Ever since graphics were introduced into plot-driven games, people were talking about making them cinematic. Maybe it was the logical goal after moving on from the book equivalent (text adventures). At various stages of (primarily) technical development, the big breakthrough was announced. Now, this being really cinematic. Only to later hear that something else entirely then finally made games cinematic. Of course, then, people were already waiting for the next big thing. You'd think after so many breakthroughs, games would really have to be virtually undistinguishable from movies by now. Let's have a look at some of these stages, what might be appropriate comparisons and what may still be different in spite of everything.