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The most anticipated moment for manyWorld of Warcraftplayers is witnessing a future expansion’s reveal in the form of a crisp, HD cinematic. These announcements are events in and of themselves, as they stoke excitement with dramatic revelations. All are exquisite in their own right, but some stand out even among greatness.
The criteria for what makes aWorld of Warcraftcinematic trailer outshine others will include its lore reveals, visual effects, gravitas, and emotional impact. In most cases, all these factors combine to create an unforgettable experience, regardless of how the expansion itself performed.
S-Tier Cinematics
Easily the best cinematic of all time, theWrath of the Lich King trailerbenefits from inheriting the most belovedWarcraft 3storyline, that of Arthas Menethil. But even without such acclaimed ancestry, this masterpiece is the perfect combination of emotion, scale, aesthetics and anticipation. Nothing can quite compare to the steely look in the Lich King’s eyes as he surveys his endless armies. The tender musical theme ofInvincible, the choice and tragic words of a hopeful father, the frigid, calculating movements wielding Frostmourne— all combine to create a domineering, unstoppable presence built upon a backdrop of heartbreaking loss. And what’s more, it is this remorseless threat that beckons players into its lair, coolly confident that no power can stand before the hungering might of the Scourge.
Battle for Azeroth’s trailer had one objective, and that was to reignite faction pride for the coming Alliance and Horde conflict. Players needed to feel fired up and ready to get back at each other’s throats, and did they ever. The scathing narration from Sylvanas Windrunner’s iconic, razor-edged voice sets the scene. The Alliance is coming for the Horde. The stakes are sky-high as blood soaks Lordaeron’s soil once more. Sylvanas’ haunting banshee scream as she rallies the Horde, followed by Saurfang’s triumphant roar, sent chills through red and blue players alike. Anduin Wrynn, a king so different from the last, unleashes the most spectacular healing spell ever witnessed by players. This profound reply to Sylvanas established Anduin’s character beautifully, and reminded Alliance players what they fight for.
Leaping off the back of the wildly successfulWarcraftfranchise, the Vanilla cinematicwas the players’ first glimpse of the world that would soon expand before their eyes. There is no dialogue or narrative in this cinematic, only an unbroken stream of visuals depicting the various races and classes the game intends to bring. It’s difficult to overstate the excitement thatWarcraftfans felt seeing the creatures they knew and loved brought to life, and the Vanilla cinematic earns top marks for the ripples it sent through the entire gaming universe.
A-Tier Cinematics
The baritone bellows of a titanic, suffering dragon are amasterpiece in Cataclysm’s trailer. The few words chosen, simple as they are, wholly depict Deathwing’s state of mind. Players are made to understand the agony of his brutal madness, and the merciless intent that followed. This Aspect will stop at nothing until everything is reduced to a smoldering husk, and his indomitable, inevitable fury is truly chilling.
Warlords of Draenor’s“We will never be slaves!” is one ofWorld of Warcraft’s most gut-tingling voice line deliveries. On top of this, coming from the mouth of a character whose legend rivals that of Arthas, the emotional impact was tremendous. Grommash Hellscream’s strength, determination and unwavering fearlessness was a sight to behold in this cinematic. The entire ordeal is a glorious retelling of a dreadful past, one where, this time. the orcs are nobody’s pawns.
Another cinematic sporting Sylvanas’ eerie narration, this time combined with the harrowing backdrop of Icecrown Citadel, left as an imposing, hollow monument. Players knew that a granderfate awaited the Banshee Queen, and watching her ascend the icy steps, only to expertly defeat the throne’s current guardian, injected the players with breathless anticipation. And when she split the sky open, that excitement was magnified tenfold.
B-Tier Cinematics
In Legion’s cinematic, Varian Wrynn is the Alliance’s high king, who strikes out into the unknown to battle the Legion’s return. The narration is presented as a letter to his son, Anduin, and shows how much Varian has changed because of him. It reminds players, through both bitter failure and brave victory, that Azeroth is what’s truly worth fighting for.
Catching up with Anduin Wrynnafter his soul-wrenching ordeal in Shadowlands was The War Within’s unconventional approach to introducing an expansion. The anguish and trauma were written expertly into Anduin’s appearance and body language long before he speaks. His tender moment with Thrall also makes this cinematic unique. There are no dramatic events, only implications, and players are left with a somber indication that Azeroth is in grave danger.
Mists of Pandaria’s cinematic did an excellent job of setting the scene. Embroiled in a bloody faction conflict, the Horde and Alliance are equally surprised to discover a new land concealed in the mist. The poetic narration establishes the cultural values of the pandaren and sparks a sense of humility and wonder.
C-Tier Cinematics
Burning Crusade’s cinematiclacked an emotional or narrative punch, rehearsing VanillaWoW’s singular focus on a visual spectacle. Illidan’s monologue was profound, but the scale of his dominion and what awaited players beyond the Dark Portal is left wanting.
While not skimping onvisual spectacle, Dragonflight’s trailer had a dismal narrative. It’s extremely long, and almost all of it is focused on an unimportant character trying to achieve an unknown task. Seeing the dragons fill the skies at the end is fantastic, but it’s a poor reward after nearly 5 full minutes.
