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5 Best Video Game Trailers of 2021/2022

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As gamers, there's is one thing we just can't get enough of, and that's trailers. Even the smallest snippet of gameplay can be enough to amplify the hype—especially when said footage is based around a game that's been keeping things under wraps for months. And honestly, 2021 wasn't short on bone-shattering reveals, nor was the first few months of 2022. In fact, we were kept so busy, that we had to invest in two diaries, just to jot every upcoming game down.

It takes a lot more than a logo to ignite the hype train in this day and age. And while studios like Santa Monica can get away with it, the vast majority have to put in a little extra effort. Because let's face it, if it doesn't have that wow factor, then the chances of it garnering a following are slim to non-existent. But, fortunately, these five told another story—one that captured every set of eyes in the room.

 

5. Marvel's Spider-Man 2

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 - PlayStation Showcase 2021: Reveal Trailer | PS5

It's no secret that Insomniac Games know how to build and polish an open-world game—especially ones set in New York City with our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man at the helm. After the first game, expectations definitely hit an all-time high, which led to the studio returning to the drawing board to conjure up a bigger and better tale. And, rather than carrying out a simple rehash of old material, instead opt to build a new world from the ground up.

Admittedly, Miles Morales did feel like more of an expansion pack than a fleshy standalone entry. Sure, New York was coated in a wintry setting, but other than that, it played awfully similar to Marvel's Spider-Man. That said, both games were fine works of art, which is what led to the sequel garnering a huge following. With Venom front and center, along with a few familiar faces, the hype is definitely real with this one, and we can't wait to sink our teeth into it.

 

4. World of Warcraft: Dragonflight

Dragonflight Announce Cinematic Trailer | World of Warcraft

The day Blizzard Entertainment makes a bad trailer is the day every single video game developer shuts down for good. World of Warcraft, for one, hasn't received a poor trailer since its inception way back in 2004. With nine expansion packs plus spin-offs making up the world of Azeroth, you can bet there are thousands of stories to tell, and Blizzard has a way with shedding light on some of the best.

Dragonflight serves as the ninth instalment to the universally acclaimed MMORPG, which is due to launch next year. Although without a whole lot of context, especially surrounding its connection with previous expansions, Dragonflight did go on to set the new benchmark for Blizzard, giving old players new reasons to make the trip back to Azeroth and its surrounding regions.

 

3. Elden Ring

Elden Ring Cinematic Trailer | Game Awards 2021

Long before Elden Ring released its cinematic trailer, FromSoftware had secured a healthy following for its contributions to the action-adventure platform. With series such as Dark Souls and Bloodborne filling out the canvas, Elden Ring was a sure-fire win for the studio. However, in spite of its booming reputation, the devs still took it upon themselves to deliver a next-level cinematic for the latest venture.

Elden Ring was one of the most anticipated games of 2021, and rightfully so. Stemming from a studio that was known for crafting difficult games with cutting edge narratives, it came as no surprise when the following snapped to its side. The 2021 cinematic trailer was just, you know, a bit of extra frosting on the cake to whet the appetite.

 

2. The Matrix Awakens: Unreal Engine 5

The Matrix Awakens: An Unreal Engine 5 Experience

If you want to talk about invigorating trailers, then let's bring up The Matrix Awakens. Although not a full game trailer per se, it does showcase Unreal Engine 5, the upcoming engine that will more than likely take over the gaming world. In just twenty minutes, the teaser was able to highlight all of the shiny new features of the tech, using The Matrix as grounds to reveal its fanciest specs.

It doesn't matter if you're a fan of The Matrix or not, because the point is, the Unreal Engine 5 demo is a must-see for anyone who's even remotely interested in gaming. It's history in the making, and it gives you a clear picture of what's to come over the next few years. And it's scary, truly, to see how far the industry has come since the golden days of blocky heads and god-awful voice acting.

 

1. Starfield

Starfield: Official Teaser Trailer

Coined as a wholly new, next-generation experience, Starfield will look to carry the torch for Bethesda Softworks later this year after nearly a decade in development. Ever since the name was trademarked in 2013, the fresh IP has been in and out of various phases, which has led to a concerning amount of doubt from long-term followers. But alas, Bethesda gave it two thumbs up a few months back, slapping it with a 2022 release date.

Apparently, Starfield is built to be a “Skyrim in space” of sorts. That's according to game director Todd Howard, a prominent figure in the industry who has poured heart and soul into transforming the space-based project into a living, breathing piece of art. And you know, the fact it's only a hop, skip, and a stone's throw away is enough to get us aboard the hype train. Next stop: the stars.

 

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five trailers? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

Had enough of trailers for one day? Looking for more content? You could always take a look at one of these lists:

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Jord is acting Team Leader at gaming.net. If he isn't blabbering on in his daily listicles, then he's probably out writing fantasy novels or scraping Game Pass of all its slept on indies.