Topic: TV Ad from a Very Different Nintendo

[Jonnyboy117]

Anyone else remember this Perfect Dark commercial?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BtX2hOUGrw

Nintendo just doesn't make ads (or games...) like that anymore.

[KDR_11k]

Nintendo never made games like that, Rare did :p

[Pale]

Man, that's borderline scandalous. =P I don't ever remember seeing that on TV.

[Kairon]

I remember that ad. And the Conker ones too, those were great.

Edit: You know, I have to reiterate just how much I loved the Joanna Dark character in Perfect Dark. Female yes, but not gratuitous or anything. Straightforward, sensible, she had a head on her shoulders and didn't pander to anyone. At least, that's how I felt.

[Kairon]

You know what else is a commercial from a "very different" Nintendo?

This one...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ0EAsc_Rjg

[Stogi]

That was the cheesiest guitar riff! It reminded me of this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktl6L3ZwvL4

[EasyCure]

I'm sorry but.. Whats the point of this thread? There's not much room for discussion when the OP has only two sentances and one reads "Nintendo doesn't make ads (or games...) like that anymore"

Without something more to discuss, it just sounds like the perfect place for someone to come in with the "nintendo is casual now" rants that have been ruining the forums lately.

Now if we're going to be discussing how Nintendos marketing has changed over the years, in a positive tone, I'd expect a few more examples at the least, from across all generations. Until that happens, this thread doesn't have much merit.

[Mikintosh]

I'm sorry but.. Whats the point of this thread? There's not much room for discussion when the OP has only two sentances and one reads "Nintendo doesn't make ads (or games...) like that anymore"

Without something more to discuss, it just sounds like the perfect place for someone to come in with the "nintendo is casual now" rants that have been ruining the forums lately.

Now if we're going to be discussing how Nintendos marketing has changed over the years, in a positive tone, I'd expect a few more examples at the least, from across all generations. Until that happens, this thread doesn't have much merit.

But of course, *you* aren't going to add any content, right? Anyway, the video in the OP is gone.

To give this thread "merit", I'll say that I think this spot for Metroid Prime 2 was pretty cool:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0BHnm0IGBw

As well as this one for Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen (tho mainly 'cause I was a big fan of the anime):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFda9Tm3A7s

[Kairon]

I'm sorry but.. Whats the point of this thread? There's not much room for discussion when the OP has only two sentances and one reads "Nintendo doesn't make ads (or games...) like that anymore"

Without something more to discuss, it just sounds like the perfect place for someone to come in with the "nintendo is casual now" rants that have been ruining the forums lately.

Now if we're going to be discussing how Nintendos marketing has changed over the years, in a positive tone, I'd expect a few more examples at the least, from across all generations. Until that happens, this thread doesn't have much merit.

I've added a GameBoy Commercial... which is eerily reminicscent of the DS' market sensibilities. Nintendo was selling to adults back in the 1990's, so don't think that the blue ocean is anything new.

The Perfect Dark Ad may imply that Nintendo was somehow "different" and has changed... but the GameBoy ad shows that... no, not really, Nintendo is still Nintendo and change-mongers should really turn the mirror on themselves.

[Pale]

I'm sorry but.. Whats the point of this thread? There's not much room for discussion when the OP has only two sentances and one reads "Nintendo doesn't make ads (or games...) like that anymore"

Without something more to discuss, it just sounds like the perfect place for someone to come in with the "nintendo is casual now" rants that have been ruining the forums lately.

Now if we're going to be discussing how Nintendos marketing has changed over the years, in a positive tone, I'd expect a few more examples at the least, from across all generations. Until that happens, this thread doesn't have much merit.

Is this serious EasyCure? So now we are supposed to lock threads, including the most silly / interesting ones, because there is a chance someone is going to troll them?  Let's all step back, spin around in circles three times, imagine something silly, and then laugh.  We need to take everything less serious.

