What 10 Great Video Games Look Like Without Visual Effects

9. Devil May Cry 5

This is a bit different from the rest of the entries on this list, because the extensive, two-hour behind-the-scenes video released from the making of Devil May Cry 5 doesn't cover the actual mo-cap sessions, but something far wackier.

Instead of using regular animated storyboards to use as a reference for cutscenes, the devs on this long-awaited sequel actually filmed them all in real time, using real actors and props (and even some rudimentary visual effects), giving the studio a framework they could follow.

Every cutscene was therefore rehearsed and acted as it is in the final game, and the results are wild. The live-action rendition of Dante's now infamous Michael Jackson dance is a particular highlight, with the actor performing the entire thing in-camera, even wearing the same cowboy hat. And for some of the more fantastical scenes, they just used a Dante figurine. It's madness.

Two hours is a big time sink, but this entire thing is a genuine joy.

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Josh has over 11 years of experience as a published writer, having worked nine of those years as a full-time content producer at WhatCulture. In that period he has created hundreds of articles, videos and podcast episodes for multiple WhatCulture channels, specialising in gaming, horror and film & TV. He now primarily works as a senior content producer and presenter on WhatCulture Gaming where he co-hosts the WhatCulture Gaming Podcast, a top 3 UK most listened to gaming podcast that he co-created in 2018. Over the years he has reviewed several high-profile gaming releases, covered industry events with on-site reporting, opined on breaking news, and even kicked off his interviewing career by chatting to childhood hero, Tommy Wiseau.