LIMBO

LIMBO is another cute-bitter game for sentimental video game players and it is probably created by independent and sentimental video game creators. It is a platform game in which as a little boy you simply go on and try to survive in a harsh dark chaotic world. It has one of the best artistic work ever seen in terms of atmosphere and sound effects. The artwork in the visuals are extraordinary, maybe other than the visuals and movements of the main character. Choosing black and white simply and rightfully suits the situation of the lonely little boy, as he is alone in this unexplainable, industrial and misty world. Some examples from both sketches and game visuals:

Things change

Ten-fifteen years ago, computer games were not like the way it is now. There was no improved graphics, no realistic sounds, there were low budgets etc. However, at that time, absence of these qualities did not bother the players a lot as the players were completing these lacks with their minds; maybe it is like reading a book and visualize the details. In time, even slightest improvements astonished players, however, now there is no chance for the players to use these lacks to interact with, as games come as a complete fully closed way because of developers' sinking into a race against perfection; and there are also other "emotional" concerns too. Even looking to the covers of the games, "emotional" concerns can be seen. Today's covers are like high budget hollywood production movie posters. A little comparison:

Grand Theft Auto, 1998
(Original Cover From Personal Collection)

Grand Theft Auto IV, 2008

As the name of the game tells a lot, first cover from 98 simply gives small hints of the experience players will have, while in the second cover almost everything is revealed about the game. You can ride a heli, a racing motorcyle, fast cars, use snipers and shoot gangstas, bang lolipop licking pornstars. Hell of a game isn't it, yes it is. You can come in a ship from another continent like Corleone did, and you can be rich, powerful, everything you want. Fucking American Dream. Yes, you can achieve, you can do it too.
Seriously, there is no need, just a no thank you.

Hide your children, here comes the Witcher

One of the darkest games of video gaming history in terms of atmosphere and story, The witcher, an heir for the Diablo tradition, comes with a sequel this May: Witcher II: The Assassin of Kings. Here are some concept arts from this beautifully crafted black game.