E3, generally the highlight of all things video gaming, was canceled last year because of the pandemic. With eager hearts and wide eyes, fans of long-running AAA franchises and indie titles were able to enjoy a plethora of announcements throughout E3 2021 weekend, and a lot of these announcements came with cinematic and gameplay trailers.
Some series showed updated graphics for next-gen consoles, and others have returned after lengthy sabbaticals. For instance, titles like Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora and Tina’s Tiny Wonderlands showed scenes for new upcoming games that fans are excited for. With everything that the gaming community was able to watch, it can be hard to go through and pick favorite trailers or reveals. Still, some titles brought their A-game to E3 this year. This list is presented in no particular order.
House of Ashes
The Dark Pictures anthology’s next game, House of Ashes, gave fans a look at ancient gods in modern times. The trailer’s chilling narration and quick looks at gameplay set the stage for a horror experience that will likely shake players to their cores. The story will be built around the demon Pazuzu and looks like a terrifying experience. This is par for the course for The Dark Pictures, but the trailer for The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes feels like it carries an added dread.
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope's reveal trailer was like a movie preview alongside gameplay. Clear animation and whimsy carried emotion for a cast of characters that do not traditionally speak. With the new bad guy and the incorporation of Mario Galaxy’s Rosalina and Lumas, a lot of fans of the first game are excited about the series return. There is also some hope that this trailer may lead to more Super Mario Galaxy adventures.
Redfall
Redfall’s trailer was an ode to PvE shooters and zombie hunting in one clip. It is sad that Arkane’s new game is not among the titles coming out this fall, but it will probably be a huge hit for summer 2022. With breathing room away from other similar titles like Rainbow Six Extraction and Back 4 Blood, it may be able to dominate E3 next year.
This cinematic trailer gave players an introduction to the malicious vamps they will be hunting, alongside unique powers and weapons. While the Redfall strays away from other vampire games it has a clear root in titles like Left 4 Dead and Call of Duty: Zombies. Redfall will hopefully revitalize the co-op shooter experience next summer.
Breath of the Wild 2
Breath of the Wild 2’s newest trailer delivered more than many fans may have expected. While the game’s original reveal was a hyped up, what Nintendo showed off at E3 has reawakened The Legend of Zelda’s fanbase. The trailer was a bit limited but delivered two important things: a look at the environment that Zelda fans will be able to explore in the new title and a 2022 release window. What else fans can expect will be revealed with time, but the excitement in the air for many fans during the trailer was palpable.
Elden Ring
Elden Ring might be the most anticipated game of E3 this year, which is saying a lot given the breadth of content at the event. With so many titles announced and shown off, Elden Ring has held onto the attention of many. The game’s trailer introduced an open-world landscape steeped in the aesthetics From Software is known for.
With a story that was co-written by George. R. R. Martin, the author of Game of Thrones, there is almost certainly going to be rich lore and thought-out history for the game. The narrative and environment seem like huge steps for the already titanic style fans are familiar with. It is easy to see why so many are excited for the game’s release in January 2022 following this reveal.
Phantom Abyss
Phantom Abyss is one of the more unique trailers that was shown off, albeit not the flashiest. The game’s premise takes the idea of free-for-alls and applies it to a treasure-hunting race format. The trailer’s direction builds tension and anxiety as players hurdle over obstacles and avoid deadly traps. The asynchronous game looks like it is on track to build a competitive community through its challenging and fun gameplay.
Replaced
Replaced’s trailer is a testament to the beauty of stylized pixel graphics. The announcement trailer does not reveal much, but its deep contrasts of colors and crumbling infrastructure feel like a cross between the Guerrilla Games' Horizon series and Bladerunner. The gameplay for Replaced looks like it might be a combination of action and platforming across Metroidvania-inspired levels, which would only continue to impress given the visuals already shown.
Even though a lot of the game continues to be under wraps, Replaced has a release window slated for 2022. Hopefully fans will be being able to see more gameplay and environment art between now and its release.
Metroid Dread
Metroid Dread is another one of the most hyped games to get a trailer at E3. Metroid Dread has been rumored for 16 years, and it feels worth the wait. The game looks like a solid entry in the core series, and Metroidvania fans will likely experience some of the most impressive levels the series has offered yet.
The trailer highlights the game’s sense of urgency through the determined E.M.M.I. robots as they hunt for Samus. Visually, Metroid Dread looks like the culmination of iteration paired with technology that has caught up with the game’s vision. The traditional Metroid gameplay is still present, but there are added risks and new techniques for surviving and fighting. Fans will also not have to wait long since Metroid Dread received a nearby release date of October 8, 2021.
Halo Infinite
Halo Infinite’s trailer was everything fans may have been hoping for. Split into two sections, Halo Infinite highlighted new mysteries on the Zeta Halo Ring, as well as a stunning environment to explore. Halo Infinite's new campaign was described as epic and the Zeta Ring looks like an appropriate place to tell such a story.
While Halo’s multiplayer has had ups and downs over the years, this E3 2021 trailer showed exciting gameplay that feels rooted in Halo’s origins. Though there will be a Battle Pass for multiplayer, the PvP experience itself will be free-to-play. With small improvements and unique features, Halo Infinite’s multiplayer could be the pinnacle of Halo’s PvP while the story delivers an epic installment in the decades-long series.
STALKER 2
After over a decade, the STALKER franchise is getting STALKER 2. The game’s E3 trailer delivered beautiful cinematics alongside detailed gameplay. While originally it was supposed to release in 2012, STALKER 2 was canceled after its first announcement and spent time between limbo and cancellation. Many fans feared the series may have come to an untimely demise until hope was delivered in 2018.
Now, after three years, the game has received a lengthy trailer and a release date for April 28, 2022. While still about a year off, STALKER 2 looks promising. Many were probably disappointed to have to wait for so long, but it looks like the wait has allowed technology to catch up to some of the visions for STALKER 2. The ambiance of the E3 trailer feels electric, and what gameplay was shown delivered dynamic environments that felt expansive or claustrophobic where needed.