We’ll just be honest here, although Cryptic have done a solid job on the visuals, we were expecting a hell of a lot more out of this Neverwinter trailer. There is literally not one suitably epic-feeling RPG that didn’t have an eye-meltingly awesome trailer before release. Just try and name one. See? Doesn’t exist. And while a fairly nice showcase for the artwork, it’s that impression that it’s just going through the motions that has us worried.
The Importance of Trailers in RPGs
To be fair, at least the thing wasn’t choc-filled with pre-rendered CGI. Then again, Cryptic is no Bioware, nor even Obsidian for that matter. And by that we only mean they haven’t really tried their hand at RPGs that didn’t happen to also be MMOs yet and we would have liked to see if they have the narrative chops to pull off the spiritual successor to some of the best RPGs ever made.
Trailers are often the first impression a game makes on its potential audience. They set the tone, hint at the story, and showcase the world players will immerse themselves in. A well-crafted trailer can generate immense hype and anticipation. For instance, the trailers for games like “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” and “Skyrim” were not just visually stunning but also gave players a taste of the epic adventures awaiting them. These trailers were instrumental in building the games’ reputations even before their releases.
What Makes a Great RPG Trailer?
And say what you will about CGI trailers, but at the very least they take some storytelling acumen to do right. Stringing together a bunch of combat animations and plonking down a great big dragon at the end, not so much. Again, this isn’t to disparage Cryptic in any way, we just hope the next trailer gives us more of a glimpse inside the world they’re building is all.
A great RPG trailer should ideally balance several elements: stunning visuals, a hint of the storyline, character introductions, and a showcase of the game’s unique mechanics. For example, the “Mass Effect” series trailers often combined cinematic storytelling with glimpses of gameplay, giving players a sense of the narrative depth and the choices they would face. Similarly, the “Dragon Age” series trailers often highlighted the rich lore and complex characters, drawing players into its intricate world.
Moreover, music and voice acting play crucial roles in making a trailer memorable. The haunting melodies of “The Elder Scrolls” series or the powerful voiceovers in “Final Fantasy” trailers have left lasting impressions on fans. These elements, combined with well-paced editing, can turn a simple trailer into a masterpiece that resonates with audiences long after they’ve watched it.
In conclusion, while Cryptic’s Neverwinter trailer does a commendable job of showcasing the game’s artwork, it falls short of the epic standard set by other RPG trailers. We hope future trailers delve deeper into the game’s world, offering a richer narrative experience and a more compelling glimpse of what players can expect. After all, a trailer is not just a promotional tool; it’s a promise of the adventure that lies ahead.
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