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The Best, Worst, And Craziest Video Game TV Spots
Video game TV spots are meant to attract your attention and lure you into purchasing a game or console while you’re flipping through channels. However, it doesn’t always work out that way. Here are my top five choices for the good, the bad, and the just plain weird broadcast advertisements. Remember: these are my top picks so please don’t be upset if your most loved or hated doesn’t make the list.
The Good:
#5: Call of Duty Black Ops, a blasting good time
To start things off is a commercial that should be respected for the sheer scope and time that went into making it. No matter your taste, you’re sure to you see an A-list star you wouldn’t mind blasting on the battlefield.
#4: Dear Michael, a toast to all gamers
Developers have a theory that, when you run out of new IPs, you should make a mash-up title combing your IPs —this concept works well in commercials too.
#3: Gears of War 3, it’s a mad world
Making a great game helps you attract new followers, but fan service to the ones who have been with you since the beginning is priceless — especially for the ones who will be there until the end.
#2: Kevin Butler, the household name
This entry goes to show that sometimes a single commercial won’t do. You have to go above and beyond and create an entire campaign just to show off what you’re made of. Sony may have had a slow start out of the gate, but that didn’t deter it from speeding past the competition.
#1: Nintendo, who are you?
Top honors go to a commercial that I saw only once, but has never left my memory. It was also part of a campaign that asked the burning question that mankind has struggled with since the dawn of time. Remember: logic will get you from A to B, but imagination will take you anywhere – including to the top of my list.
The Bad:
#5: Street Fighter Alpha, forgotten for a reason
All good things must come to an end, and when that happens, we’re all in trouble. Sometimes it’s funny to be bad and other times it’s just sickening. Things kick off with a wonderful failed half circle combo.
#4: Just Dance, leave it to the pros, please
Dancing games are fun. Being a regular person is fun. Therefore, picking clips of regular people for a dancing game must be really fun…or just plain sad.
#3: Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island, no seconds, please
A wonderful game with a disturbing ad – thanks Kyle Hilliard for this unpleasant memory. I will be sure to mind my manners at the table from now on.
#2: Dead or Alive: Xtreme Beach Volleyball, no “E” needed
Every time I see this, I am embarrassed for mankind and gamers alike. I don’t know what kind of message they are trying to send, but I still can’t believe this ran on Cartoon Network during daytime hours.
#1: Playboy the Mansion, why not?
Playboy shouldn’t have a game in the first place, especially one on the PS2. I can find over 20 different things wrong with this. If you sit through the whole thing, you have my sympathies.
The Crazy:
#5: PlayStation Baby, start them off young
We now enter the Gray Zone, where no one is safe or sane. Sony is the perfect place to start because of all the “creative” thinkers on their team. I don’t know what is going on exactly, but it’s kid tested and kid approved – I think.
#4: Conker’s Bad Fur Day, just stay in bed
Looney, Ludacris, and ladies are one hell of a combination. Sprinkle in some implied bestiality and we got ourselves a party – a disturbing party.
#3: PlayStation 9, I’m happy with just 3
This goes to show us that the future will be an interesting place – and just so you know, this is a PS2 commercial.
#2: Gameboy Micro, …
…yeah.
#1: Mental Wealth, WTF?!?
Every time I watch this, my skin crawls. For this reason, it’s number one.
From the ones that generate hype and to the ones that leave us scratching our heads, TV spots for games are an art in themselves, which often entertain us before returning to our scheduled programming. So, whether you love them or hate them, leave a comment and let me know some of your favorites.
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