E3 stayed true to its name in 2018, delivering information at a rate overwhelming to even the most seasoned video game consumers. Amid the barrage of announcements, demos, and trailers, perhaps the most compelling developments came in the form of in-engine gameplay footage, which developers were particularly generous about this year. Gameplay footage is precious because it’s a game’s most honest representation. Plus, often-times it reveals new information about a game. That being said, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the cacophony. So as the dust settles, let’s run through the 5 best gameplay trailers fromE3 2018, in no particular order.
5Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushimawas one of E3 2018’s biggestsleepers. Not to say it hadn’t attracted attention beforehand, but its show-stopping gameplay trailer proved the game’s beauty doesn’t end with its cinematic sequences. The stunning environmental detail, evocative color palette, and fluid character animation all bleed seamlessly into the in-engine gameplay.
Make no mistake, Sucker Punch drew up a wonderfully appealing world, but this lengthy gameplay demonstration shows thatGhost of Tsushimahas a lot more going for it than its good looks. you may also check out theJapanese language trailerfor a more authentic experience.
4The Last of Us Part 2
Naughty Dog’sThe Last of Us Part 2Gameplay Reveal Trailer showcased the studio’s talent for uncomfortably realistic voice acting, natural-looking character models, and dramatic storytelling. But that was to be expected, at least for anyone familiar with Naughty Dog’s body of work. What really made the trailer special is its perfect synchrony with the original game’s weighty emotional core. The early cinematic gently and beautifully confirms Ellie’s sexuality, a stark reminder of the time passed since we last saw Ellie.
Things take a dark turn immediately afterward and we get our first glimpse of gameplay, which forcefully reaffirms the project’s focus on horror and violence. Ellie is seen sneaking around a campsite and through a deteriorating structure before engaging in a lopsided battle with several determined killers. The combat appears a solid progression from the studio’s previous work, boasting effortlessly fluid hand-to-hand and armed conflict. WhileJoel will be missed, we can’t wait to jump back intoThe Last of Usworld as our favorite post-apocalyptic heroine.
3Rage 2
2010’s post-apocalyptic first person shooterRagesaw mixed reception at its release, which makes the forthcoming follow-up’s considerable presence and surrounding buzz that much more impressive. The near-universally positive response toRage 2’s wild trailer is a testament to the developers' passion for the project, a duo made up by id Software and Avalanche Studios. Predictably, the game will be an open world, first-person run-and-gun affair. Nonetheless, the trailer couldn’t have done a better job makingRage 2look ridiculously fun.
From front to back, the gameplay trailer is an intensely frantic good time, infused with a sick sense of humor and lighthearted tone. A variety of weapons, including projectiles, vehicles, and special powers, are used to rapidly blast through enemies, sometimes sending them hurling through the air. Whatever players thought of the firstRage, even if it never crossed their radar,Rage 2’s gameplay trailer is not one to be missed.
2Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Riding the momentum from last year’s well-receivedAssassin’s Creed Origins,Assassin’s CreedOdysseysmartly offers a new, choice-based take on the series without diverging too far from the tried-and-true formula. Ubisoft’s Gameplay Walkthrough almost immediately focuses onOdyssey’s interactive dialogue, a function which will allow players to choose from different dialogue options that can affect the plot. From there, we’re treated to a walkthrough of a stunning recreation of Mykonos City, restored to its condition in 431 BCE.
The demonstration shows a good bit of combat, which definitely looks like an evolution for the series, as well as a departure from the familiar techniques of the assassins from prior installments. The player will control a mercenary and employ parries, dodges, and special abilities, like the unbelievably cool “Sparta kick,” to dispatch foes. Whether or not the addition of interactive dialogue will be a real game-changer, the trailer forAssassin’s Creed Odysseydemands attention by showing off what the series does best: huge, gorgeous worlds to explore, engaging historical narratives, and exciting combat.
1Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Ever since Nintendo’sSmash Bros.Switch teaseearlier this year, fans of the iconic brawler franchise have been forced into a grueling waiting game. Thankfully, it’s safe to say E3 delivered the goods and created a satisfying anticipation for the upcomingSmash Bros. Ultimate. Not only did attendees have the chance to play the game themselves, but Nintendo confirmed with an insanely long gameplay trailer that per usual,Smash Bros.will be worth the wait.
The triumphant return of every character from the series, plus the induction ofSplatoon’s Inklings andMetroid’s Ridley, made for a truly epic display. Character models, environments, and animations look top-notch on the new platform. Most importantly, the trailer ensured thatSuper Smash Bros.Ultimatewill be much more than a port ofSmash Bros Wii U, confirming the addition of new characters, new stages, and significant game design tweaks.
What was your favorite gameplay trailer from E3 2018? Let us know in the comments!
