10 games which would make Bollywood movies' special effects look mediocre

Bollywood films are not exactly known for its special effects than for its music-and-dance routine. It’s not that we have ever used them, but it definitely stands out in the film like a sore thumb. Be it the cheesy monster effects in the Amitabh Bachchan flop ‘Ajooba’, the shoddy CGI work in ‘Rudraksh’, the hideous effects in Creature 3D, and the really unrealistic spaceship in ‘PK’.Not that I am saying that all our films suck in the Visual Effects department – you have some great effects in Ra.One (only the special effects, not the movie!), Koi Mil Gaya and even Mr. India (if you consider the era, when it was made) – but we have a long mile to go, if we even have to reach the standard of Hollywood effects in the 80’s at least. It’s not that we have the resources – many Hollywood films have their basic special effects done here – but the lack of money or the stilted imagination have been a burden.Compiling a list of ten games, that could help our film-makers to learn a thing or two about great graphics and special effects.

#10 Crysis 3

The third installment of the Crysis series has the most amazing graphics the series can boast of. The amazing detailing to each and every aspect of the game is jaw dropping. The realistic rendering of futuristic New York City is superb, as well as the combat. Though it may have some loading time, it’s worth the wait with each frame offering an amazing visual experience. You may need a really good system to play this one…and so do many others in the list…

#9 Sleeping Dogs

This time, it’s Hong Kong! The Oriental version of GTA has its own fans and demands a sequel. But the first game in itself is a fun ride of its own. You play a police snitch who needs to take down Hong Kong’s biggest gangs by being a part of them. What follows are some amazing car chases, engaging fight scenes, some unexpected twists and a little romance, provided by a female character (voiced by Emma Stone, no less!!!). But what’s the best thing here is the astoundingly realistic setting of Hong Kong city, making it a quirky character of its own.

#8 Far Cry 3

If you are a big fan of Mission Impossible series, James Bond series and even the Fast and The Furious titles, and crave for some adventure stunts, without having your bones broken, try the Far Cry series, especially the third part. Jumping from helicopter, paragliding and blowing up things, you have everything in here. The missions are not too complex and involve some high-octane stunts. Above all, there are a lot of scenery to explore here, from forests to islands to water bodies.

#7 The Witcher 2

The Witcher 2 is well-known for its extensive open-world environment, but what’s more exciting is the beautiful graphics with regards to the nature, the characters and even combat-wise. Be it the dragons, the monsters, the ghouls and werewolves, and even normal animals like dogs, the birds etc. everything is so naturally rendered. Even the scars on The Witcher’s body is amazingly consistent. Plus, it has one of the hottest witches ever in Trish.

#6 Ryse: Son of Rome

Though not as critically acclaimed as some of the games here, Ryse manages to put an astounding display of some of the best ancient world rendering. The city of Ancient Rome is nearly accurate in its depiction, as well as the warfare used then. The blood and the gore depicted is also real-life and therefore makes the violence highly realistic. If only, they would have focussed on just the gameplay, you would have a real classic in hand.

#5 Shadow of the Colossus

The most intense game in the entire list, Shadow of the Colossus doesn’t depend on unnecessary violence or silly stunts to get you hooked. Instead it has some really haunting imagery, 16 huge stone monsters, and some realistic horse-riding over some ruined landscapes. The monsters themselves are the real reason to make this list, as they are so terrifying for what are some stone golems. And that BG score…so damn creepy and haunting, yet mesmerizing…

#4 GTA V

Don’t’ say you didn’t expect this game here! Actually any GTA title would make it here, but I would go for the best. The intensive gameplay, the testosterone-fuelled action bits, and some inventive running around, either on foot or in a car, or even aerial sequences, to quote ‘The Lego Movie’, everything is awesome. You definitely require some really high end graphics to play the game in its full glory, but it’s worth the effort. When are they going to release the PC version?

#3 Journey

Journey is one of the most sublime, enlightening, ethereal games in this list…and also the most boring as well. There is no action, not quips, no dialogues, no intercut scenes and any proper interactive scenario. But what it lacks in action, it makes up with some amazing visuals and scenery. It’s like you are traipsing through a dream, dreamt by some philosopher. The deserts and the sand runes never felt so wonderful, and makes you get lost in its beauty. But then, that’s the only thing you could do in here.

#2 Bioshock

Set in an apocalyptic future and based in a ruined underwater city, Bioshock is a legend when it comes to videogames. The horror-mystery actioner is so engaging and intense that you keep the consoles down till you have seen the end of it. Be it the intrinsic setting of the city, the Big Sisters and all the assorted monsters and the subtle creepy music, Bioshock has everything to hook you on. And yup, there is a little fighting as well.

#1 Limbo

Limbo doesn’t have high end graphics or stunts or intense combat. What it has is some really dark imagery and creepiest setting ever, that you have rarely seen in any game. It holds you down with its distinct art-style where every character, every monster, every tree is shown only by shadows or silhouettes. Yet, this is one of the best psychological horror games you would have ever played. It truly plays up the adage ‘Sometimes Less is More’. It also inspired the animated sub-plot in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part I.