Proof That Video Games Are Art

below: the classic loading screen from "The Last of Us"

In the short time I’ve identified as a “gamer” (i.e. someone who likes video games) I acquired a very specific taste in games: I want what I play to be pretty, and I want it to hurt my feelings.

Though of course I’ve dabbled in Halo and Call of Duty and Star Wars: Battlefront I’ve never been very fond of the fast-paced first person shooter games. While I have the utmost respect for people who are good at games like those, I am definitely not, and I can’t help but wish I could stand around and look at the scenery without being shot at.

I got a Playstation 4 for Christmas in 10th grade because I’ve always been a budding gamer. I was obsessed with the Lego video games, especially the Harry Potter ones. I beat all of them time and time again and I still play them to this day. But it was time for me to level up a bit, and since I’ve started gaming regularly, I’ve developed a pretty good sense of what I like to play.

So here are my recommendations for those of us still quarantined this summer. Emphasis on MY recommendations. If you aren’t into story-based games… this may not be the article for you.

1. The Last of Us

It’s true what they say about Naughty Dog: they don’t release bad games. So, of course, you have probably heard of The Last of Us. It was a cultural reset. It’s one of the most beautiful, emotional, and all-around incredible games available today. And they just released a sequel. If you can get your hands on either game, I can promise satisfaction. I won’t spoil the second (especially because I myself haven’t played it yet) but the first follows Joel, a man struggling to survive in the zombie apocalypse and mourning his daughter’s death, who is tasked with protecting a young girl and getting her across the country to help a group of survivors find a cure for the zombie plague. It’s got stunning visuals, amazing acting, and a truly unforgettable story. The difficulty can be adjusted to a player’s comfort. It’s a game made for beginners and pros, and was the first game I beat on my PS4. I highly recommend it.

Story: 10/10

Visual: 10/10

Overall: 10/10

(can you tell this is my favorite game?)

2. Detroit: Become Human

This game is seriously impressive, to say the least. While I loved it (due to the gorgeous visuals and interesting story) I can understand why some people wouldn’t; it isn’t as immersive as other games. A lot of it is just walking around and interacting with objects - there’s not a lot of action (at least action the gamer can participate in) and the excitement is found mostly in the 3 storylines and decision-based “butterfly effect” aspect of it all - though, I will say, it’s really not difficult to get the “best” ending of the game. It follows a world where androids are hyper-realistic humanoid models who appear to have the ability to emote, think, and love; there are three different storylines following three androids. Markus, an android who begins to lead a movement for android rights (which has jarring similarities to the civil rights movement… yeah, they could’ve been more creative with this one). Kara, a housekeeper android model who helps a young girl escape her abusive home and they go on the run together. And Connor, inarguably the best storyline, a detective model who works with a grumpy, alcoholic police officer to solve a series of murders performed by androids who have gone deviant. The game is exciting the first time, though somewhat predictable, and has some amazing motion capture technology that makes it ultra-realistic. It’s a great game, but if story-based games aren’t your forte, skip this one.

Story: 8/10

Visual: 8/10

Overall: 7/10

3. Life Is Strange

This game made me cry. An oldie but a goodie, Life is Strange is a decision-based game with not a lot of player action (or the ability to jump… or run…) but all is forgiven because the story is just so damn good. It follows Max, a photographer who reconnects with her old best friend Chloe after learning she has the ability to manipulate time. It deals with past trauma and the uncomfortable benefits of terrible events, friendship found in trying times, lost love, and the lesson that movies have tried to teach us time and time again: don’t mess with time travel. Accompanied by a beautiful soundtrack and a really unique visual experience, I firmly believe that everyone should play this game. Everyone; and there’s also a prequel and a sequel. It’s gorgeous, exciting, and unforgettable.

Story: 10/10

Visual: 7/10

Overall: 9/10

4. Uncharted 4 and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy

These are pretty popular, but TLL is less so - and though these are the only two Uncharted games I’ve played, they’re indescribably good and worth everyone’s time. They are both incredibly immersive, exciting, wonderful treasure-hunting games that make me want to become Indiana Jones. Uncharted 4 is about Sam and Nathan Drake, two brothers who reconnect to find some treasure. But forget the story: it’s really just about exploring jungle ruins, sneaking through tall grass to strangle opponents, and navigating abandoned tombs. Players get to explore a number of locations from Ireland to a tropical island god knows where, and each location is equally stunning. The characters are likable and have a wide array of fun skills to use, such as using grappling hooks and doing impossible climbing moves. The Lost Legacy follows one of the villains of Uncharted 4, Nadine Ross, and an old character from earlier Uncharted games, Chloe Frazer, as the pair search for a treasure. Though Nathan Drake is not in the game (which a lot of fans resented), Sam Drake does make an appearance. The game is pretty short and easy to beat, while other Uncharted games require a bit more labor. Both games are visually stunning and have so-so plots (just a bunch of treasure-hunting gibber-jabber; frankly, it’s hard to follow) but good characters.

