A few years ago, while browsing various video games on Steam, I came across a rather unique title called Bastion. I was immediately struck by its graphic style, which inspired me to write an article of Graphic Analysis of Bastion.
Bastion, the masterpiece by Supergiant Games, is much more than just a video game: it is an interactive work of art. Since its release in 2011, the game has captured the attention of players and critics alike due to its unique graphic style, innovative storytelling, and design that masterfully blends form and function. This article will explore the graphic style, artistic techniques, color palette, and psychology that make Bastion a visual and emotional experience like no other.
Bastion: Graphic Analysis, A Hand-Drawn World
Let’s begin with the Graphic Analysis of Bastion: The visual style is characterized by illustrations that are entirely hand-drawn. Every element, from the landscapes to the finest details, has been crafted with care to create a world that feels like a living painting. The soft, blended textures evoke traditional watercolor art, while the well-defined outlines ensure clarity even in the most dynamic scenes.
This stylistic choice is not purely aesthetic; it serves to emphasize the fragility of the game world, a fragmented universe in constant reconstruction. Each environment appears as if it were stitched together piece by piece, providing a visual parallel to the plot itself.
Production Techniques and Processes
Supergiant Games took a handcrafted approach to create the world of Bastion. Jen Zee, the art director, played a crucial role in developing the game’s unique style. Some of the techniques used include:
• Digital Illustrations: Every asset was hand-drawn using digital tools, ensuring a traditional look but with the flexibility of modern media.
• Fluid Animations: The movements of characters and objects in the world were animated to appear natural, creating a harmonious contrast with the painted look of the environments.
• Dynamic Environmental Construction: One of Bastion‘s distinctive features is how the world is built beneath the protagonist’s feet. This effect, achieved through a combination of procedural programming and artistic design, strengthens the sense of discovery and reconstruction.
The Color Palette: Emotion and Storytelling
The color palette in Bastion is one of the game’s most recognizable aspects. Every environment is characterized by vivid, contrasting tones that reflect the emotional state of the narrative:
• Warm Colors: Red, orange, and yellow dominate the battle scenes and moments of tension, evoking urgency and danger.
• Cool Colors: Blue and green are used in moments of calm, creating a sense of reflection and melancholy.
• Muted Neutrals: Gray and brown tones represent the world destroyed by the Calamity, highlighting the contrast between hope and despair.
This variety in color is carefully balanced to guide the player’s attention and evoke emotions, making every scene unforgettable.
The Psychology of Color in Bastion
The choice of colors is not random; it is designed to influence the player’s perception and emotional engagement:
• Red: A symbol of danger and chaos, often present during the most intense battles.
• Green: Evokes hope and regeneration, used in the few places where nature still seems to thrive.
• Blue: Associated with calm and solitude, dominating the game’s more contemplative moments.
This strategic use of color helps communicate moods without the need for dialogue or explanations.
The Impact of Visual Storytelling
The graphic design of Bastion is not just an aesthetic element but a narrative one. The world that builds itself beneath the protagonist’s feet is not merely a visual effect: it’s a metaphor for human resilience and the need to rebuild after tragedy. The fragmentation of the ground reflects the emotional fragmentation of the characters, while the vivid colors suggest that even amid chaos, beauty can exist.
Conclusion
The graphic analysis of Bastion is a perfect example of how art and design can work together to create a memorable experience. Through detailed illustrations, a carefully crafted color palette, and engaging visual storytelling, Supergiant Games has created a world that stays in the hearts of players long after the credits roll.
If you didn’t know about this video game yet and now feel like giving it a try, it’s available on the Steam platform.