Summary
Video game graphics and art styles have evolved dramatically over the years. Yet while photo-realism remains the ultimate goal for larger studios, indie games and even some larger-budget titles feature stylized art-direction that allows them to stand out from the AAA crowd’s sameness. It’s not that high-quality graphics are bad, but there’s a clear and concise difference betweenCelesteandHollow Knight’svisual styles. That’s thanks to art direction, not graphical fidelity.
The quality and/or effectiveness of a game’s graphics orits visual styleare, of course, highly subjective. What works for some may not work for others. But the unique sticker-book graphics of games such asPaper Mario, often featuring cut-out characters in 3D environments, are out-and-out charming to many players.
Sticky Businessisa casual cozy gamethat’s packed with charm and colorful graphics, tasking players with running their own little sticker business. There are plenty of cozy games knocking around on Steam, butSticky Businessand its pixelated stickers are uniquely charming, not to mention its literal sticker-book theme. The pixelated look allowsSticky Businessto stand out from other titles that take on sticker-book visuals, with its stickers being a predominantly thematic choice.
As a casual, creative game,Sticky Businesswon’t be for everyone, as it offers no real challenge and/or long-term goals. However, like many cozy games, this works to the benefit ofSticky Business.It offers a remarkably low-stakes experience for those that just feel like relaxing.
5A Tiny Sticker Tale
Calming Environments And Fun, Intuitive Puzzles
A Tiny Sticker Taleisa wholesome adventurefeaturing calming woodland environments and a variety of fun, simple puzzles. The wholesome theme, colorful environments, and serene music make for a wonderfully cozy experience that takes players on a short but memorable experience.
InA Tiny Sticker Tale, players take on the role of an anthropomorphized donkey named Flynn, embarking on an adventure across an island and solving puzzles using a sticker book. To do this, players place stickers onto the environment, making for a novel but sometimes repetitive gameplay loop.
4Born Of Bread
A 2.5D Adventure Inspired By Paper Mario
Featuringa 2.5D art-stylethat combines 3D environments with 2D sticker-book characters,Born Of Breadis a colorful experience brimming with charm, and it’s immediately reminiscent of thePaper Mariogames. In the game, players take on the role of Loaf, a “flour golem,” setting off on an adventure full of memorable locations and characters with strong personalities.
Born Of Bread’scombat and general gameplay loop are also reminiscent ofPaper Mario, but its sticker-book, 2.5D graphics maintain their own unique style.Born Of Breadmay not quite live up to the games it takes inspiration from, but its picturesque sticker-book style offers a strong selling point.
This short but incredibly sweetmystery/adventure gameis a briskly-paced, joyously-told detective story with a light-hearted theme. The game is held up by its tongue-in-cheek writing and the superb voice acting of its protagonist: theDuck Detectivehimself, who oozes charisma and downtrodden charm throughout the game.
That’s not all, though, asDuck Detectivealso features unique puzzle-solving mechanics for solving the mystery of the titular Secret Salami, a mystery that quickly unravels into an elaborate conspiracy. The game’s charm is also supported by its sticker-book visuals, which depict the cast of colorful characters in a delightful style.
Taking place in the wholly imaginative andcreatively-realized fantasy worldof Bugaria,Bug Fables: The Everlasting Saplingis a light-hearted adventure akin to games such asPaper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. However, the game’s bug theme and its distinctive characters bring their own sense of charm to the experience, and nostalgia for the classicPaper Mariogame isn’t necessary to enjoyBug Fablesat all.
Like its sticker-book graphics,Bug Fablesalso borrows from the aforementionedPaper Mario: The Thousand-Year Doorfor its gameplay mechanics.Bug Fables: The Everlasting Saplingfeatures a combination of puzzles and turn-based combat, the latter of which also features active combat commands that allow players to boost the effectiveness of their abilities.
Paper Mariois perhaps one of the most famous games that take on a cardboard-cutout, sticker-book aesthetic. It’s known for its unique gameplay, particularly in its combat, as well as its abundance of charm and sense of adventure. The various chapters ofPaper Mario: The Thousand-Year Doorwhisk players off on a memorableMario-themed adventure with an ensemble cast of quirky characters.
The visuals are just as charming as its spirit, but the game’sdistinctive turn-based combatalso helps to make the game a memorable experience. Combat inThe Thousand-Year Dooris both strategic and engaging, which it achieves with active inputs that give special bonuses to each attack based on the player’s timing. All of these elements make for a one-of-a-kindPaper Marioexperience that Nintendo has yet to match.
