Some people like to bring game experiences to life, turning virtual reality into actual reality. Devin Graham—or Devin Super Tramp, as he is known—is an avid filmmaker who likes to capture experiences that go beyond the norm and, in the case of the videos selected for this article, breach the boundaries of the digital world. Be sure to check out all the behind-the-scenes videos afterwards; you’ll likely want to become a filmmaker yourself.
Halo
If you’re wondering what kind of realistic graphics the Xbox 720 could bring to the Halo franchise, look no further. The detail in this film is impressive, as well as the CG work that went into it. Constructing those MJOLNIR armor suits and various weapons must have cost a pretty penny, but the outcome is a visual experience that will have Halo fans leaping for joy. The various scenes and color commentary showcase all the things we love and hate about multiplayer shooters.
Far Cry 3
The cinematography in this Far Cry 3 recreation is incredible, and by far the closest thing I’ve seen to mirroring first-person movements in reality. How Devin Super Tramp manages to blur the lines between what is real and what is computer generated will have you glued to the monitor looking for flaws, which you won’t find. Impressive acting from the entire cast does justice to the authenticity of the portrayal. While the conclusion to this action-packed and gripping scene will pull you right out of the illusion, it’ll leave you laughing.
Assassin’s Creed III
Assassin’s Creed III brought a fresh experience of romping through nature as Connor and tackling whatever obstacles the wilderness presents. This video brings those experiences to reality, parkour-style. After dispatching one British soldier, our real-life Connor gives chase to the other, who flees on horseback. The entire scene goes a little overboard, with our protagonist seemingly traversing the entire forest to intercept his target, but it’s still a good showcase of free-running through nature. Also, I realize the discipline requires light and casual clothing, but somebody needs a word with the costume designer about the assassin’s garb.
Assassin’s Creed in the City
This AC video isn’t so much a direct excerpt from one of the games, but rather a real-life interpretation of what Altaïr, Ezio, or Connor does in their respective games. It’s a nice mix of parkour, free-running, and acrobatics, and the costume has better detailing than the previous video (though the material choices were definitely for practicality rather than authenticity).
RC Airplane Dogfight
This nod to Splinter Cell may not be an entirely accurate portrayal of the games, but the follow camera work on the planes inside the building is masterfully done. Very interesting use of the space, though it does seem a little unfair that the party-crashing Paladin aircraft was the only plane packing heat. Nice touch using Sam Fisher (love the goggles). Nice touch using actress Leanna Pareja as well (“You have such nice hair!”)
Zombie Mall
While not a direct reference to any particular game, this video reminds us a bit of Dead Rising, since it’s set in a mall. Still, the two rent-a-cops trying to escape have got nothing on Frank West. As always, the camera work is flawless, frantically following our two heroes and punching the entrances of the zombies. What does the scene need? A story, more zombies, flickering lights, and some melee combat. I am a little saddened by the ending—not by the bleak outcome, but I was sort of hoping the whole group would turn around and break out into “Thriller” or something. Oh well, maybe next time.
 | By Sean Engemann Contributing Writer Date: March 15, 2013 |