Just did probably the most cinematic combat sequence ive ever played in a video game. You fight maybe 20 enemies 1 on 1 but after every enemy take down you get other NPCs coming in for an assist or some other stupendously animated takedown. It is effectively a 10-15 minute setpiece that goes in and out of cutscenes without ever cutting. I dont like one shot takes in games anymore but this is why those one shot takes were created. It feels cohesive and for once cutscenes dont take you out of the gameplay experience. The fact that each of these takedowns is unique means they basically mocapped a long 10-15 minute battle and then stitched it together seamlessly with gameplay.
Yes, it helps that the game looks flawless during these combat sequences. It legit feels like you are playing a movie. I honestly dont think ive been this impressed by a realtime setpiece/cutscene since those TLOU2 chase scenes. It makes the 1v1 Abby vs Brute fight look like childs play. Took 4 years but TLOU2 has finally been topped in terms of cinematics and setpieces. This is fucking insane.
They do a couple more tracking shots and i dont think i will ever get over how awesome they look. I hate the walking gameplay and nearly quit the game last night after another hour long walking sequence but im glad i stuck around. This isnt just a new industry benchmark, it is cinematic excellence on a level rarely seen even in movies.
