“And the Oscar goes to….. The Legend of Zelda commercial!” {clap} {clap} {clap} “Thank you, thank you. I want to thank Navi for guiding me through my journeys, and Ganon for always giving me something to shoot for….shoot at.” Okay okay let’s face it, a commercial is never going to win an Oscar, let alone a Zelda commercial; yet, they can give a great insight into the progression of video game advertising since they have been around since the beginning. So lets take a look at the progression of the Zelda franchises’ advertising in this multi-part article.
The original Zelda’s commercial was a classic 80′s acid trip, but it does show what was highlighted in that era. The focus wasn’t as much on the game play as it was on trying to make an impression. They wanted to make the viewer look at this and go, “holy crap what is that!!! My 8 year old self would so love that!!!” It capitalized on the short attention span and spastic attitude of the younger generation.
The Legend of Zelda: Links Awakening’s commercial played on a different theme. By this time they were attempting to be like the cool system. Something all ages would love. So they highlighted the adventure one would have. The exploration. The fact that the old guy can’t help you. Although as old as the commercial is it does give a sense of exploration so you have to admit, they did a good job.
At this point, Nintendo realized they were working with a power house and didn’t even need to show any of the game play. Its a shame because at this point in the series, the game play was it’s greatest feature without a doubt.
It seems that all of the Zelda games from the Super Nintendo and classic Nintendo days focused on the experience of the game rather than the game play itself but we will see what comes in the future next week when we look at the Nintendo 64 and the Gamecube’s commercials.
To close here are some of the Japanese counterparts to a few of these commercials.
This post brought to you by:
“Steven Henderson is a narcoleptic insomniac with an obsession with video game history. He spends all his time playing video games and no time speaking to other humans. Who needs them anyways.”
You can contact Steven on twitter, his handle is @ragon306.
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[...] Twenty Five Years Of Legend of Zelda Commercials (A Visual Journey) [...]
That first Japanese commercial is AWESOME. I’m totally going to learn those dance moves. I’ll practice in the mirror day and night until I have it just right…..yes, I just made a rhyme. completely by accident. I’m not cheesy at all >_>
WOOT WOOT *triforce gang sign*
That’s right you rep that Triforce gang sign!
[...] Nintendo and Super Nintendo days of the zelda franchise, if you haven’t read it yet here is a link(click here), and now we will be looking at the Nintendo 64 and the GameCube commercials. Let us start with the [...]
Here I have found awesome video clips! It seems that all of the Zelda games from the Super Nintendo and classic Nintendo days focused on the experience of the game rather than the game play itself. Thanks!
I remember these old commercials, LOL. The first Japanese commercial is awesome.