[NWR_pap64]

To be perfectly honest, the thread is fine. This could be a great way to watch old school Nintendo commercials. But the comment "Nintendo just doesn't make ads (or games...) like that anymore" is kind of pushing it. Had Johnny just said "Nintendo doesn't make ads like that anymore" then it would have been fine. But when he added "or games" it is pushing it into troll territory and it DOES give fuel to any potential troller.

This is what I mean when I say the mods and staff should be an example to the community.  If we truly want to change things around here the staff members should just stop it with any bias.

[EasyCure]

I'm sorry but.. Whats the point of this thread? There's not much room for discussion when the OP has only two sentances and one reads "Nintendo doesn't make ads (or games...) like that anymore"

Without something more to discuss, it just sounds like the perfect place for someone to come in with the "nintendo is casual now" rants that have been ruining the forums lately.

Now if we're going to be discussing how Nintendos marketing has changed over the years, in a positive tone, I'd expect a few more examples at the least, from across all generations. Until that happens, this thread doesn't have much merit.

No need to be condescending, especially when you have no idea if I'd be coming back to either edit my post or make a new one with added videos. Besides I'm at work right now and its hard to look up old ads on youtube when I have no sound on my work computer, and I can't go by visuals alone. I was lucky that i remembered the PD ad's tone from seeing it before.

I'm sorry but.. Whats the point of this thread? There's not much room for discussion when the OP has only two sentances and one reads "Nintendo doesn't make ads (or games...) like that anymore"

Without something more to discuss, it just sounds like the perfect place for someone to come in with the "nintendo is casual now" rants that have been ruining the forums lately.

Now if we're going to be discussing how Nintendos marketing has changed over the years, in a positive tone, I'd expect a few more examples at the least, from across all generations. Until that happens, this thread doesn't have much merit.

Is this serious EasyCure? So now we are supposed to lock threads, including the most silly / interesting ones, because there is a chance someone is going to troll them?  Let's all step back, spin around in circles three times, imagine something silly, and then laugh.  We need to take everything less serious.

But of course, *you* aren't going to add any content, right? Anyway, the video in the OP is gone.

So what if it is Pale? I thought all our views and opinions mattered, isn't that right? You're the one taking things too serious if you think I want this thread locked, when I never said such a thing. Is your next PM going to accuse me of wanting JohnnyBoy banned?

All I'm trying to say is the OP's comment can be flame bait for some and because I don't want to see this, or any other thread, go down that way, we should at least put some more effort into a discussion. An I'm sorry I'm unable to do everything you expect me to Mikintosh

[Pale]

Is it not true that Nintendo doesn't make gritty first person shooters with sexy commercials to go along with them anymore?

What Jonny said is in no way trolling.  This would have been trolling...

Nintendo just doesn't make ads (or games...) like that anymore.  Instead they just make casual garbage only pansies care about.

See I read his thread and the thought of him bashing Nintendo didn't even cross my mind.  Literally all I thought was "Wow, look at how many different tacts Nintendo's marketing has tried to littlte or no success in the past. This is interesting."

Given the current state of the boards everyone is in a defensive stance. Let's try and relaxe a bit everyone.

[Stogi]

Agreed Pale. It never crossed my mind.

Anyway, Nintendo is doing fine with their commercials, but I would love for them to start making hilarious commercials again

Like this one for MP2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVCuUkf-SO0&feature=related

Or this classic one

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8LDP6SWomE

*wipes tear*

[NWR_pap64]

Is it not true that Nintendo doesn't make gritty first person shooters with sexy commercials to go along with them anymore?

What Jonny said is in no way trolling.  This would have been trolling...

Nintendo just doesn't make ads (or games...) like that anymore.  Instead they just make casual garbage only pansies care about.

See I read his thread and the thought of him bashing Nintendo didn't even cross my mind.  Literally all I thought was "Wow, look at how many different tacts Nintendo's marketing has tried to littlte or no success in the past. This is interesting."

Given the current state of the boards everyone is in a defensive stance. Let's try and relaxe a bit everyone.

First of all, Nintendo NEVER made any gritty or dark games. They only publish them, and only if its done by a second party (in Perfect Dark's case it was made by Rare). The only Nintendo game that came pretty close to being gritty was "Twilight Princess".

