Summary
The interim time period between 2D games and more advanced 3D games was truly fascinating, as this fifth-generation of video game consoles and PCs was known for massive innovation and fresh concepts. Perhaps one of the key reasons was the hardware limitations, which forced developers to create new ways to present games. And one of the best ways they did so was with the pre-rendered background, a technique which took a fully 3D model of an environment and created a 2D picture.
By doing this, developers could superimpose 3D models over these incredible pieces of art to create something magical. It was a technique thatpowered everything from RPGs, to survival horror games, all the way to point-and-click adventures. And despite its roots in hardware limitations, it’s a method that is still in use today. It’s a style of presentation that can result in something truly beautiful, as evidenced by the nostalgia and love for it that modern indie developers have.
Koudelkawas released on the PS1 in 2000, and was ultimately responsible for the creation of theShadow Heartsfranchise. This gothic horror RPG series started out strong, featuring a unique combat system and a fantastic aesthetic. This is further highlighted by the absolutely gorgeous backgrounds, all of which have staggering design and a wonderful sense of dread that is perfect for the PS1 and itsfantastic library of horror games.
The world ofKoudelkais dark and leans heavily on its gothic horror influences, which is evident in all the backgrounds. They are perfectly crafted, filled with fine details that help to fill out the world and add some sinister energy to the already dark atmosphere.Koudelkahas some of the best backgrounds seen on the PS1, which is quite a feat considering the amount of games from this generation that use the technique.
The computer role-playing game dominated the PC in the 1990s, and pre-rendered backgrounds were a perfect way for developers of these epic adventures to create sprawling worlds to explore. But as hardware improved, the push for 3D started to make pre-rendered backgrounds in CRPGs obsolete, which made Obsidian Entertainment’s use of them in 2015’sPillars of Eternityall the more special.
This phenomenal top-down RPGwasn’t just trying to hearken back to classics likeIcewind DaleandPlanescape: Tormentin terms of systems and story, it also brought 2D pre-rendered backgrounds back to the forefront. These glorious and perfectly-designed backgrounds are wonderful to look at, as they mesh perfectly with the 3D character models and create a wholly consistent world that is still impressive to look at almost ten years later.
10Oddworld: Abe’s Exoddus
Rich & Dense Background Designs Set The Stage For Best Oddworld Adventure
Oddworldhas had a difficult time in its over 20-year life span, as what was planned to be a five-part story has been started and rebooted numerous times. And althoughAbe’s Exoddusis not part of that main story, it continues whereAbe’s Odysseyleft off and kept a big part of whatmade that first game so specialby sticking with the pre-rendered backgrounds.
The dark and dreary world of this long-running platforming game is perfectly represented in these backgrounds, as they are packed tight with details and elements that feed into both what the player is currently doing and the expanded lore. They are brilliant in the way they add to the story while simultaneously guiding the player, a testament to the fantastic direction of this iconic series.
The point-and-click adventure game has seen quite a resurgence over the years, but it’s easy to point atGrim Fandangoas one of the stone-cold classics of the genre.Since its release in 1998, it has been continuously cited as one of the absolute best, and the pre-rendered graphics rank up there with some of the finest the industry has ever seen.
The film noir influence onGrim Fandangois clear, as it pays homage to that incredible era of movies not just in terms of story and characters, but the world it exists in.Grim Fandangofeatures a fantastic set of pre-rendered backgrounds that pay clear homage to the era, with art deco architecture at the forefront and a sense of style that is unmatched by games of the era.
After the originalResident Evilgame was remade from the ground up exclusively for the GameCube, Capcom brought another title in the classic style to the system. This prequel, known asResident Evil Zero, featured S.T.A.R.S. rookie Rebecca Chambers teaming up with a prisoner named Billy Coen as they attempt to survive yet another viral outbreak.
Rebecca and Billy’s journeytakes them from the wrecked interior of a train known as the Ecliptic Express, an Umbrella training facility and more. But what really makes it special is how interconnected all of these worlds feel, largely thanks to the consistent and spectacular backgrounds. They are stunning works of art when looked at by themselves, with terrific art direction and some meticulous attention to detail. Further, some of the backgrounds feature animated video elements. It’s truly a world that feels alive, which is even more remarkable considering they are just 2D images.
After its first six mainline entries were all released on Nintendo platforms, the decision to moveFinal Fantasyto the PlayStationwas a bit shocking. Nevertheless, the series made a home on Sony’s system and, in doing so, helped popularize the concept of pre-rendered backgrounds. And the backgrounds inFinal Fantasy 8are among not just the best in the series, but some of the best seen in the medium.
Spread across 4 discs,Final Fantasy 8has a wide variety of different locations represented through its backgrounds. From the detailed halls of the Gardens, to the familiar towns like Dollet and Timber, all the way to the science fiction-influenced cities like Esthar, it’s a huge and expansive world. And thanks to the power of the PS1, some of them are enhanced with full-motion video elements. It’s all just a spectacular package when taken together.
Developed by brothers Robyn and Rand Miller, as well as several others who formed Cyan, Inc.,Mystused Macintosh computers like the Quadra 700 to create the backgrounds. AsMystis a first-person puzzle game, the prominence and importance of the backgrounds can’t be understated. Luckily, the team at Cyan came through.
These lush, highly detailed backgrounds areabsolutely stunning to look at. They make up the entirety of the gameplay experience, which makes the hours and days spent on rendering them even more impressive. Over the 2,500 total backgrounds, the journey that players go on inMystis made whole by these beautiful works of art.
By the timeThe Legend of Dragoonlaunched on the PS1 in 2000, the concept of a JRPG with anime-influenced protagonists running around on 2D pre-rendered backgrounds was fairly widespread. But very few of them had backgrounds as lovely as the ones found inThe Legend of Dragoon, a classic JRPG that is in dire need of a remake on PS5 today.
The world of Endiness is a vibrant and beautiful world to look at, featuring a fabulous collection of cities, tombs and caves to explore. Everything about the backgrounds is just outstanding, with some truly wonderful art direction and a classic fantasy vibe that feels right at home on the system.
In terms of video game remakes,Resident Evilon the GameCube is one of the absolute best. Far from a simple remaster,the PS1 classic was remadefrom the ground up with new character models, a re-recorded soundtrack and new voice acting. But the best improvement came in the form of the new backgrounds, which are far and away some of the best in the franchise.
Rather than just adding a fresh coat of paint, the Spencer Mansion is now even more oppressive and haunting than ever, while the areas that follow are just as terrifying to explore. The new additions to the Spencer Mansion are also excellent, as Capcom uses some neat tricks in the form of looping video to further cementResident Evilas one of the greatest survival horror games ever made.
Parasite Evewas one of the most underrated and inventive games on the PS1, as its mix of survival horror with turn-based RPG combat was an intoxicating combination. And like many games on the platform, it used some incredible pre-rendered backgrounds to fill out its environments. The sequel launched a year later, and improved on the first game in every way possible.
Parasite Eve 2also uses pre-rendered backgrounds, but whereas the first game offered its own unique blend of fascinating environments, the sequel followed suit by showcasing a stupendous variety of places forprotagonist Aya Brea to visit. From a harrowing desert motel, to abandoned mines and towering skyscrapers, it’s a spectacular journey. It also uses video to create some incredible vistas that are still impressive to this day.
