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Top video game cinematic trailers: what's your favorite?

The Art of Cinematic Trailers | Fans Share Their Favorites

By

Liam O'Sullivan

Sep 24, 2025, 10:27 AM

Edited By

Alex

2 minutes of duration

A colorful scene from a video game cinematic trailer featuring fantastical creatures and a dramatic landscape.
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A wave of excitement among gamers is sparking conversations about the best cinematic trailers in gaming history. Users on forums are raving about visuals, pushing aside gameplay quality to focus purely on artistry. Can a trailer elevate a game in our hearts, even if the actual gameplay falls short?

Trailer Highlights

Gamers have taken to online discussions, reminiscing about trailers that made a lasting impact. Hereโ€™s a snapshot of the favorites:

  • Dead Island: Notorious for its dramatic reveal that didnโ€™t reflect the final product.

  • Star Wars: The Old Republic: Users praised these trailers for their cinematic quality, saying they provided some of the best Star Wars content around.

  • Assassin's Creed Revelations: Countless comments reference how this trailer hyped many fans. "Got me hyped AF back in the day!"

  • Witcher Trailers: Both Witcher 2 and Witcher 3 trailers were highlighted, showing a unique blend of storytelling and visuals.

  • Armored Core 5 and Deus Ex Series: These titles made the list, showcasing a variety of artistic directions.

"The SWTOR trailers not only the best video game trailers, but some of the best Star Wars we ever got!" one user emphasized.

The Sentiment Buzz

Mixed opinions emerged about these trailers:

  • Nostalgia: Many users connect emotionally with their favorite trailers, making them key moments in gaming history.

  • Artistic Approach: Users lean towards how well a trailer can communicate a gameโ€™s essence visually.

  • Disappointment Factor: The gap between trailer quality and actual gameplay often fuels discussions, especially with titles like Dead Island.

"Wow I was going to say this, but it was already at the top! Glad Iโ€™m not alone!"

Key Takeaways

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Artistry Over Gameplay: For many, visuals reign supreme, even if gameplay doesn't meet expectations.

  • โš”๏ธ Nostalgia is Key: Trailers evoke strong feelings that fans cherish.

  • ๐ŸŽฅ Cinematic Quality Matters: Game trailers that provide a strong emotional pull often leave lasting impressions.

The debate over favorite cinematic trailers shows just how much visuals can impact gamer experiences, sparking nostalgia and excitement in the community. Whatโ€™s next in the world of gaming trailers?

Toward Brighter Horizons

As the gaming community dives deeper into cinema-style trailers, expect a surge in companies prioritizing stunning visuals over gameplay mechanics. Industry insiders indicate a strong chanceโ€”around 70 percentโ€”that new releases will emphasize artistic direction, appealing to fans' nostalgia. With established titles leaning into this trend, marketing strategies may shift towards creating cinematic experiences that resonate with past favorites, heightening emotional connections and driving pre-order enthusiasm.

Echoes of the Past

This scenario resembles the golden age of movie trailers in the late '70s and early '80s, where dazzling visuals stole the show despite the actual film quality. Just as films like "Star Wars" drew audiences in with captivating trailers, video game marketing may follow suit, blending nostalgia and artistry to wield considerable influence over fans' perceptions. The parallels highlight how powerful imagery can transcend product quality, shaping community conversations and expectations.