Scalari.net

A good trailer sells the game before it’s even out in stores. They also have the ability either enhance or disguise the actually quality of a game. Personally, I quite enjoy watching trailers as a reminder of how far we’ve really come in terms of interactive entertainment.

Here are my picks of trailers that spelled the word “sold” in the eyes of gamers in 2009.

#10: Batman: Arkham Asylum

The first time I saw this trailer I thought Batman looked retarded and I still do. However Mark Hamill’s performance as the Joker makes up for it, and then some.

#9: Split/Second – Power plays

A racer that can rival Burnout in destruction and speed? The game is not out yet but this developer walk-through certainly makes that suggestion.

#8: Last guardian – E3 trailer

While not shedding much light on any real gameplay this video was aimed at those of us who played and loved Ico and it definitely hits the mark. This trailer also spawned a Penny-arcade comic strip.

#7: Final fantasy XIII

Despite this game’s inevitable success and grandeur, this trailer does nothing but re-visualize the scenes from the original trailer while adding some actual gameplay footage and a few incomprehensible plot points. This trailer screams: “Yes. It’s a Final fantasy game”. Which is a perfectly fine point to make.

#6: Brütal Legend – Start a revolution

A video game with a premise inspired by heavy metal? SOLD! This trailer managed to subdue most fears that the game would be saturated with Jack Black and his Jack Black-yness.

#5: 3D dot game heroes

Yet another nostalgia game stabbing away at my childhood’s heart. Just listen to the music! It’s like it sings to me like an 8-bit siren.

#4: Starcraft 2 – An old rivalry

Not much to say here, really. Another case of Blizzard reminding us that their CG department employ some sort of pixel wizardry.

#3: Uncharted 2 – E3 trailer

Uncharted 2 is an great game that has been compared to something of an interactive movie. So it’s no coincidence that the trailer carries a similar cinematic quality and in a good way.

#2: Castlevania: Lords of shadows

The official word is that it’s a reimagining of the franchise. Others has suggested it’s an original game with the Castlevania brand slapped onto it. Regardless, this is an amazing trailer with a ton of ambience. Werewolves, bosses, an enthralling score and, of course, Patrick Stewart.

#1: Super Street Fighter 4 – Introducing Juri

Though slightly biased by my personal interest in Street Fighter 4, you can’t deny that Juri and her Ultra steals the show in this clip. Capcom has constantly made terrific trailers for their most recent games and this is no exception.

Honorable mentions

Duke Nukem Forever – Non-trailer
Starcraft 2 – Battle reports