” series, PGA Tour 2k21 is yet another masterpiece of realism offered by 2K Sports. This magnificent looking game is a golf simulation like many other similar titles, though also contains various difficulty levels, as well as plenty of assist-modes, for casual gamers too.
Considered by far the most realistic looking golf game ever made, PGA Tour 2k21 will take you through 15 pristine real-world courses, and nearly 30 other custom courses made especially for the game.
6. F1 22
Another game with incredibly life-like intros and cut-scenes, F1 22 by Codemasters manages to hit levels of realism on an unprecedented level. More a simulation than a racing game, as an F1 game should be, F1 22 takes the realism even further, often blurring the lines of what you can visually tell is real. Included is multiple exciting and entertaining game modes and features.
7. Forza Motorsport 7
While the Forza Horizon series of racing games focus on a more casual and fun arcade-like racing experience, the Forza Motorsport series, like the F1 games, are more like race car simulators. With an incredible amount of accuracy and detail, Forza Motorsport 7 is another game that often looks like real footage at a glance. Furthermore, this is not just during cutscenes, but even during gameplay, when at certain times, under certain lighting and angles, your mind can be completely tricked into thinking you seeing something real.
8. Riders Republic
Following Steep’s example in creating an ultra-realistic extreme sport environment for players to have fun, Rider’s Republic has generally had huge success as a result. Also a Ubisoft game, one benefit it has over Steep though, is that it has been made for the newest generation of consoles, namely PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. The greater processing power of the newer consoles helps keep the stunning and highly realistic visuals and gameplay running as smooth as butter.
Amazing Things Are Coming For Gamers
The games mentioned here truly are an incredible sight to behold and bring a very different kind of experience than people are generally used to in gaming. They are also a testament to just how incredibly far games have come over the years. If you think these games are impressive though, you better keep your boots on, because the truly incredible stuff has only just begun.
Imagine playing one of the games mentioned above while fully immersed in VR! While this is already being done experimentally with certain games like flight simulators and games similar to what you’d find at Lotus Asia casino, soon, such an experience will likely become available for many other types of games and for everyone to try out!
Basically, the gaming world is on the verge of an exciting new dawn of innovation in which games are going to evolve in ways that most of us can hardly begin to imagine. In terms of realism, it’s likely only going to get better and better until the point eventually arrives where reality and game-world become visually indistinguishable. When exactly that day will happen is uncertain. However, at the rate that things are going, who knows? It might actually not be that far off.
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