In recent years, massive strides have been made in the gaming industry to provide bigger, bolder, and more ambitious stories for gamers to experience and enjoy. But after a period of repetitiveness where certain formulas, tropes, and genres were rehashed and served back to players, a more open dialogue has been opened up between developers and consumers, leading to the realization that although graphics and presentation are surely impressive, ultimately the story and substance is what makes a game relatable and memorable.
While the following trailers may not represent their games completely accurately, or how enjoyable the final product was, they showcase just how far the gaming industry has come since its inception.*
#10. Metro: Last Light (2013)
Definitely living up to the labeling of a 'teaser,' the very short trailer does not reveal much plot for the game, rather opting to create a claustrophobic and dread-filled atmosphere created out of rapidly edited together in-game footage.
#9. Mass Effect 2 (2010)
Headed by the voice of the Illusive Man (Martin Sheen), the trailer for one of the most popular game franchises of all time presents an intense display of what is expected of the player as they enter the chaotic and immense world of Mass Effect.
#8. Final Fantasy XIII (2009)
While it can be perceived to be overly dramatic in terms of presentation and revealing many key plot points of the game, the trailer for Final Fantasy XIII is a colorful and entrancing one nonetheless, accompanied by a powerful performance by Leona Lewis.
#7. Bioshock 2 (2010)
Playing off the mystery and terror behind the "Big Daddy" enemies from the first game, the trailer for Bioshock 2 offers players an opportunity to trudge through the ruins of Rapture through the eyes of one of gaming's most terrifying and grotesque creations.
#6. Life is Strange (2015)
A fresh breath of air from fast-paced shooters and action-adventure RPG's, Life is Strange is ultimately a more intimate and grounded story that takes place in a high-school setting through the eyes of a young woman, Max Caulfield.
#5. Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Fallen Empire (2015)
Beautifully animated and introducing an interesting story where a third party comes into conflict with the Republic and the Sith Order, Knights of the Fallen Empire is sure to entice new and old fans alike.
#4. Dead Island (2011)
Perhaps one of the most gut-wrenching and emotionally toiling trailers for a game ever created, the trailer for Dead Island divides one scene into two, one playing forward and the other playing backwards, creating a cinematic experience like none other.
#3. Assassins Creed: Revelations (2011)
The fourth entry in the Assassins Creed series, the trailer shows the connection between protagonists Ezio Auditore and Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad, while being played with an incredibly fitting piece by WoodKid.
#2. Horizon: Zero Dawn (2015)
Following a young huntress in a futuristic setting inhabited by prehistoric beasts that are not made of flesh, but steel, the trailer for Horizon: Zero Dawn seems to be a fitting new addition to the action-adventure RPG genre.
#1. Killzone 2
Reprising his role as Autarch Scholar Visari, the charismatic enemy leader in the Killzone series, voice-actor Brian Cox delivers a chilling monologue over a scene where invading soldiers are slaughtered like cattle—a chilling sight to behold.
*This list is purely subjective and is not the result of a statistically fair poll.
