Memorable video game ads
As Hollywood studios grapple with the declining sales of DVDs and Blu-rays, the video-game industry seems to be having a lot more luck, often outselling some of the biggest movie blockbusters to date. That said; it's no surprise that we're seeing video games launched with Hollywood-style trailers and budgets often running into millions of dollars.Personally, we don't think there's any better way to whet one's appetite in anticipation of the latest video-game release other than a short but memorable TV ad. From catchy tunes to heartfelt compassion, it's all there.
We've had our heartstrings plucked by Gears of War 3, we've seen Halo come to life. Heck, we've even seen that Robin Williams' daughter looks remarkably like an elf.
So sit back, relax and take a look at what we deem to be some of the most memorable video-game ads from the last few years.
Portal 2
"We're going to have fun, with science"
Released on April 19, 2011, Portal 2 follows suit with the innovative gameplay, story, and music that earned the original Portal over 70 industry accolades and created a mass cult following.
Mercenaries 2
Although the game itself wasn't a huge success, to this day I still haven't managed to rid my head of that tune, curses!
World of Warcraft Cataclysm
The third expansion pack for the phenomenally popular World of Warcraft series released on December 7, 2010. Boasting dragon's, fire and mass-destruction, what more could you possibly want from a commercial?
Bioshock
Featuring Frank Sinatra's very catchy "Somewhere Beyond The Sea", this trailer was sure to make a splash.
Somewhere beyond the sea, somewhere waitin' for me, my lover staaaan.. aaarrgh! Bid Daddy! Run!
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Robin Williams is shown to be a die-hard Zelda fan; he even named his daughter after a member of Hyrule's royal family, Princess Zelda!
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Darwin could never have imagined the augmentations made possible in Deus Ex: Human Revolution.
Halo 3
Halo 3 Believe - Directed by Rupert Sanders with an estimated cost of $10 million, this ad was made to represent a single battle in Halo 3. The Believe website (sadly now removed) allowed visitors to pan the entire length of a massive diorama over 1,200 square feet in size.
Halo: Reach
Entitled Deliver Hope, this live-action trailer for Halo: Reach was released on August 26, 2010. The trailer takes place before the events of the actual game, during a battle on an unspecified human colony.
Halo 3: ODST
We Are ODST - A live-action short made exclusively for the launch of Halo 3: ODST. The trailer and a short film are directed by Rupert Sanders, who also worked on the Halo 3: Believe campaign.
Gears of War 3
Featuring Into Dust from Mazzy Star, this is one ad that truly plucks at the heart strings.
Brothers to the end!
If you've got a favourite ad we haven't mentioned then please share it in the forums, we would love to see more!
