With game production values running high and climbing (perhaps to catch up with Hollywood action films), the "cinema" in game cinematics has become increasingly sophisticated. Gameplay movies, which can be carefully scripted and edited to highlight a story, have also taken on a more cinematic feel and, like cinematics, whet your appetite for upcoming games. But high-production cinematics seem to have stolen the spotlight. We've come to expect entertaining and highly dramatic movie trailers, as well as bolder and longer cutscenes from games. Good cinematics do generate a lot of excitement. But are they just marketing tools or can they really enhance the game-playing experience? Finally, what qualities make cinematics good?

This week we ask ourselves, "Which game has the best cinematics?" In evaluating movies, trailers, and cutscenes from games, we've given thought to the qualities that define the best cinematics and how these should serve the game. If you have an opinion, vote in our Instant Poll. You can also send us your answers and comments to ask-the-editors@gamespot.com. Your letter may appear in next week's feature. We've also posted reader letters from last week's question, "What is the best multiplayer game you've ever played?"

Technical note: If you are using Netscape, you must set your RealPlayer plug-in to Netscape in order to view the streaming video on the following pages.