Second, what me and EasyCure are talking about is that even if Johnny meant nothing with the comment it is vague enough that it could be interpreted as a troll comment. Let's be honest here. Not everyone is happy with Nintendo's direction. The comment makes it look like an extension of that belief.

The only thing we are saying is next time we should be careful what we say, especially if you are a staff member.

[Pale]

Ok point taken Pap, but in the future let's wait to freak out until someone actually DOES derail the thread. Kay?

[Kairon]

Ok point taken Pap, but in the future let's wait to freak out until someone actually DOES derail the thread. Kay?

Yeah, thanks for defending the big N pap, but I'm sure Johnny just thought this would an interesting topic of discussion. After all, he's not a PS3 fanboy like our current Site Director (imjustkiddingpleastdontfireme).

[NWR_pap64]

Ok point taken Pap, but in the future let's wait to freak out until someone actually DOES derail the thread. Kay?

Fair enough.

[D_Average]

That juice looks tasty.

[EasyCure]

I'm sorry but.. Whats the point of this thread? There's not much room for discussion when the OP has only two sentences and one reads "Nintendo doesn't make ads (or games...) like that anymore"

Without something more to discuss, it just sounds like the perfect place for someone to come in with the "Nintendo is casual now" rants that have been ruining the forums lately.

Now if we're going to be discussing how Nintendo marketing has changed over the years, in a positive tone, I'd expect a few more examples at the least, from across all generations. Until that happens, this thread doesn't have much merit.

I've added a GameBoy Commercial... which is eerily reminiscent of the DS' market sensibilities. Nintendo was selling to adults back in the 1990's, so don't think that the blue ocean is anything new.

The Perfect Dark Ad may imply that Nintendo was somehow "different" and has changed... but the GameBoy ad shows that... no, not really, Nintendo is still Nintendo and change-mongers should really turn the mirror on themselves.

I agree with the GB vs DS ads, Nintendo has always been trying to reach out to everyone, especially with the hand helds. Compare the GameBoy ad you posted to This DS (Brain Age) ad, both aimed at adults and not the normal "kids" that most people think all games are aimed for.

As far as the PD commercial goes, you gotta think of the times we lived in when those games came out. The N64 was up against the PS and Saturn that tried to push more 'mature' games, more so than Sega was with the Genesis the console era prior. Nintendo was trying break they're kid-friendly image with some games and the ads had to represent that, thus you get a more adult ad for a more adult game (not that T&A doesn't cater to anyone younger than the 18+ that M games are for hehe).

For the GC, Nintendo was still trying to break that image (and for those that say otherwise, may i remind you that GC was the home to the uncensored BMXXX game, not the PS2) and ads for mature games reflected that. Take Resident Evil 4 for instance (NSFW by the way). Sure its not a Nintendo made game, but don't you think that if Nintendo wanted to be conservative enough, they'd keep this ad from airing? For those of you too lazy click, this RE4 ad is for the GC version of the game, and no PS2 logos are anywhere to be found.

Then take a look at this one for the Wii Edition of the same game. This is much more of a trailer (at 2:00mins long) than a shot TV spot, but considering that Nintendo decided to take all their ads in one direction (gaming socially) with Wii games, you can see how much the behind the scenes stuff correlates to the type of ads they put out.

Oh, and who says Nintendo doesn't put out some risque ads anymore? (watch  0:17 )

[Pale]

Man, what the HELL? at that RE4 commercial.  Another one I've never seen before.

This is why I think it's so interesting.  They used to try really hard to fight against the supposed "mature" consoles and this gen they focused on the fact that they are family friendly for all of their primary ad campaigns, and it worked.

[EasyCure]

Man, what the HELL? at that RE4 commercial.  Another one I've never seen before.

This is why I think it's so interesting.  They used to try really hard to fight against the supposed "mature" consoles and this gen they focused on the fact that they are family friendly for all of their primary ad campaigns, and it worked.

