So, they are using Andy Serkis' facility to capture facials and body movements. Enslaved and Heavenly Sword had really great acting and expressions translated into a game. Sometimes you could just look at Trip's eyes and feel what she was conveying.
If Ryse has a good story and good actors, we might see that magic again. I ain't getting that feeling yet from what they have shown. But still, no one can match Andy Serkis himself in facial expressions. Him as Monkey and the villian in HS was seriously damn impressive . You just can't forget him from Heavenly Sword !
I suppose this is not a launch game, since so little is being shown about it. Is there any confirmation on which of Crytek's studios is working on it? Is it really the Darksiders' devs working on this one? I see hope in gameplay only if they are. I think this must be the reason Crytek acquired them at all.
And, not being cynical, but they need a better art director. With these kind of graphics, if they have a competent Art Director, they can shatter our minds with the visuals. The environments completely lack style right now. Look at the environments of Destiny. It is only the characters which look impressive due to their faces. Even in characters, a better colour pallete, instead of just a normal 'this is what humans look like' can make it stand out among the crowd. Give them characteristics on faces which we can identify. Give them a personailty we can attach to. I still can't tell any difference between the hero and others. KZ shadow Fall too suffers from the same problem.
Look at God of War Crytek, make your enviroments interesting. That tower doesn't even look important enoughto be an objective. Give ur Hero some kindof identification which stands out in the battlefield. As usual with Crytek , great visuals , lacking art ! And this is coming from a guy who has played Crysis 5 times and even praised some of the levels of Crysis 3. I am a fan Crytek, but the criticism stands.