The 1980s was a decade of video game revolution, and it was also the time when video game commercials were created more frequently. These commercials were always fun, imaginative, and entertaining, and they made us want to play the games even more. Let’s dive into the nostalgia and take a look at some of the best 80s video game commercials that made us want to play.
1. Pac-Man
Pac-Man was the most popular arcade game of the 80s, and the Pac-Man character became an icon of the decade. One commercial that stood out featured a little girl in a yellow Pac-Man costume running around a maze-like environment, collecting pellets and trying to avoid ghosts. The commercial was done in a stop-motion animation style, and the music was catchy and fun.
2. Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario Bros. was the game that propelled the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) to fame, and it was also the game that made Mario a household name. The commercial for Super Mario Bros. was simple but effective. It showed gameplay footage of Mario jumping over obstacles, running through levels, and collecting coins. The music was upbeat and catchy, and it made us want to play the game even more.
3. The Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda was an epic adventure game that featured a young hero named Link on a quest to rescue Princess Zelda and defeat the evil Ganon. The commercial for The Legend of Zelda was equally epic. It showed a hooded figure running through a forest, dodging obstacles, and fighting off enemies. The music was mysterious and dramatic, and it made us feel like we were part of the adventure.
4. Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong was one of the first video games to feature a storyline, and it was also the game that introduced us to Mario. The commercial for Donkey Kong was hilarious, and it featured a man in a Donkey Kong suit chasing a woman around a construction site while Mario tried to save her. The commercial was funny and memorable, and it made us want to play the game even more.
5. Space Invaders
Space Invaders was another classic arcade game that took the world by storm in the 80s. The commercial for Space Invaders was simple but effective. It showed a group of people huddled around an arcade game, trying to shoot down rows of invading aliens. The music was intense and exciting, and it made us want to join in on the action.
6. BurgerTime
BurgerTime was a quirky and fun arcade game that featured a chef named Peter Pepper trying to make burgers while avoiding angry food items like hot dogs and pickles. The commercial for BurgerTime was just as quirky and fun. It showed a man in a chef’s hat dancing around and making burgers while the game was being played in the background. The music was upbeat and whimsical, and it made us want to play the game even more.
7. Contra
Contra was a popular side-scrolling shooter game that featured two commandos trying to save the world from an alien invasion. The commercial for Contra was action-packed and exciting. It showed gameplay footage of the commandos running through levels, shooting down enemies, and dodging obstacles. The music was intense and energetic, and it made us feel like we were part of the action.
8. Tetris
Tetris was a puzzle game that became an instant classic due to its simple yet addictive gameplay. The commercial for Tetris was simple but effective. It showed bricks falling down and forming shapes while the music played in the background. The music was catchy and memorable, and it made us want to play the game even more.
9. Galaga
Galaga was a space shooter game that was similar to Space Invaders but featured more complex gameplay mechanics and more advanced graphics. The commercial for Galaga was futuristic and exciting. It showed a group of people piloting spaceships and shooting down alien ships while dodging their attacks. The music was fast-paced and intense, and it made us feel like we were part of the action.
10. Ms. Pac-Man
Ms. Pac-Man was a sequel to the original Pac-Man game that featured a female protagonist and more complex gameplay mechanics. The commercial for Ms. Pac-Man was charming and fun. It showed a little girl dressed up as Ms. Pac-Man running around a maze and collecting pellets while the game was being played in the background. The music was upbeat and catchy, and it made us want to play the game even more.
Conclusion
Video game commercials in the 80s were always fun and imaginative, and they made us want to play the games even more. They featured catchy music, exciting gameplay footage, and memorable characters, and they helped shape the culture of video games during that decade. Looking back at these commercials, we can appreciate their creativity and entertainment value and feel nostalgic for a time when video games were just starting to take off.
