realworldish

Realworldish is a term that describes something that is intended to be realistic or lifelike, but falls short of true authenticity in some way. It suggests an attempt at realism that is not entirely successful, often due to practical limitations, artistic choices, or a deliberate stylization that prioritizes certain aspects over others. The term can be applied to various media, including video games, films, literature, and even everyday objects or situations that try to mimic reality but have subtle or obvious deviations.

In video games, for instance, "realworldish" graphics might feature detailed textures and character models but exhibit stiff animations or unrealistic physics. Similarly, a story might depict plausible scenarios and character motivations but include plot developments that strain credulity. The "ish" suffix implies a degree of approximation, indicating that the subject matter is close to real-world experience but not a perfect representation. This can be a conscious design choice, allowing for gameplay mechanics, narrative convenience, or aesthetic appeal that might be compromised by absolute realism. The perception of something being "realworldish" often depends on the viewer's or player's expectations and their familiarity with the real-world phenomena being emulated.