Some of the best games out there have terrible graphics. While this is not always true, developers often focus on gameplay and story over graphics. This problem can lead to some pretty ugly-looking games, but don’t let that dissuade you from playing them. There’s this idea in video games that more fabulous visuals always translate to a better one. We’re just as big a fan of visual fidelity as the next person, and there’s no denying that plenty of lovely titles isn’t simply all appearances. Oftentimes, emphasizing graphics rather than story, depth, and gameplay is not entertaining. Let’s prove that.
1. Minecraft
Millions of people worldwide enjoy playing Minecraft, a sandbox video game with blocky graphics that has become one of the most popular games in history. While many players love the creative and exploratory aspects of Minecraft, others find the graphics to be a bit too primitive for their taste. Regardless of personal preference, it is hard to argue with the game’s success. The game features simple but effective graphics that allow for a great deal of player creativity. Although the game’s visuals may not be to everyone’s liking, there is no denying that Minecraft is one of the best-known titles ever.
2. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is a highly engaging and enjoyable game despite its lack of cutting-edge graphics. The game is set in a near-future world where humans have been divided into two factions: those with cybernetic implants and without. You play as Adam Jensen, a member of an elite task force entrusted with taking down a terrorist organization known as the Augmented Rights Coalition.
The game’s story is excellent, and the gameplay is both challenging and rewarding. The game also features a unique stealth system that allows you to approach situations in multiple ways. Whether you choose to go in guns blazing or sneak your way through the shadows, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is a title you should not miss.
3. Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II
Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II is a first-person shooter PC video game released in 1997. The game takes place in the Star Wars universe and follows the story of Kyle Katarn, a former Imperial agent who joins the Rebel Alliance. Although the game’s graphics are quite dated, the gameplay is still very enjoyable and immersive. This game features a variety of weapons and Force powers you can use to defeat your enemies. If you are a fan of the Star Wars franchise, this game is worth checking out.
4. Super Mario Bros.
This is a 1985 platform video game developed by Nintendo, published for Nintendo Entertainment for NES. The game follows the adventures of Mario and Luigi, two plumbers who travel through the Mushroom Kingdom to rescue Princess Toadstool from Bowser. The bad graphics aspect of this example among games is due to the title being decades old. It was also one of the first to feature a female protagonist. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 40 million copies worldwide. Despite its age, Super Mario Bros. is still widely considered one of the greatest video games of all time.
5. RuneScape
RuneScape is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) for PC and browsers (initially) created by Jagex Games Studio and released in 2001. Players must create a member account on the RuneScape website or download and install the client program from the official website on their computers to play. Once installed, players can connect to one of many servers run by different hosting companies across various world regions. They use their login information granted at signup and choose what type of gameplay they like: player versus player (PvP), player versus environment (PvE), or both.
6. League of Legends
League of Legends is a multiplayer online PvP PC video game developed by Riot Games. The game was released in 2009 and has since become one of the most popular games in the world. League of Legends is played by two teams of five players who compete against each other to destroy the enemy’s base. The game features various characters, each with unique abilities, appearances, skins, and playstyles. The graphics are not particularly impressive; the strategic gameplay and competitive nature make it a viral, successful game.
7. DOOM
DOOM is a first-person shooter video game that came out in 1993. This title is set on a space station that demons have overrun. As the player, your goal is to fight your way through the hordes of enemies and ultimately defeat the final boss, the Icon of Sin. It was one of the first games to popularize the first-person shooter genre and remains widely accepted as one of the best of this type. Although the graphics are quite dated, the fast-paced gameplay and challenging levels make DOOM a timeless classic.
8. Pac-Man
Pac-Man is a true classic. The game was released in 1980 and quickly became an arcade sensation. Despite its simplistic graphics, the game is incredibly addictive and challenging. Players control Pac-Man as it navigates a maze, eating pellets and avoiding ghosts. The goal is to clear each level before time runs out. Pac-Man is often credited with popularizing the genre of maze chase games. It’s a timeless title that is still as fun to play today as it was over 35 years ago. It’s proof that good gameplay trumps pretty graphics any day of the week.
9. Wolfenstein 3D
Wolfenstein 3D is an FPS video game developed by id Software and released in 1992. The game follows the events of World War II and tasks the player with escaping from a Nazi prison. Once free, the player must fight through a series of levels set in different locations, such as castles and military bases. Wolfenstein 3D is considered one of the most influential first-person shooters ever made. Although the graphics are basic by today’s standards, the game was revolutionary for its time. Plus, it laid the groundwork for many subsequent games in the genre.
10. Dwarf Fortress
Dwarf Fortress is a single-player fantasy game for PC, Mac, and Linux, released in 2006. The title is set in a procedurally generated world and tasks the player with managing a group of dwarves as they establish a fortress. You can control a dwarven outpost or an adventurer in a randomly generated, persistent world. As we know, Dwarf Fortress has poorly designed graphics. Additionally, the controls are complicated. Nonetheless, it has ranked high in reviews and reader voting of several notable publications. The sheer complexity of the game makes it stand out from the crowd of others.