Games that blur the line between gaming and movies

When talking about games the term “cinematic” means more than just high definition cut scenes and flashy visuals,
in gaming “cinematic” describes games that are carefully directed,

and the scenes feel carefully put together, the performance have emotions,
and the story unfolds in a way that keeps
the player hooked/interested.

The atmosphere in these games almost feels realistic . The lighting, sound, music
and detail of the environment work together to create a mood throughout the game.

And when all the stars align the game is more than just “gameplay” and becomes
an experience, the game becomes immersive in a way that feels like a movie while the player still holds control
(makes the player feel and be the character they are playing).

Playing hellblade feels a lot different than most story games, rather than constant enemy encounters/fights, the game keeps its focus on Senua. 

The camera often stays close to her face to see her reactions which makes those moments feel personal, the sense of closeness creates an experience that feels intimate, guided, staged, intimate and at times uncomfortable (in a good way).

What makes hellblade special is how it delivers the experience through senua’s point of view, it doesn’t just explain her struggle but forces/makes the player experience it with her.

 When playing you are not watching her story unfold, you are going through it alongside her.

In hellblade, Senua doesnt always over react or shout or exaggerate her expressions like other game characters. Her pain, fear,
 and hesitation are shown through small expressions, change in the way she breathes or a change in her tone, this subtlety makes the emotions feel realistic.

Sound plays a big part in making hellblade feel “cinematic” the voices surrounding
the player come from multiple different directions, and that creates constant tension. This does more than just adds atmosphere, it makes the player feel more connected and makes the atmosphere feel carefully designed.

Playing God of War feels different compared to most action games. The older GoW games were mostly about just constant combat
and BIG set pieces, but the 2018 game slows things down. The story follows Kratos
and his son Atreus as they travel through
the Nordic world.

The large fights and dramatic moments are still there, but the game spends more time on the more intimate moments. Sometimes it is just the characters talking while rowing across the lake and these smaller moments make the bigger spectacles hit that much harder.

One of the things that stand out in GoW is how the camera never really cuts away. From the main menu before hitting play to the end of the game, it follows Kratos almost the entire time. Even during moments that would normally be cutscenes, the camera simply moves close or changes its angle while staying in the same shot.

For example,when the first fight with Baldur starts, the game shifts from a quiet conversation straight into a boss fight without breaking the camera view, and that makes the whole journey feel connected from start to end.

The relationship between Kratos and Atreus makes the game feel more like a journey. The conversations happen naturally while travelling, fighting, and exploring,
rather than stopping the gameplay for long explanations. 

Some of the more memorable moments actually happen during the slower parts of the game, during the boat rides where Atreus asks questions and Kratos answers
in his usual short way.
Over time, their relationship slowly changes, and since we are there through it all, those moments feel more intimate/personal.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands out for the bold artistic direction it took.
The world is heavily inspired by
the Beautiful era (Belle Époque) and it’s style, mixing fascinating architecture with its artistic, painting-like fantasy landscape.

 The colors and lighting does so much work in creating a mood that makes the game look like it was hand painted.

The relationship between Kratos and Atreus makes the game feel more like a journey. The conversations happen naturally while travelling, fighting, and exploring,
rather than stopping the gameplay for long explanations. 

Some of the more memorable moments actually happen during the slower parts of the game, during the boat rides where Atreus asks questions and Kratos answers
in his usual short way. Over time, their relationship slowly changes, and since we are there through it all, those moments feel more intimate/personal.