Top 10 Video Game Launch Trailers

#10: “Red Dead Redemption” (2010)

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This game takes place in a setting fairly unusual for games, the Wild West, and the trailer did a good job of introducing players to the unique landscape. The Western-sounding music, shots of ranches, and scenes of horses galloping across open prairies helped to prepare gamers for the environment they’d be entering. Protagonist John Marston’s narration nicely introduces the cinematic story without giving away too much, while also capturing the scope of how big the game is.

#9: “Mass Effect 2” (2010)

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The epic sci-fi story told in this massive RPG would seem to be impossible to explain in two minutes, but BioWare set the stage for the tale of humanity’s fight against the Collectors. Of course, having the voice of Martin Sheen, who speaks through most of the trailer in the role of the Illusive Man, certainly helps. The bombastic orchestral score gives a sampling of the dramatic feeling to be found throughout the game, plus for added bonus fan favorites Tali and Garrus from the first game also appear to get prior fans really hyped.

Dark and serious trailers have really become popular recently, but it’s also nice to see a clip that simply makes us crack up, as this one does. As smooth jazz plays in the background, a low-voiced narrator seductively sells us on the virtues of this strategic action game. Who knew that warships could be this sexy?

#7: “Battlefield: Bad Company” (2008)

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As much as we love getting lost in a dramatic trailer, we realize that they’re easy to mock, and this clip does an incredible job of it. Just when you’re sure it’s going to be another overly serious game ad, it switches gears and shows the hilarious wisecracks of the men of Bad Company. Of course, it’s still an FPS, and the trailer also showcases the furious shooter action that dominates the gameplay. … Just with guys who have no idea what the hell they’re doing.

#6: “BioShock” (2007)

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Infinite’s trailer was also considered, but a lot of things that make this trailer make it a one-of-a-kind experience. The trailer introduces us to that style by showing protagonist Jack on his back, helplessly firing at a Big Daddy and other enemies while Bobby Darin’s rendition of “Beyond the Sea” plays in the background. It also gave us a taste of Rapture’s uniquely beautiful architecture.

#5: “Grand Theft Auto IV” (2008)

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It’s the people of Liberty City that truly make this game what it is, and this clip showed us what it would be like to interact with them. The scenes of Niko rapping with his enemies and allies, spliced between the awesome action shots, provided a nice hint of how it would feel to inhabit the game’s immersive world. It’s clear that mayhem will ensue, but you can see how much fun it’ll be. Especially with a Black Hawk attack helicopter chasing you down.

#4: “The Last of Us” (2013)

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Having to fight off hordes of zombies and unruly humans is a scary proposition, and the percussive sounds in this clip foreshadow the impending doom which the game depicts in greater depth. The piano theme that comes in later on establishes the title’s sombre tone. Of course, no matter what comes with it, getting to see the title’s gorgeous visuals on display will always be a treat.

#3: “Call of Duty: Black Ops” (2010)

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This game moved the FPS franchise to the Vietnam war era, and we can’t imagine a better way to introduce the new time period than The Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter.” Similarly, we can’t think of a better way to introduce any title in this series than by showing non-stop action, as this trailer does. Though the clip doesn’t use much actual gameplay footage, it still manages to recreate the intensity found throughout the title.

#2: “Halo 3: ODST” (2009)

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In this game, you assume the roles of soldiers known as ODST or Orbital Drop Shock Troopers, and this live action trailer introduced us to them early on by letting us see the men underneath those trademark badass armor suits. As the bagpipes and vocalist drone, we see the perspective of one of these soldiers, from training to combat. They lead a tough life, but this clip made us want be in their shoes and start firing away at the Covenant. If only the real game looked like that. Before we get to our number lone, let’s take a look at some honorable mentions: “DC Universe Online” (2013) “Assassin’s Creed II” (2009) “Dead Space” (2008)

#1: “Gears of War” (2006)

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There’s a lotta great trailers out there, but how many of them made you want to buy music as well as a new game. In just one minute, Epic Games showed us the game’s desolate post-apocalyptic setting, as well as some of the horrors protagonist Marcus would have to face. The use of Gary Jules’s “Mad World” cover gave it a unique feel especially given the fact that the trailer has no sound effects as the somber song along carries the feeling of hopelessness in this beautiful piece of video. Do you agree with our list? What trailer made you want to run out and spend your money? For more entertaining top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.