Welcome to the 2nd edition of Retro Thursday!
Every console generation has those commercials that you'll never forget and with the next-generation of consoles, Playstation 4 and Xbox One, launching in just 2 weeks, the internet and television is flooded with game marketing. So in light of that, I thought it would be fun to look back at some commercials that have stuck with me over the years.
During the 90's, Sega, Nintendo and Playstation were going head-to-head-to-head in a 3-way battle royale and it resulted in some entertaining commercials spanning the 16-bit to 64-bit era of the 90's. Here's just a few commercials that I still enjoy nearly 20 years after their original airing on television.
#3) "Hey, Plumber Boy!"
While Nintendo and Sega were going for each other's jugulars. Sony decided to make a move and enter the console market. Nobody really took them seriously at first...And then the console came out and rocked the world. Outselling it's competitors the Nintendo 64 and Sega Saturn.
Sony meant business and they went right to Nintendo's door in a series of great Crash Bandicoot commercials to prove it.
#2) "I Don't Care What You Want Me To Be! Aaahhhh!"
I had a Sega Genesis first, so I was a strong supporter of Sega in the early days. Genesis had blood in the original Mortal Kombat while the Snes version featured grey sweat, which instantly made Genesis the cooler system in my eyes. But then Nintendo decided to go all grunge on us and dropped this edgy commercial on unsuspecting gamers. Nintendo had the ultra cool Killer Instinct and Mortal Kombat 2 now featured blood.
After I saw this commercial, I instantly wanted to be a part of the "Play It Loud Nation".
#1) Welcome To The "Theater Of The Eye"
Sega always had strong marketing and when it came time to launch their new 32-bit console, the Sega Saturn, no expenses were spared. My favorite of the bunch from Sega is not only exciting but hilarious, making me chuckle every time.
Call me immature, but I'm just a sucker for a good poop joke and this commercial is a shining example of a poop joke done right -- "What is going on up there!" -- This classic Sega Saturn ad will never be forgotten.
Those are just 3 retro commercials that have stuck with me over the years. As I get excited about the next-generation, it's always nice to look back and remember where it all started. Stay tuned for the next Retro Thursday where I'll countdown my Top 5 Consoles!
If you missed it last month, make sure to check out Retro Thursday: NES Game Music.
Have Your Say!
Do you have a favorite retro commercial? Or maybe there is a more recent game commercial/trailer that really made an impression? Let me know in the comments below!
