Best games with low graphics

The technological advancements in video game graphics have been impressive over the past few decades. We've gone from the retro sensibility of the early 2000s to ultra-realistic character models that border on the slightly uncanny. We have ray tracing, realistic reflections, incredible hair animations and even pores on character skins. Of course, most gamers don't run their single player titles at such settings, except maybe for a cheeky photo or two, but still. The progress in graphics is remarkable.

That said, you don't need all these hyper-realistic things to sell a game. In fact, on the PC gaming side, we're witnessing the beginning of an opposite trend now, as the prices of PC parts in particular are on the rise: games that are smaller in scale and can run even on older systems. Beyond that, just having a really solid gameplay loop that's fun and addictive and doesn't bog down microtransactions or superficial content is bound to get someone excited, no matter how detailed or realistic the graphics are. If you don't believe me, here are the games that became huge successes without demanding graphics.

Vampire Survivor

Highly addictive Bullet Hell in retro style

If I had to single out a game that unexpectedly took the world by storm and was as simple and humble as possible with its design and graphics, Vampire Survivor would come to me first. This is a treasure trove not only for anyone who enjoys a good bullet hell game or a roguelite, but for anyone who misses the days of old arcade games. A simpler time, indeed.

The premise is quite simple, but (and you be warned) extremely addictive: you are dropped into the world and you have to survive against hordes of enemies for as long as possible. Between rounds you can use the gold you earned to upgrade yourself. There are power-ups, unlockables, treasures to find and more.

Ultra cool

A love letter for earthquakes and doom

No one can deny that games like Downfall and Quake still has its charm today, which is why it's interesting that even newer titles like Ultrakill take inspiration from that damn retro style to deliver an incredibly fun experience. Ultra cool is pretty much exactly what the name suggests: carnage.

You fight hordes of demons and other hell-creating creatures as if you were the Doom Guy, and their blood allows you to heal yourself. The maps and enemies all have a wonderfully old-school look that any long-time FPS game fan will be able to recognise. It's bloody, it's bright, and it's vibrant, and its action-packed gameplay won't leave you wondering why it doesn't look like a modern triple-A game.

Crowland

Immerse yourself in Old-School PS1 graphics

Another trend that's getting bigger and bigger in recent years is going for retro graphics on purpose, either because they convey nostalgia or because they're meant to convey the anxiety that came with older games. This is especially effective in survival horror games, and that's partly why Crowland got so big. It has all the elements of an early PS1 horror game, similar Silent Hill or Resident Evil.

You continue to investigate an eerie, abandoned amusement park, which just sounds like something straight out of something Silent Hill 3. Even as someone who didn't get to play console games during this era, I can see why gamers find this game an explosion of nostalgic joy. It also helps the story be rock solid, peppered with some really cool puzzles.

RimWorld

Simple but effective graphics for a super fun colony sim

RimWorlds sprites have become somewhat iconic in video games over the years. Most gamers, whether they've played the title or not, will probably recognize the characters and their cylindrical bodies with heads attached.

Simple, right? The environments are also like that, a 2D procedurally generated world where you manage your brand new colony and determine its path forward. There's a simple yet effective charm to the art style, and due to the highly addictive and unpredictable nature of where each playthrough can take you, it doesn't need anything more advanced.

Terraria

Vibrant 2D Pixel goodness with personality

Terrarias art style is definitely one of its strongest points, and is sure to charm many players who like the retro RPG pixel art look. It's a very simple game with lots of little details baked into its textures, character models and the hundreds upon hundreds of items you can encounter. It's basically a 2D Minecraftexcept that characters aren't bound by block textures, and that pushes a bit further into the whole RPG aspect of the game.

You end up in an open world sandbox, and from there it's really up to you what you want to accomplish. Build a house, set the game's NPCs, discover and fight the game's superior bosses… Terraria is about the player making their own path, and because of that design choice, it's been popular for a long time.

Undertale

Its quirky art style is as unforgettable as its story

If you were around for the era of RPG Maker titles that appeared over fifteen years ago, you might find some similarities to them and Undertale. It's an indie title through and through, simple on the outside but extremely deep and layered at its core. The art has its own quirky handwriting, the sprites are absolutely charming and a testament to an era of RPGs long gone.

While many people adore Undertold crazy, 2D style, the real deal is the gameplay and story. Don't let the game fool you. There's a lot going on beneath the surface, as your choices have lasting and important effects on each playthrough. Even combat has a degree of freedom not easily found in many modern games, allowing you to resolve conflicts without ever killing anyone. It challenges many familiar tropes and themes in RPGs, and is a must-have for any video game enthusiast.

Project Zomboid

Part of the reason it caught my eye Project Zomboid was its art style. I'm not a fan of zombie survival at all, with games like Dying light being “just okay” in my books. Project Zomboidbut instantly charmed me with its isometric POV and old-school color palette. It really takes you back to the days of gaming The Sims 1and even the fuzzy character models ooze beautiful nostalgia.

More than that, though, it's such an addictive game that lets you define exactly what kind of zombie apocalypse experience you want. The world is genuinely huge, with loot generated randomly in each run, so you don't know exactly what to expect in each run. Your job is to survive as long as possible against hordes of zombies. Given the flexibility of the sandbox, it's definitely a game that nailed its gameplay loop to perfection.

Return of Obra Dinn

Colorless, but completely engaging and packed with mystery

We've seen a lot of very retro and simple graphics and art styles so far here, but let's take it a step further and say there's no color in this next game either. It is Return of Obra Dinn for you, and that alone might turn some players away from it, but it's another example of a game that's so incredibly well-made that it doesn't need to wow you with graphics. Or maybe you think its unique style is perfect for you?

Your job is to investigate what happened to the merchant ship Obra Dinn, which disappeared some time ago and has now returned to its home port. There's a fair amount of mystery involved, and you really have to use your wits to get to the bottom of things. Overall, it's the perfect experience for anyone who loves puzzles and wants a good challenge, but not something overly long. Just be warned: when you're done with it, you'll definitely wish you could play it blind all over again. That's how good it is.

The Caves of Qud

Low resolution, huge game

What could be more retro than the retro green UI The Caves of Qudand its extremely pixelated, low-res textures? This is as simple as graphics can get, and the best part is that it still manages to deliver an absolutely incredible roguelike RPG experience that keeps charming people. Now, a warning, it is not a game that holds your hand, but it is a game with a procedurally generated open world that feels alive and dynamic.

A living and breathing realm, where you'll find all the basic elements of a successful RPG, with quests and interesting locations to explore, as well as a surprisingly deep layer of lore. The game is as complex as its graphics are simple, and with a fairly diverse character creation, you won't be bored with this game for a long time.

Baba is you

A fresh and challenging puzzle game that keeps it simple

As a Finnish player, I couldn't finish this list without screaming Baba is you. This game will drive you a little crazy as you progress through its multitude of levels, but it introduces some new gameplay elements that keep things interesting. It's all about manipulating your conditions for victory, but changing the level's blocks to see how they all interact with each other, until you solve everything.

You need a good dose of patience, but there is nothing quite as rewarding Baba is you. And of course the art style: it's a mix between super low res style The Caves of Qud with a peculiarity I have seen in Undertale. The distinct, handmade quality is what makes it super charming and almost sweet, and it's a throwback that will remind you of old Pac-Man titles.