"Realistic" graphics is very technology based. I was awestruck how "realistic" Tomb Raider was when it was originally released. It doesn't look great now.

Even classics like Metal Gear Solid on the PSOne looks awful now, whereas stylized games like Breath of Fire IV or Suikoden II still looks pretty neat.

I wouldn't be surprised that someday we'll laugh at Killzone 2's and Gears of War 2's graphics (when we have a new "standard" for realism), while still have high regard for Valkyria Chronicles' and Mario Galaxy's.

As others have said, it'll all depends on the game.

Realisam FOR SURE. how can you even ask that?

I hope this clears things up.

Realism is okay, it just has a short lifespan. Any 'realistic' game will look like crap five years after it's released, while stylized games can look good in perpetuity. If you want to make a game that people will remember and play twenty years from now, you want stylized presentation.

But since most games only sell for a few years anyway, the distinction mostly just matters to enthusiasts like us.

It really all depends on the game because real only works on some game and fake only works on some games. How would someone make Pixel Junk look real half the enemies are fake what refrence would you have for realism. Or something like elffunk would be just dumb looking real.

 It sure as hell did for more

If you don't think that cartoonish graphics can look good and stand the test of time -- go watch a Pixar film and come back and talk to me.

Ratatouille had very cartoonish graphics (compared to the realism attempts of earlier Pixar works) but still captures the feel of Paris because of the approach that was taken to represent reality in a cartoon world.

And the plot was something that could be enjoyed by adults.

Mike from Morgantown

It's a fair question, but I'd say a lot of people, myself included don't necessarily lean towards one over another. There are games where cartoony graphics work quite well, and others that a more realistic approach would suit.

Take your comparison of CoD4 vs Halo 3. CoD 4 as a modern-day shooter is better suited to a realistic style (imo) since it's a re-creation of things that we can see in our every day lives. Halo 3 on the other hand is futuristic and not at all based on things we see everyday, so having a more cartoony look to it can work quite well.

if doen well both are good

but give me realism anytime

i remember the first time i played splinter cell, just mind blowing at the time