Net Ten: Ten Games With Sizzling Cinematics (page 1) Subscribe to this RSS feed

A video game wouldn't be complete without cinematics to drive the story. We take a look into the past, present, and future to highlight the best of the best.

#10 Diablo II - [ PC ]

When it comes to blockbuster cinematics, Blizzard is widely regarding as the king. And though it may be difficult to understand this game's cryptic storyline, the luscious, picturesque visuals were the first sign that Blizzard was onto something special. These cinemas kick ass, especially for being made in 1998.

Key Scene: We don't know what the mysterious narrator is smoking, but judging by his freakish hallucinations, we figure it's hashish cut with paint thinner.

#10 Diablo II
89% average
critic
score

#9 Halo 2 - [ Xbox ]

The Master Chief's shimmering emerald armor does a hell of a job showing off the Xbox's graphical chops. But despite Halo 2's dazzling graphics, the in-game cinemas sputter and jerk more than a Mexican jumping bean. That is, until the brute graphical horsepower of the Xbox 360 came along. Now we can all finally see what Bungie really intended all along -- Hollywood-style action scenes that run butter smooth.

Key Scene: Master Chief dives from the back of an aircraft in mid-space flight. What a stud.

#9 Halo 2
95% average
critic
score

#8 Dawn of War - [ PC ]

Blizzard had better stay on their toes. The opening moments of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War depicts an epic battle intro that, in two short minutes, rivals the intensity of the entire movie Saving Private Ryan. The Warhammer series has never been shy about showing explicit gore, and Dawn of War certainly doesn't disappoint with its blood-drenched king-of-the-hill blitz.

Key Scene: A Space Marine captain carves his way through the Ork hordes thanks to a handy chainsaw sword.

#8 Dawn of War
86% average
critic
score

#7 Onimusha 3: Demon Siege - [ PS2 ]

Samanoske's new hotness is sure to please the ladies. But this legendary ghoul-stomping samurai has always been more of a fighter than a lover, and the ass-kicking skills he shows in the opening cinema of Onimusha 3 would humble Chuck Norris himself. Think House of Flying Daggers meets LOTR: The Return of the King.

Key Scene: Samanoske ninjas his way up a towering bone monster to tackle a squad of demons. As if that weren't impressive enough, get this -- he does his own stunts! Jackie Chan surely approves.

#7 Onimusha 3: Demon Siege
84% average
critic
score

#6 Killzone - [ PS2 ]

Guerilla Games' Killzone may not have had a warm welcome from snobby gaming critics, but its stylish cinematics are nothing to sniff at. Evil dictators, propaganda, and bomb-blasted cityscapes -- sounds like an opening cinema to us!

Key Scene: The villainous Helghast hold the International Strategic Arms militia at bay with tanks, heavy artillery, and blistering machinegun fire.

#6 Killzone
63% average
critic
score