#traindork

The game with the best atmosphere/scenery?

Difficult to say. Some of my favorites are:

Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne, since its atmosphere is heavy and oppressive  through its equal use of synthy ambient noise and distinctive lack of recognizable inhabitants. Whereas a lot of rpg games start you up in a setting where the protagonist should feel comfortable and knowledgeable in its rules, nocturne instead chooses to drop you into an entirely alien environment where you have to learn to survive. It thrusts you from a known world to an unknown world that is aggressive and uninviting, yet strangely beautiful beneath it all. 

Shadow of the Colossus, which features a completely empty and dead world that is completely silent and still, barring the colossus fights. Its gravelike setting is successfully achieved through its scale, limited palate, crumbling architecture, and camera, which makes Wander seem small and insignificant as the environment bears down on him. The musical score, when active, changes from heroic to regretful as the game progresses, eventually becoming downright tragic in order to echo the mindset and action of Wander himself. It’s fantastic.

Dishonored 2, which was very visually informed, often telling its story with extreme success solely through its environments. Whereas 1 had issues with its art style, primarily due to console and engine limitations, 2 does not; it keeps the painterly element 1 had, dialing down the anatomy exaggeration in order to feel more serious. Each area you inhabit is unique and well-designed, sometimes right down to single rooms. Karnaca feels like a country in which people live.