The Artistic & Visual Design Elements Present In The Saboteur

If we list underrated games, The Saboteur might be in the top 10. I’m not going to lie; the game was indeed a 10/10. Every element is enjoyable in this game.

It has an open-world setting; car driving is like the GTA and stealth action resembles Splinter Cell. My favorite was the climbing, similar to Assassin’s Creed, which adds verticality to the game, making the gameplay more amusing.

However, The Saboteur’s USP is its neo-noir-inspired feature, the most striking and unique mechanic. It is very rare that I ever talk about a game’s color theme, but this was something extraordinary I couldn’t help but write about.

The Power of Noir

The game takes place during the period of World War II, the history-altering event that changed lives. As the story is set in Nazi-occupied Paris, the developers chose to insert a monochrome palette to represent the areas under heavy Nazi control.

The black-and-white visuals invoke a sense of despair and cruelty that was perfected to align with the game’s atmosphere. I had previously witnessed this feature in Steven Spielberg’s cinematic classic Schindler’s List. Similar to the game, the black-and-white visual conveyed a sensitive gaze on the Holocaust.

This color theme wasn’t a stylish choice; roaming through the greyscale street, my shoulders could feel the burden of occupation. Visualizing the long-ended oppression deepened my emotional connection with the game. As you liberate the city by completing missions, the dynamic bursts into vibrant colors, symbolizing hope and freedom.

The Subjective Use of Red Color

Even when you enter into a monochromatic environment, you will witness many key elements like blood and Nazi banners highlighted in red. For me, it turned out to be a standout detail. It quickly drew my eye to emphasize the oppressive presence of the regime. 

The red color served as a reminder of the danger that once clouded the people during World War II.  

Inspirational Art Deco

The developers and designers didn’t limit themselves when it came to incorporating historically accurate designs. Unbeknownst to many Gen-Zs like me, Paris in the 1940s was a hub of arts and culture. Keeping this in mind, the influence of Art Deco was apparent in the architecture and other aspects of the game.

The blend of historical accuracy and artistic panache felt surreal and authentic. I often found myself taking a break from missions to walk around and admire the meticulous detailing.

Cinematic Presentation

The game doesn’t shy away from giving players a movie-like experience. The camera angles and lightning contribute to delivering a war drama with an action-type feel. This genuinely made me feel as if I was a significant participant in the war.

The transition between the game and the cutscenes provides a seamless and immersive experience, keeping you engaged with the story.

 Protagonist and Costume Designs

The protagonist of the game, Sean Devlin, was inspired by a real-life racing driver, William Grover Williams. The character was portrayed and thoughtfully crafted for the world he inhabited. Moreover, the game’s costumes are crafted with minute details that accurately reflect that era.

Each design work tells an unheard story that further adds depth to the narrative.

My Take

Unfortunately, this game didn’t get its rightfully deserving praise. Additionally, it is a shame the studio went under the rug shortly after its release; otherwise, the game might have gotten more attention. 

Nevertheless, from atmosphere and color shifts to fantastic music and great storytelling, I loved every bit of this game. If someone is looking for a stealth plus action packed open world game, The Saboteur should be their go-to.