We’d buy an art book for any of the games below, not only because they’re pretty to look at, but because we want to appreciate the direction and design of the art within every game listed.

Here are our picks for the Best Art Direction in Video Games from 2021.

5.) Psychonauts 2 — Lisette Titre-Montgomery

“Colourful” is an understatement for the Psychonauts aesthetic. Psychonauts 2 goes beyond colourful with the playground of the mind at the artists’ disposal; the worlds explored range from a disjointed barbershop to a hospital casino. It’s a feast for the eyes that also furthers character storytelling. From the Aquato family to the Psychonauts themselves, everything is memorable—an absurd style used to its fullest.

— Ciaran Marchant

4.) Death’s Door — Frits Olsen

The dark fantasy setting of Death’s Door blends macabre elements with fantasy seemingly inspired by Studio Ghibli. Even a showdown on a pure white backdrop feels ripped from an anime. Playing as a crow is instantly iconic, and from Pothead’s first castle to the winter wonderland and mystical hallways, every frame features exciting, well-designed choices.

— Dylan Blight

3.) Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart — Gavin Goulden

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart showcased what the PS5 is capable of graphically—and it did not disappoint. The latest entry looks on par with anything from Pixar or Walt Disney Animation Studios. Vast, fantastic worlds make Photo Mode essential, packed with creative characters and enemies. Other-world twists on favorites (Emperor Nefarious, Captain Quantum) delight, and the designs of Rivet and Kit seal the deal.

— Ashley Hobley

2.) Deathloop — Sébastien Mitton

Beneath the action, Deathloop hides stunning art direction. The four districts of Blackreef each have a unique identity within a cohesive ’60s aesthetic, then shift again across four times of day. Saul Bass-inspired animatics are beautifully animated, while villain lairs nod to classic James Bond. When the shooting stops, it’s a world to admire.

— Ashley Hobley

1.) The Artful Escape — Arden Beckwith, Johnny Galvatron, Mikey McCusker, Tessa Monash, Harry Truman

The Artful Escape blends sci-fi creatures and planets with trippy ’70s album-cover psychedelia. Character designs brim with personality before the cosmic rock odyssey even begins. Once you’re on those alien stages, nearly every scene is poster-worthy. Of all 2021 releases, this is the one we want as a giant coffee-table art book.

— Dylan Blight

Dylan Blight,
Ashley Hobley,
Ciaran Marchant &
Wil James
compiled this Top 5 list. Games must have released or had a sizable update between
December 13, 2020 – December 13, 2021 and have been released in Australia.