Launching Skyrim

When Bethesda launched Skyrim, it was a huge next step for the Elder Scrolls series. To make sure it made a splash, trailers were sent out as the skirmishing fire of this new game. While some fell flat, failing to draw much interest, others left audiences with the hair on the back of their next standing to attention. Below are the trailers released and their impact on fans and newcomers alike.

1. The Elder Scrolls V Skyrim: Hearthfire - Official Trailer  

Build a house, instructed by the sultry sound of Todd Howard's voice.

This feels like a bad video-walkthrough. Narrated by Todd Howard, which is needed because Hearthfire is quite a passive add-on, it explores the adoption mechanic and the expansions that can be made to the houses. Although the gardens, attacks by Giants, and a speed build of a house is shown, it is a yawnfest with no real action or draw.

2. Skyrim Special Edition – Gameplay Trailer #2

Trees, river, running, repeat. 

Although this video shows some interesting game play, most of the shots are of landscape, a running character, or mini-cinematics from the game. There’s small snippets of Shouts and kill shots, but the focus is on landscape. The new and improved additions aren’t highlighted and the audience is left asking “so what? There’s a dragon...”

3. Skyrim Special Edition - Trailer 

Just like the original... only prettier!

This trailer diligently marks the differences between the seventh and eighth generation of consoles and marks each of the beautiful new improvements, like God Rays and snow shaders, directly to the audience in turn. The video is lacking action and is still very landscape-focused with almost no gameplay included. However, it gives concrete labels of improvements, which gives a sense of being able to count the improvements and some tantalizing shots of a dragon at the end.

4. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Announcement Trailer 

It mgiht be hard to get blood from a stone but getting fire is easy. 

This video uses slow, partial reveals and builds with dramatic and recognisable music. It holds so much promise, as the prophecy of the civil war of Skyrim and the return of the dragons slowly unfurls upon a stone wall, coming to life. The first sentence addresses the audience directly, immediately involving them in the legend.

5. The Elder Scrolls V Skyrim: Dawnguard - Official Trailer 

There will be blood.

The plot points come thick and fast to create a lot of intrigue; the release of the daughter and the use of the Elder Scroll shows glimpses of the glory of this add-on quest. Solid gameplay shots are used to demonstrate the awesome power of the vampires and might of the Dawguard. Fast-paced and punchy, the money shots are cut with glimpses of the mysterious realms that await the brave.

6. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Official Trailer 

The Dovahkiin dentist administering a breathmint.

The breadth of gameplay explored by this trailer is breathtaking. The prophecy is accompanied by the building music as before, coupled with the Dovahkiin’s first tangle with a dragon and the use of the phenomenal dragon shout. The trailer also shows snippets of magic and stealth play, hinting at the many literal and figurative roads to be travelled.

7. The Elder Scrolls V Skyrim: Dragonborn - Official Trailer 

Miraak's getting all broody. 

This video capitalises on the huge array of unfamiliar territories of an ashy landscape and the imposing Apocrypha, along with the strange ash spawn. The tale of the player’s ultimate rival is unravelled and then hit home with the final challenge of who (and what) he is. It also shows a tempting insight into a coveted ability: riding dragons!

8. Skyrim Live Action Trailer 

Genuinely exciting - feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand up!

One might be forgiven for mistaking this trailer for a new HBO series with the gritty and grimy settings and quick-cut shots but the music and subtle hints tell the observant what this is. From the moment of sheer panic and the calmness showed by one man, the video slowly reveals what it’s about. By the end of the scene, the man stands against the mighty and there is no doubt left what is coming.

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