A form of artwork that I have always been interested in is video game artwork, as well as hoping to do some myself one day. This is because it not only has to be appealing to the eye, but provide an extremely powerful atmosphere. One game in particular that I admire for its artwork, in particular its landscapes, is Borderlands 2. Inspiring an air of adventure, they make truly vast, awe-inspiring landscapes that greatly vary from one to the next. A good example of these are the two pictures listed above, the first being a molten, inhospitable landscape, slathered with bright colors, and the second a wasteland scene that makes up in detail and mystery what it lacks in color.
The first picture is of a volcanic area in the game. What makes this landscape in particular absolutely gorgeous is the use of color. The contrast of the cold blue rocks and the bright, molten, reds and yellows creates great interest in this area, as well as a sense of danger. Also, as used in most of the Borderlands 2 landscapes, it uses atmospheric perspective to create a great sense of depth that seems to invite players in, to explore to the furthest reaches. Not to mention the hits of industrialized areas that create areas of interest on the horizon that guide and intrigue the player. It speaks greatly of adventure and great danger, which is conducive to this point in the game because by now the players are experienced, and therefore looking for a greater challenge, and by all accounts this landscape sets a tone of challenge.
The second picture is of one of the first areas that you travel through in the game. This area is far less visually intense as the first one, which I believe can be attributed to the fact that this is an opening area. This landscape is also a simple wasteland scene as compared to a volcanic area. Though this landscape seems mostly desolate, it is dotted with areas of civilization which keeps the player interested and exploring. This landscape makes it a good atmosphere for the beginning of the game because it is not over-stimulating to the new player but it also keeps them interested by having small bits of detail. The mood that this landscape sets is also very important, because it sets the tone of a world that has been ravaged by men (by the hits of smoke and industry in the background), which is a vital theme to the story.
Borderlands 2 truly has breathtaking scenery, which is not only appealing to the eye, but creates an intense, immersive atmosphere that is able to take hold of the players feelings for an incredible experience.