Story: 6/10

Visual: 9/10

Overall: 7/10

5. Resident Evil 2

I won’t speak on Resident Evil 3 because I haven’t finished it, but holy shit, Resident Evil 2 is one of my favorite games of all time. Of course, Resident Evil isn’t new - my dad used to play the games when he was younger. But with today’s technology, of course Capcom was going to capitalize on the popular brand and remake the games, and I’m glad they did. While some old Resident Evil fans may claim the originals are better, I’m Gen Z, baby. I like things shiny and new. I’m not a die-hard RE fan (I don’t think many kids my age are, because we just didn’t grow up with those games) but I seriously loved RE2. It’s another zombie game, and you know I love those, but it’s actually kind of scary. Like, I-don’t-like-playing-it-alone scary. A lot of the time, you’re walking around in silent corridors with only the beam where your flashlight reaches illuminating the room. It’s creepy. The story follows Leon Kennedy, a young police officer investigating why he was told to stay away from his new job in Raccoon City, and Claire Redfield, who is trying to find her brother (who is - you guessed it - a cop at the Raccoon City PD). They eventually get wrapped up in discovering why the mysterious corporation in RC is involved in a zombie plague. It’s a little predictable, but come on, it was originally a super campy 90s game, so the reason it’s predictable is because RE created the story. It’s a remake. Both the characters are likeable from the bits of dialogue they have, and they are remarkably brave for a 21-year-old newbie cop and a 19-year-old college student. I would turn around and run if I was in Raccoon City. The games also add a puzzle-solving element unique to the Resident Evil series. There’s plenty of zombie shooting action and jump scares and gore - just like you’re signing up for. Oh, and the graphics are fucking insane.

Story: 8/10

Visual: 9/10

Overall: 8.5/10

6. Red Dead Redemption II

I can’t finish this game. Not like, I love this game so much I can’t finish it, I mean, I seriously can’t finish the game. The world is fucking enormous and there are countless side quests to do, as well as hunting and gathering and just the amount of time it takes to get from one end of the map to another… it’s a lot. There’s a great story hidden in there somewhere about cowboys, but it’s hard to find, because every time I play I feel like I spend hours doing super dumb stuff like buying apples for my horse and running away from bounty hunters. This is a game meant for more advanced gamers, and I am not advanced. I do love it though, and I love watching videos of other people playing it (even if I can’t be nearly as productive as they are) and riding around on my horse is very fun. I named him Leon after the character from Resident Evil. If you’re good at games and have time to spare, this is perfect for you. Or, if you have a family member who is good at games, because this is the perfect backseat gaming experience.

Story: 7/10

Visual: 10/10

Overall: 8/10

7. What Remains of Edith Finch

For those who can really appreciate a game not for its player involvement, but the beauty of the story and artistic design, What Remains of Edith Finch is a mysterious, alluring game following an eccentric family who seem to be cursed - they all keep dying. It explores the death stories of the family members. It’s a story for those willing to interpret. It’s beautiful and simple yet equally deep; you have to work to understand the characters.

Story: 8/10

Visual: 7/10

Overall: 7/10

Et voila, my video game recommendations. Each of these games is truly like a movie; the characters have depth and personality, goals and desires. You can really connect with the story with strong characters. I can’t play a video game with a nameless, first-person soldier mindlessly shooting at enemies. I can’t grasp onto that. But I can root for Leon trying to escape the Raccoon City Police Department. Or Arthur Morgan burning down a plantation in the wild west.

If you are tired of watching Netflix and still mindlessly scrolling through your phone and wish you could instead have some free will in the movies you watch, I recommend these games. They allow you to take over different worlds and experience the impossible.

Sometimes, when you want to leap into your television, video games are the best option. Games can be art - you just have to be willing to appreciate the beauty.