Is it just me, or does anyone else think that 'Art Direction' is a cheap way of saying 'System X is not as strong as System Y, and the games aren't even close to one another graphically, but as an artist, this games looks excellent'.

It reminds me of comparing a pretty girl/boy to an ugly girl/boy and instead of someone being ashamed of being with an ugly person [which they should (sorry I'm so shallow)], they point out personality. It's just a cop-out. Graphics are graphics. The thread is graphically, the best game of 2008, but somehow, we got into art-direction.

/rant.

That is just not true. It is very possible for a game to be technically more impressive but less pleasing to the eye. The uncanny valley has yet to be jumped, and it likely won't happen within this generation of consoles. The most technically detailed human models will look the worst as a result. Animations, and atmosphere also play a big part in it.

Some PC game.

Is it just me or does anyone else think that assuming that graphics only means what looks the most real is not only shallow but narrow as well, considering that graphics are made up of not only quality but originality, artistic style, and how the image reflects the story, setting, and general message of the game.

It reminds me of people who say beauty is only what's on the outside however your only as beautiful as your character.  You can put a dress on a pig and stuff it with makeup, but its still a disgusting pig.  It's really just the truth.  Graphics are good because they fit the game and they are original.  This is why Okami is easily had the greatest graphics in recent years because it was original, polished, and fit the game beautifully.  It didn't dress up a pig to look great even though on the inside it was terrible.  It complemented a beatiful game with one of the greatest graphical achievements in video games.  Alot better than the gritty overused washed out pallet of most "realistic" games today.

/owned

If we are just talking consoles, it is bound to be a PS3 exclusive game. Otherwise, several games on PC will likely be better than any of the games you mentioned.

The OP only listed PS3 games (besides GOW), and you said how you were worried about how at least 1 of the games he listed would have poor gameplay. You do the math.

Art direction should not be taken into account. This is because it cannot be debated. It is completely subjective. I believe art direction is just as important as having technically good graphics, but art direction can't be debated, where as graphics from a technical stand point can.

@Starcraft, nice flamebait/trolling.

starcraft is it physically impossible for you to admit you're wrong?