They used to, yes, but were still also trying to let everyone know that they're games were for "everyone." Only now are they really pushing the family-friendly stuff because of how easy it is to actually get the whole family to play, and that includes a things other than the types of games. There's a ton of barriers they had to break before succeeding in what they wanted to do (make EVERYONE play games) and changing the idea of what games are, thru ads, was just one of them. To list the rest would be derailing this specific topic though, so I'll stop here.

[Jonnyboy117]

The reactions in this thread say a lot more about you guys than they do about me or what I wrote.

What I said is factually true.  Nintendo doesn't make commercials or publish games like Perfect Dark anymore.  I started the thread to share some Nintendo history that some people may not have seen.  I was reading an old Nformant article late at night, started thinking about Perfect Dark, remembered that commercial, found it on YouTube, and thought other people might want to see it.  There was no trolling present, intended, or implied.  As for the possibility of someone else coming into the thread to troll, I cannot be held responsible for that.  The forum rules would apply to them just like anyone else.

.
.
.

So hey, it sure was a cool TV commercial, right?  The Metroid Prime 1/2 ones were also great.  I'm looking forward to watching some of the others posted once I get home to a computer with sound.

[Ian Sane]

I remember that ad.  When Perfect Dark came out a friend of my brother's was convinced that it would be ported to the Playstation.  When we pointed out that the game was published by Nintendo and thus would obviously remain an N64 exclusive he wasn't convinced.  It was apparently too cool of a game to not be on the Playstation as all the cool games end up on there eventually.

One thing I really notice about that ad was that it had quite a lot of shots of the game at the end.  On the Cube Nintendo had this annoying tendency to hide the damn game in the ads.  You would see like three seconds of footage and that was it.  You had to know the game to even get the ad and if you know the game already what's the point of the ad?  The Cube had nice graphics and yet Nintendo always hid them but here we have blocky N64 graphics and it's in your face.  Now most of the ad is still Joanna being hot and all but you still saw a lot of the game.  A lot more than I remember with the Cube ads.  One thing Nintendo does do right these days is often demonstrate the game in their ads so you get an idea of what the product is.

Perfect Dark was such a wasted opportunity for Nintendo.  Apparently the game didn't sell quite as good as they would like (though ironically anything that sold that well on the Cube would be one of the bigger Cube hits).  For a brief period of time you had this and Conker and Majora's Mask released around the same time and it seemed like Nintendo was acknowledging that they had an image problem and needed to offer some more mature games to go with their family friendly stuff.  Eternal Darkness and Resident Evil 0 were in the works as well before moving to the Cube.  These games didn't sell as well as they could have but I think Nintendo's reaction to that was completely wrong.  Those games were released within the last year or so of N64 releases.  The N64 was already considered a "flop".  Nothing was going to turn it around.  But the Cube was a fresh start and they could have tried to give it a more balanced image.  But they ended up turning Zelda from one of the few Nintendo IPs that was considered cool to the Playstation crowd into a cartoon.  Rare released one game (which Nintendo themselves contributed to the suckiness of by forcing them to shoehorn Star Fox into it) and they sold them.  None of Nintendo's Cube launch games were "mature" (though they could have promoted Rogue Leader as the flagship title instead of Luigi's Mansion).  Whenever I talk about Nintendo doing a token effort on something this is a great historical example.  Everyone complained that they needed some mature games.  They released SOME mature games for the N64 at the end of the console's life when any game but a Mario spin-off was doomed and then they just abandoned the whole thing once what they didn't want to do was "proven" to not work.  It drived me nuts then and it drives me nuts now.

I think Nintendo could have really started to turn things around with the Cube but it was like they looked at all the negative expectations people had of them and specifically tried to meet them.

The best thing about Perfect Dark was that it was such an awesome game too.  It shows that a mature game can still feel like Nintendo just like the Metroid Prime games do now.  What makes Nintendo great is that they can make awesome games and they can do that regardless of what age group is being targetted.

[vudu]

Nintendo just doesn't make ads (or games...) like that anymore.

Cool ad, but nothing beats this one.