Gone are the days when top-notch games are won with pixel bullets fired by boxy spitfires and 2-bit swords slaying square-chunked dragons. Although the days for these straightforward games are far from over, the changing landscapes in game design are proving to be the battlefield of today. The ever-evolving role of three-dimensional graphics and hyper-realistic modeling are paving the way in creating more interactive and responsive gaming environments.
First developed in 1998, Unreal Engine is the script commonly used in games that utilize the first-person perspective in games such as Quake. Its cutting-edge graphics and easy workflow allow the Unreal Engine to be considered the top-tier choice when it comes to game development. A program with a simplistic dashboard paired together with integrative features allows complex concepts to be translated into exceptional gaming environments. Here are the top ten games made with Unreal Engine that you should not miss:
1. Tetris Effect (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox)
Regardless of the format or platform, Tetris is a classic game familiar to any generation. While the common goal in Tetris is matching brick lines and preventing stacks from reaching the top, the new game has added some twists to achieve such a task. This upgraded version of the game not only challenges the player’s intellect, and strategy, but also tests the player’s focus through the use of exhilarating visuals and techno-inspired audio.
A work of art in its own right, breathtaking sceneries from underwater realms, aurora borealis, to galaxy-inspired visuals bring the gameplay to a whole new dimension. With added challenges such as exploding tetrominoes as well as upside-down gameplay, Tetris Effect is a fresh and interesting upgrade from its previous straightforward and no-fuss graphics.
2. Yoshi’s Crafted World (Nintendo Switch)
Mamma Mia! Unreal Engine 4 breathes life right into Mario’s all-time favorite companion, Yoshi. With a positive reception from the public, Yoshi’s Crafted World is a hit despite being available only on Nintendo Switch. Like its predecessor Mario, Yoshi’s gameplay follows a linear storyline of adventure and retrieval, making it the ultimate adventure for anyone looking for a simple game with fun graphics.
3. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade (PlayStation, PC)
A role-playing game first released in 1987, Final Fantasy is known for its unique settings and storylines alongside impressive visuals. Its early adaptation of 3D animation and full motion videos proved to be helpful in its commercial success. Anticipated by fans and gaming enthusiasts alike, the 2020 version is equipped with Unreal Engine 8, which boasts 4k graphics at 60 fps, increased texture quality, and shorter load times. The improved light and shadows bring forth stunning and crisp graphics made possible by the UE Blueprints tool.
4. Fortnite (PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, iOS, Android)
A game built for a new generation of gamers, Fortnite launched last 2017 and has gained its multi-modal approach in gaming. The game is available in three modes that allow users to either work on a campaign alone, work with a team, or create new worlds entirely.
For example, in Battle Royale, a fast-paced and action-packed version where players are pitted against each other in the quest for survival. Meanwhile, in the Save the World mode, participants team up to fight off zombie-like creatures. In Fortnite Creative, users are encouraged to entire world from scratch using blocks available within the game.
Available in both offline and online modes, Fortnite can be considered the iconic game for this generation and a possible glimpse into the future of games.
5. Batman Arkham Knight (PC, PlayStation, Xbox)
Launched back in 2015, Batman Arkham Knight is still one of the best there is when it comes to hyper-realistic graphics and smooth gameplay. Littered with cyberpunk aesthetics, neon lights, and moody lighting, the game drops you right into the back alleys of Gotham where your crime-solving adventure begins.
While stunning graphics capture the mood, ease of navigation and side quests helps achieve an immersive experience within the game. Combat your opponents with the usual tools and go chasing crime through Gotham on the Batmobile.
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6. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (PC, PS4, Xbox)
In a game of survival on a distant planet, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order joins Jedi Padawan Cal Kestis and his droid companion as they strike back against the imperial army. With lightsabers and the force at his command, this third-person adventure game is the right mix of combat, adventure, and exploration.
With a simplistic storyline, quality cutscenes, and impeccable art direction, this game is a perfect Star Wars action-adventure game to escape to.
7. Borderlands (Playstation, PC, Switch, Xbox)
Armed with the capability to be played across multiple platforms, this first-person role game is centered on different environments and different loots to collect. Infused with a western science-fiction dystopic theme, Borderlands will capture any thrill-seeking player looking for a shoot and loot experience. The ultimate goal of the game is to find the “Vault” which was rumored to contain alien technology and riches.
8. Kingdom Hearts 4 (TBA)
Lovable characters from the Disney franchise band together to defeat Heartless and save the world in a distant fantasyland. Sora travels with his friends Donald and Goofy as they embark on the journey to restore each realm and protect it from Heartless.
This well-loved game is now getting a facelift from Unreal Engine 5 to bring to life the characters together to match its fantastical and dreamy environments!
9. HellBlade: Senua’s Sacrifice (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, PC, Xbox)
Puzzle-solving, horror, and melee combat come together in this epic game based on Norse mythology and Celtic culture. Released last 2017, the game follows the psychosis-riddled protagonist Senua as he traverses through worlds wielding his blade to reclaim back her lover’s soul.
Developed by an independent developer, Ninja Theory, the balance of different gameplay, cutscenes, and live acting guarantees to be a continuing commercial success for the video game.
10. Black Myth: Wukong (PlayStation, PC, Xbox)
With spells and enchanted enemies, the game follows the adventure of Wukong as he conquers the path to the heavens. The mix of myth, magic, and soul-like gameplay, Black Myth is one of the most anticipated yet especially since it borrows a lot of references from the 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West.
As seen in its most recent trailer, exceptional graphics and hyper-realistic quality of the cutscenes achieved through Unreal Engine 5 are to be expected.
Whether looking for an escape to a fantasy land, a dystopic future, or the nostalgia of the past, Unreal Engine (UE) has something to offer that will transport you to any world you would dare to imagine.
Paired with digital surround sound and the right digital consoles, UE can become the answer to quench the never-ending quest for that perfect realm. Armed with the right concept and workable tools such as the UE, developers can shape unimaginable worlds into reality. With a plethora of unexplored options and capabilities, developers are sure to have a lot of learning curves to explore in the coming years.
With more and more developers offering hyper-realistic features as a competitive edge, it will be of no surprise if this becomes the standard in the near future!
