Virtual Landscapes: The Transition Era

Virtual Landscapes: The Transition Era (1990-1999)



The magical essence of natural landscapes since the dawn of man have been a source of intrigue, wonder and inspiration in art,  philosophy and literature. With each new era in civilisation, new methods of creative expression have been used by artists, designers and writers to capture the rich natural landscapes, and with the 21st century and the emergence of new interactive technologies, this innate desire is being expressed through the digital domain.


From the giant mushroom forests of Morrowind, the Archipelago islands of Zelda: Wind Waker, to the tropical underground caves of Phantasy Star Online, Virtual landscapes have enthralled, captured and engaged player imaginations for over 30 years. Virtual Landscapes is a three part series attempting to, for the first time, visually illustrate, share and critically reflect upon the unique, virtual natural landscapes within Computer & Video Games.


Virtual Landscapes: The Transition Era visually illustrates the period from 1990 to 1999 that marked the decline of 2D natural landscapes from the 'Embryonic Era' and by the emergence of true 3D technologies which would radically shape virtual landscapes in the years to come. From the intricate, picturesque landscapes of Kings Quest 5, the isometric forests of Landstalker,  through to the beautiful mysterious lands of Kyrandia, and finally the magical forests of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Virtual Landscapes presents these  virtual spaces for the first time, in stunning unseen digitally enhanced, high resolution and panoramic forms.