Overview

 

 

This project consists of two high-realism videogame menu intro cinematics, fully created and animated in Blender. Both prototypes explore advanced lighting, camera work, and atmosphere to emulate the polished opening sequences seen in modern AAA videogames. The goal of the project was to study how cinematic mood, animation, and sound can establish the identity of a game before gameplay begins.

 

 

 

 

Prototype 1 - Metro in Space

 

 

• A realistic cinematic inspired by a videogame set in New York City.

• Shows a character quietly sitting inside a highly detailed metro train, rendered with accurate lighting, reflections, and materials.

• The scenery outside the metro windows is transformed into outer space, creating a surreal and dreamlike contrast between mundane reality and cosmic unknown.

• Utilizes advanced animation techniques, including dynamic camera paths, atmospheric depth, and subtle environmental motion.

• Designed as an intro sequence leading into the Start Menu, setting the tone for a narrative-driven or surreal sci-fi game.

 

 

 

 

 

Prototype 2 - Retro Sci-Fi Realism Intro

 

 

• A cinematic inspired by old-school videogame intros, but rendered with modern realism to create a unique hybrid aesthetic.

• Integrates realistic textures, volumetric lighting, particle effects, and smooth camera choreography.

• Features original sound design created by me, with audio recorded on my phone and heavily processed to echo the tension and iconic tonalities of War of the Worlds.

• Built as an intro concept for a retro-inspired sci-fi game with a modern, polished visual identity.

 

 

 

 

 

Technical & Artistic Focus

 

 

These prototypes were created to experiment with:

 

• High-fidelity cinematic rendering inside Blender

• Advanced animation workflows, including multi-layered camera motion

• Realistic lighting pipelines for game-style cinematics

• Atmospheric storytelling through composition, mood, and timing

• Integration of self-made sound design, matching visuals and narrative tone

• How opening cinematics help define a game’s emotional and thematic direction