There isn’t a definitive explanation for what comprises a cinematic video game. Fundamentally, you might be content with the feeling that you’ve participated in a movie once you’ve reached a game’s end, and this is a fine conclusion to draw. However, for a game to feature in this rundown we’ve also paid attention to storytelling, how its direction elicits emotion, how its visuals support a movie-like quality, or its character acting and motion capture. Only games finish-able in an average of ten hours or less have been considered.
Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes
Serving as a prologue to Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain released the year after, two-hour long Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes introduced fresh stealth and traversal mechanics, manoeuvres that became staples in MGSV’s proper release. Set a few months after Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker in 1975, Ground Zeroes follows Snake’s infiltration of American black site Camp Omega as he attempts a daring rescue. Renowned for presenting newfound immersion to the series, the main complaint with Ground Zeroes is it was just too short.
