Arty Games

[USSVagrant]

Bioshock, Audiosurf, Max Payne (1 & 2), Osmos, Katamari Damacy, The Pitt (Fallout 3 DLC), Mass Effect 2... a fairly varied list, I would say. Difficulty would vary from easy (Katamari Damacy) to pretty difficult (Osmos and Max Payne). I would venture to say that single player Modern Warfare 2 could be considered "art" as it has a very movie-like plot and the intensity of a war movie.

And that's what I can think of. Really good games with a very heavy lean towards art (either in the form of visuals, writing, or both).

"Somewhere, the baby was crying."

 

[photogenictrash]

What about Shadow of the Colossus?

 

[swolf]

You can't forget the games from Team Ico: Ico, Shadow of The Colossus, and the upcoming one. Also, there is something artistically beautiful about the crashes in BurnOut 3 Takedown.

 

[Lord Krunk]

Are you kidding? No mention of The Path? But... you love that game!

I know you do!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

 

[tawmus]

The purpose of art (my opinion of course) is to make a person feel something. I think that is why SotC has been mentioned so many times; not just for its aesthetic beauty, but the emotions invoked by the environment and the actions of the main character, which is ultimately you. Judging by the responses and personal experience, it achieved "art" quite well.

This topic of discussion is endless. Some art may just look like paint dumped on canvas to certain people, others might think it brilliant.

As for a game to sway Mr. Ebert and others to declare video games art, I think previous suggestions cover all the bases. As for my suggestion, something simple: Legend of Zelda (NES). It convinced me, albeit at a young age, that video games are something more then just simple games.

 

[Tiut]

Okami isn't listed.
Braid isn't listed.
Silent Hill IS listed.
Anything by SMT (save Persona) aren't listed.
Grim Fandango isn't listed.
Monkey Island isn't listed.
Ico isn't listed.
Touhou isn't listed.

You've really got a hold on this, Shamus.