Awaken Cinematic - Feedback
There is no doubt that the new cinematic was an impressive integration of gameplay, lore, and stunning CGI. While I've already commented in other threads how excited this video got me I still feel the need to give some constructive feedback, primarily around Irelia.
0:31 Irelia is watching what appears to be the magical equivalent of a dandelion seed float upward. I've watched it over many times and it doesn't feel like she's actually looking at it. My guess is that it's because her eyes don't really move, they don't follow it as it moves up. Although her head does tilt upward, without eye movement it comes across as looking at something much farther away, rather than in front of her face.
1:06 This is when the Ionians and Noxians first clash. I was having trouble feeling the impact of Irelia fighting here. It could be the animation or an overuse of slowdowns, but it could also be that visually I'm being told there's a lot of fighting but the sound is telling me it's pretty deserted. I know audio clutter is a thing and the music is at the forefront, but there were fewer people in the theater and gladiator pit and I could still hear the boots and clanking of Camille's goons and pretty much every weapon and blow exchanged in the pit and the crowd cheer to boot. When Irelia charges, you don't hear the resistance charge and clash alongside her, and when she flips those soldiers at 1:13 you hardly hear anything. The lack of sound also takes impact away from when Irelia tanks Sion's ult and all the sound supposedly muffles.
I'm completely certain any of what I listed is what was breaking the fantasy for me at those points, they're guesses with my basic art background, but that's my bit of constructive feedback. I really loved all the components to this cinematic and enjoyed seeing how they worked together while discovering a new detail each time I rewatched it. I agree with others that Jhin bowing in the face of Camille was the money shot, but I think Riven's first fight sequence was the most well-animated, powerful and impactful part, and Kennen showing up was something I didn't know I wanted 'til I saw it.
That's my 2 cents, feel free to share your own ^.^