We have played a lot of great looking games on the current generation of consoles. We have seen game developers create beautiful visuals and squeeze more juice out of our aging consoles across the years. This list is for consoles. I know that some of these titles are available on the PC, but we wanted to focus on consoles for a very simple and obvious reason: Consoles can't compete with high end PCs. Some of these games were only picked for their impressive technical achievements while the others were chosen for their amazing mix of great art direction and technical superiority. What do you think is the best looking game of this generation? Please feel free to share with us in the comments section. Note: The list is in no particular order.  
1. Crysis 2:  
 
 
 
The game has some of the best (if not the best) lighting effects on consoles. The game's open environments and textures are very detailed. The Water is rendered beautifully and the water physics are impressive. The trees and foliage in Crysis 2 are highly detailed. Crysis 2 looks absolutely amazing.  
2. Gears of War 3:  
 
 
 
Gears of War 3 has brought significant visual improvements over its predecessor. The game has great lighting effects, some of the best looking textures on consoles and highly detailed character models. The amount of alpha and particle effects rendered on the screen is really astonishing in Gears of War 3. Unreal Engine 3 at its finest.  
3. Uncharted 3:  
 
 
 
Naughty Dog always deliver amazing visuals and Uncharted 3 is no exception. Highly detailed character models, believable facial animation, impressive textures and visually amazing set pieces. The detail in Uncharted 3 visuals are sometimes unmatched by any game.  
4. Red Dead Redemption:  
 
 
 
One of the best looking and immersive open world games ever. Rockstar San Diego has created a mesmerizing and believable world that you don't want to ever leave. Red Dead Redemption has maybe the most believable rainy weather in any videogame. furthermore, it has the most realistic, believable, and beautiful horses ever seen in a video game.  
5. Killzone 3:  
 
 
 
Killzone 3 is easily one of the best looking games of this generation. The game is packed with little details that really help add to the atmosphere of the game. Lighting effects are impressive. Atmospheric effects in Killzone 3 are some of the best. A visual treat for the eyes.  
6. Assassin's Creed franchise (Brotherhood and Revelations):  
 
 
 
The Assassin's Creed games art direction is beautiful and exceptional. The level of detail in Assassin's Creed city environments are astonishing. The game also has impressive draw distance and great looking textures.  
7. God of War 3:  
 
 
 
Kratos has possibly the most detailed character model in any game. Visually impressive boss fights and set pieces are some of the things that make God of War 3 one of the best looking games of this console generation.  
8. Batman: Arkham City:  
 
 
 
Another great looking game that is powered by Epic's latest version of Unreal Engine. Little touches like how the snow touches Batman suit and melt down gradually, and how Batman suit tears up as you progress in the story. Gotham city looks wonderful and atmospheric thanks for the great lighting effects and the impressive amount of detail in the environments.  
9. Rayman: Origin:  
 
 
 
The best looking 2D game ever made. Enough said.  
10. Final Fantasy XIII/XIII-2:  
 
 
 
Final Fantasy games are well known for their high production value. Final Fantasy XIII and its sequel are no exception. Both games are technically and artistically accomplished. Also, I love how Square-Enix devs render character's hair in both Final Fantasy XIII/XIII-2.  
11. Rage:  
 
 
 
A great looking game that runs at 60FPS? It's Rage. Great looking textures, detailed character models and butter smooth frame rate are some of the things that make Rage stand out from the crowd.  
12. Battlefield 3:  
 
 
 
Frostbite 2 is one of the best game engines in the industry. The destruction model in Battlefield 3 is second-to-none, atmospheric rendering and particle effects work are sublime. The lighting effects in Battlefield 3 are some of the best.  
13. L.A. Noire:  
 
 
 
L.A. Noire has the best facial animation in any game. Detailed character models. Amazing level of detail in the environments. Team Bondi has really created an impressive looking game.  
14. Skyrim:  
 
 
 
While Skyrim isn't technically impressive, the game has some visually stunning moments. Skyrim's great art style and the impressive draw distance of the game provides gamers with many unforgettable sights.