First off: this was not a good trailer, objectively. It's hectic, all over the place, doesn't tell a coherent story
I don't think all trailers have to have story. They have to have a theme, or rather some sort of cohesive message they're trying to convey as a preview or sell for what they're a trailer of. And the theme of this trailer is introducing the new characters of FFVIIR, with a mix of their iconic moments, their quirks and the memorable drama between them all. While also of course, showing some new footage with the main characters and teasing (albeit directly) some of the heavier moments of the game. It follows a clear ramp up progression that begins with highlighting some of the new characters (or new
appearances of known characters) that we've never seen before that matches the music.
The trailer opens with one of the most symbolic and important shared moments between Cloud and Tifa, as children.
Before cutting to a zoom in shot of one of the most important creatures in VII's entire story. Which then cuts to Cloud suffering a mental attack as he and seemingly the rest of the party are face to face with a threat so unbelievably dangerous and unreal, Cloud even has to ask if it's really him. A sentiment shared by many fans at this sudden and direct confrontation. Which of course Sephiroth only replies with a menacing smile.
From there, the trailer lays out more heavy character driven moments. Moments of high tension, memorability, and emotional impact that previews what you're getting with each of the new VIIR characters we have not seen in the lead up to release.
Reeve's kindness is contrasted with the calculated callousness of his fellow Shinra board members.
Femdom!Scarlet's comedic cruelty and seductive intoxication with power is showcased next to good ole' man-child Palmer.
The badass and showstopping Andrea meeting Cloud and laying out the aesthetics, tastes and philosophy of the new Honeybee Inn. With style.
Don Corneo about to get the surprise of a lifetime.
Then Roche appears, and while at first he's comedic, he takes a menacing and dangerous tone as he brandishes his sword.
The song begins to crescendo as we're given our first glimpse of Red XIII and the 4 main characters meeting him from the first time, and he lays out quite succinctly he's merely another sentient and intelligent creature just like them.
And at the song's climax, Cloud screams in rage as he tries to attack Sephiroth head on, to the shock of everyone else. However, Sephiroth nonchalantly severs the bridge they're all standing on, leaving them all to plummet as he remains safely near Jenova's specimen container. Undeterred, Cloud leaps up towards Sephiroth for an overhead downward slice to cleave his nemesis in two (a recurring move apparently). But Sephiroth effortlessly blocks the strike with his own blade and delivers a single line before swatting Cloud back and down into the ruins of an unknown location. "A touching reunion" indeed. This is the first new dialogue of Sephiroth we've heard since his brief debut from the trailer back in summer of '19. So it's memorable and fitting in that respect as well.
Hojo then monologues in amusement as he witnessed Cloud's failed rendezvous with his enemy, hoping to find more amusement in his torment. Seemingly confirming they're in the Shinra Building. A new or at least vastly redesigned portion of it.
The trailer does make a
huge shift tonally, going into high gear from that point on. I imagine it's because it's showcasing the gameplay, while also revealing plot elements no one would expect to find in this part of the game (unless they just so happened to be willing to spoil themselves).
Barret yelling
"AVALANCHE ain't Wutai's or anyone's pawns!!!!" while showcasing Leviathan crushing Shinra mechas, is quite humorous and surprising, given the context.
Between cuts of gameplay, the trailer teases more new main character interactions regarding their conflict, the main narrative, and then finally it ends with an ominous shot of the Shinra Building being surrounded by darkness from the Guardians of Fate.
I definitely agree that the trailer sorta feels like two trailers merged into one, because you have the cool, emotional melody from the theme song "Hollow" ramping up with the character scenes and showcasing these strong, memorable and interesting moments and when that climax to the music ends, it suddenly shifts gears into the FFVII battle theme and goes
super fast as it shows these new gameplay clips alongside quick shots of new plot material.
All this basically serves as a hook for those in-the-know, and those who have no idea what they're getting into.
But it all looks interesting and is meant to draw one's curiosity to it because it looks dynamic and exciting. Which is admittedly, from a media marketing standpoint, a good thing.
! It's the same impression for you ? (My english listening is not also fine tune as yours :p).
