Top 10 Best Video Game Trailers of 2020 So Far

“Animal Crossing: New Horizons” (2020)

“Animal Crossing: New Horizons” needs no introduction, seeing how we’ve already invested countless hours into turning our island into a thriving community. You can’t help but smile from the get-go as Tom Nook appears onstage, speaking at such a rapid-fire pace that you need subtitles to understand him. Like Tom’s speech pattern, the trailer moves at a swift rate, clocking in at only 30 seconds. In that short time, however, this breezy trailer encapsulates the game’s undeniable charm and limitless potential. The awe-struck look in Isabelle’s eyes says it all.

“Assassin’s Creed Valhalla” (2020)

We’re honestly surprised that it’s taken the “Assassin’s Creed” games so long to give Vikings the spotlight. While staying relatively true to the franchise’s tone and themes, the cinematic trailer for “Valhalla” suggests a refreshing change of pace. As King Alfred discusses his plans to declare war on the Vikings, we see these “godless barbarians” for what they really are: a loving clan with a strong sense of honor and an even stronger will to fight for their families. Although these games are known for their stealth elements, the trailer climaxes with two armies clashing in a bombastic battle. By the end, it’s almost easy to forget that you’re watching an “Assassin’s Creed” trailer. That is, until the hidden blade surfaces, catching one knight off-guard.

“The Last of Us Part II” (2020)

Remember going into 2020 when “The Last of Us Part II” seemed so unstoppable? As if getting delayed due to the pandemic wasn’t bad enough, spoiler-heavy footage and story details were subsequently leaked. A new trailer was released shortly after and it’s admittedly hard to watch it without thinking about the bad press, especially since PlayStation disabled the comments on YouTube. As Joel would say, we wish things were different. Even with all of the controversy, however, we’d be lying if we said that the trailer didn’t pack an emotional gut punch. With tension-raising music, haunting imagery, and Ellie taking no prisoners, we can’t say if the trailer properly reflects the final product, but it definitely makes us want to reserve judgment until June 19th.

“League of Legends”

This trailer is a masterclass of animation, editing, and especially music. Taking a page from the 2014 “League of Legends” World Championship, 2WEI and Edda Hayes turn in an epic cover of the song “Warriors.” The music is perfectly in sync with the action, making us feel every blow the characters take. Speaking of characters, a few familiar faces pop up in three storylines spanning different locations. The action seamlessly transitions from Lux and Garen protecting a snow base, to Caitlyn and Vi preventing a jailbreak, to Ezreal and Kai’Sa taking on some creepy creatures. Each tale shares a common thread of impossible odds, perseverance, and ultimately triumph. If this didn’t get you pumped for Season 2020, then nothing will bring out your inner warrior.

“Command & Conquer: Remastered Collection” (2020)

With the franchise being dormant since the disastrous C&C4 and that forgetably mobile spinoff. From the second Joseph D. Kucan’s Kane appears, it’s like the series never left us, and the real-time strategy genre was still in its infancy and corny live-action cutscenes were the definition of cutting edge. The trailer more or less consists of producer Jim Vessella giving us a deep dive into the game’s updated graphics, online infrastructure, and Frank Klepacki’s iconic soundtrack. Nostalgia is the game’s main selling point, however, and this trailer will undoubtedly resonate with anybody who grew up on “Tiberian Dawn” and “Red Alert.” With plenty of loving nods to longtime fans, what else can we say except, “Welcome back, Commander!”

“Half-Life: Alyx” (2020)

Yeah, it’s not a “Half-Life 3” trailer, but it’s the next best thing! After the announcement trailer dropped in late 2019, we were all eager to see more of “Half-Life: Alyx” in action. The first gameplay trailer delivered just that as Alyx Vance ventures into a rundown subway station with dread lurking around every corner. Presented through Alyx’s POV, the trailer is a gripping showcase for the game’s unsettling atmosphere, new technology, and the use of virtual reality. Even if you’ve been resistant towards VR in the past, this footage makes you want to buy a headset just to spend a few hours in Alyx’s shoes. The trailer’s ending screams, “game over,” but for anyone who pre-ordered after watching it, the fun was just beginning.

“Final Fantasy VII Remake” (2020)

Almost five years after this long-awaited remake was announced, this trailer dropped with a confirmed April release date just around the corner. Even if you know “Final Fantasy VII” inside and out, the official trailer addressed some of our lingering questions. Will Jenova look cool? Will Red XIII sound cool? Will Cloud be able to pull off that dress? This trailer answered yes, yes, and dang, Cloud is working it! Several scenes from the original are beautifully recreated, most notably Cloud and Tifa’s flashback under the stars. A few changes are also exhibited, such as the new battle system. Above all else, the trailer does a great job of building up the rivalry between Cloud and Sephiroth, getting us all ready to charge into action.

“Mortal Kombat 11” (2019)

“Mortal Kombat” isn’t finished yet. This trailer provides the basic setup for “Aftermath,” which sees Liu Kang and Raiden embark on a time-traveling quest to retrieve the Crown of Souls. Along the way, they encounter old enemies, potential new allies, and - naturally - giant snakes. We feel the urgency in this race against the clock, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t time for Shang Tsung to crack some cheeky one-liners. The trailer also teases the return of fan-favorites like Fujin and Sheeva. Of course, it wouldn’t be a “Mortal Kombat” expansion without a guest character who seems random at first, but oddly fits in perfectly. For anyone who loves hard-R action movies and ultra-violent fighting games, the mic-dropping RoboCop reveal made your life complete.

“Ghosts of Tsushima” (2020)

In a world where sequels, remakes, reboots, remasters, and expansions dominate the market, original properties need to go the extra mile to stand out. The “Ghosts of Tsushima” trailer immediately sucks the viewer in with its music, atmosphere, and artwork as an aging samurai advises his student. Jump ahead fifteen years to a fight along the shoreline on a moonlit night. The battle doesn’t end well for our protagonist, forcing him to strike up a deal. The best way to describe the ensuing cinematics and gameplay is “Assassin’s Creed” with samurai, which looks every bit as epic as it sounds. Thrilling action and astounding graphics aside, it’s the story that really has us hooked, promising a tale that’ll challenge the hero’s mortality at each turn.

“Doom Eternal” (2020)

Few games released in 2020 thus far have packed in more gore, mayhem, and sheer insanity than “Doom Eternal.” Every second is a high-octane thrill ride and that couldn’t be made clearer in the launch trailer, which will leave you struggling to catch your breath by its conclusion. Without even getting your hands on a controller, the trailer makes you feel like an unstoppable force that can take on whatever Hell itself throws at your - and A LOT is thrown at you! In the midst of all the demonic forces and bloodshed, you can make out several ringing endorsements from critics. Closing out on an image of the lone slayer with a Crucible in hand, you’re ready to “raze hell.”