10 CLASSIC Video Game Commercials That Were Peak
4. Mass Effect 2
Bioware promoted the hell out of Mass Effect 2, releasing a teaser, an official trailer, and six class trailers narrated by the lead designer herself, Christina Norman.
Although each of these advertisements was impressive, it was the launch trailer that got everybody's attention, since it incorporated the best elements from the other promotions.
The trailer opens with an intriguing new character called the Illusive Man (voiced by Academy Award winner, Martin Sheen) emphasising the upcoming conflict is on a galactic scale. His profound monologue is accompanied by images of an alien race decimating soldiers and obliterating space stations, accentuating the danger exponentially. The Illusive Man speaks about Commander Shepard, not as a man but as a symbol, filling players with hope despite how outmatched he is. And after hearing Shepard's rallying speech, you feel like you could take down these extra-terrestrials all by yourself.
Another aspect that elevates the stakes is the soundtrack, Hearts of Courage. Every beat matches the action, so the music hits the crescendo every time there's a visual representing danger, fear, or chaos.
By coupling all these factors together, each shot successfully evokes the relentless danger and hopeless war which Shepard and the rest of humanity are facing.