Games that were graphically well ahead of their time

[VAMatt]

I don't quite have an answer to the question, but I'll say that the original Sonic the Hedgehog was very attractive in terms of art style, and I think still looks good today. Also, while not exactly graphical features, the ability to look up and down and have the camera move to reveal more of the level was a cool features, as was Sonic's foot tapping when you didn't move him for a few seconds.