Crackdown 3, like previous games, utilizes cel-shaded visuals to give itself some comic book stylings to go with its over-the-top action gameplay. There's certainly been some commentary across social media and other blogs criticizing the stylistic choice, with some arguing that it looks dated.
Lifestyle blog HighSnobiety recently interviewed Terry Crews on his status as an internet superhero, and his role as a super-powered agent in Crackdown 3.
Accompanying the piece was a screencap from Crackdown 3's opening cinematic, which shows that despite the game's stylistic choices, it still packs a lot of visual prowess.
The styling on Crews in this scene certainly goes beyond the typical expectations of cel-shaded visuals. Nicole Fawcette of Xbox's marketing team confirmed that the picture is from Crackdown 3's opening sequences.
While it looks impressive, I know from my hands on with the game at E3 2017 that, for the most part, Crackdown 3 won't be using choreographed cinematics such as its opening to deliver the story. The narrative sequences will take place in real time, as the antagonists access nearby billboards and screens to berate the player as you work to dismantle their crime network. Crackdown 3 is a game that doesn't want to take control away from the player, even when the baddies are delivering their vicious taunts.
Personally, I wasn't enamored with Crackdown 3's gameplay trailer at E3 2017, but my opinion of the game changed dramatically when I played it for myself. Wielding a black hole gun, punching enemies into space, and throwing busses are all just insane in the best way possible, and I think fans will agree.
More: Crackdown 3 hands-on at E3 2017
Crackdown 3 will launch for Xbox One, Xbox One X, and Windows 10 on November 7th, 2017.
