In an era where blockbuster reveals are a key part of gaming culture, one reader has taken a nostalgic look back at the cinematic previews that left an indelible mark. James Davie, a gamer in his thirties, shares a deeply personal list of the six trailers from the PS1 era to the present day that have impressed him the most, moving beyond the latest releases to celebrate timeless promotional artistry.
A Personal Journey Through Cinematic Previews
The feature begins with a powerful memory: the E3 2002 trailer for Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance. For Davie, the sight of Solid Snake advancing relentlessly, cutting down terrorists with precise rifle fire, resonates on a personal level. He relates Snake's determined march to his own life challenges, having navigated life with hydrocephalus and battled low expectations. The trailer's explosive finale, underscored by gripping music and dialogue, sells a high-stakes world in a way he finds simply amazing.
Another seminal moment from 2002 was the debut trailer for Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. As a curious 10-year-old, Davie was captivated by its sun-drenched glamour. The shots of palm trees, Tommy Vercetti on a boat, and 80s-inspired cars racing through neon-lit streets were soaked in a calming, nostalgic vibe. The use of Kool and the Gang's 'Summer Madness' perfected the ambience, setting a personal standard for what paradise looks like in a video game.
Modern Masterpieces of Joy and Tension
Jumping ahead to E3 2017, the trailer for Super Mario Odyssey delivered pure, unexpected joy. What initially appeared to be a scene from a monster-hunting game transformed as Mario burst out from within a dinosaur, launching the fun into orbit. The sequence, paired with 'Jump Up Superstar,' created what Davie considers one of the most exciting previews he has ever seen.
In a similar vein of restorative joy, the 2023 announcement trailer for Astro Bot served as an oasis for PlayStation fans. Amidst a landscape of overly serious narratives, its bright, cheerful energy helped restore faith in the brand's ability to deliver pure, unadulterated fun.
Trailers That Pierce the Soul
Not all impactful trailers trade in excitement. The cinematic trailer for the original Dead Island is highlighted as one of the most sombre and relatable ever made. Its haunting music and reverse-chronological direction, revealing the tragic origin of a zombie child, deliver a gut-wrenching emotional punch that Davie feels remains unmatched.
The final entry is the masterfully tense E3 2018 reveal trailer for the Resident Evil 2 remake. Its methodical layering of suspense and revelation perfectly matched the seismic anticipation for the gloriously gory revival, showcasing how a trailer can expertly stoke fan excitement.
James Davie's feature is a testament to the power of the video game trailer as an art form, capable of inspiring, thrilling, and moving players long before they press start. The reader's features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.
