Gee whiz, 2021 brought us some visually stunning video games. As such, we wanted to highlight the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 titles that truly widened our eyes over the last 12 months.

Selected by the Push Square editorial team, these are our picks for the best overall art direction of 2021 — taking art style, animation, and graphical prowess into account.

Bronze Trophy: Persona 5 Strikers

Game of the Year 2021 Persona 5 Strikers

Graphically, Persona 5 Strikers is a little rough around the edges, but there's simply no denying its sheer sense of style. Carrying on from the downright stunning Persona 5, this action RPG sequel is a packed with swagger. From the brilliantly executed menus to the eye-popping all-out attacks, Strikers is an often mesmerising game. Easily one of the most, er, striking titles of 2021.

You can read our full Persona 5 Strikers PS4 review here.

Silver Trophy: Resident Evil Village

Game of the Year 2021 Resident Evil Village

Lavishly detailed and brimming with deliciously dark vibes, Resident Evil Village is a visual feast. In its character, creature, and environmental designs, it's real work of art from Capcom — and purely on a technical level, it's got to be one of the best looking games on the market. 'Memorable' is absolutely a word that we'd use to describe Village's art direction, because it really sticks in your mind when you're rounding every corner of Castle Dimitrescu in fear.

You can read our full Resident Evil Village PS5 review here.

Gold Trophy: Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

GOTY 2021 Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart

Is Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart one of the best looking games ever made? Many would gladly argue a case for it, and we certainly wouldn't shout them down. Insomniac's frankly awesome action platformer is a prime showcase of what the PS5 can do, boasting both visual and technical prowess on a near unprecedented level. The bottom line is that if you need a game that's sure to impress your friends and family, Rift Apart is the obvious choice.

You can read our full Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart PS5 review here.

Platinum Trophy: Guilty Gear Strive

Game of the Year 2021 Guilty Gear Strive

Guilty Gear Strive is a truly stunning game. Every aspect of this brawler's presentation is a joy to behold, from the brilliant character designs and their animations, to the gorgeous visual effects that accompany each and every blow. Arc System Works has been building up to Strive for years, perfecting its incredibly impressive visual tech with titles like Guilty Gear Xrd: Rev 2 and Dragon Ball FighterZ. Strive sets a new visual bar not just for fighting games, but for all anime-style titles going forward. An awesome achievement.

You can read our full Guilty Gear Strive PS5 review here.


Honourable Mentions:

What PS5, PS4 game did you really enjoy looking at in 2021? Have your own say in our poll, and then explain your choice in the comments section below.

What PS5, PS4 game had the best art direction of 2021?