As the Dreamcast entered its second (and final) year on the US market, SEGA moved away from their awesome “inside the Dreamcast” ads and went back to a style somewhat more conventional. These later Dreamcast ads are reminiscent of some of the better Genesis era stuff, albeit they are typically cleverer and better written.
Here, we’ve got a man who’s clearly been playing too much Shenmue. I’ll admit this is a funny ad that conveys the immersion factor of the game pretty effectively, but at the same time I can’t help but think that this would have been a game better advertised as a dramatic, epic masterpiece than as a game you’ll be thinking about in bed.
There was an ad made in this vein…though I’m unsure if it ever aired on television. It’s a direct translation of the Japanese ad and a pretty epic piece of advertisement. It features a great vocal track called “Song of the Bay”, which was only ever featured on the Shenmue orchestral soundtrack. Check out this ad below the fold!
Ad:
I need for real, is a Big Retro of Jet Set Radio Future port for Steam, and Consoles…
We really need to see this game again at onces…
I remember at the time not liking the commercial at all because I didn’t think it did the game the justice it deserved.
I like it a bit better now, though I still feel like this game deserved a more monumental commercial, not one based on a pretty tired punchline.
that dude said nozomi in bed lol its ok though because as we all know nozomi is single now aaaand living in canada !road trip!
I think it is a pretty effective ad that covers a lot in very limited time and comes off as hilarious.
Hilarious = Memorable
Memorable = Attracting More Consumers
A simple ad with no extra jazz would not extend beyond the niche demographic of J-gaming enthusiasts.
That said, it is emphasizing Ryo’s non existent love life and if somebody picked up the game curios to find out about Ryo and Nazomi’s relationship he would be greatly disappointed.
Ryo is an introverted character, who is only interest in pursuing the man who murdered his father or those that may lead him to the murderer. Also he is not in the psychological state to be courting anyone.
That said, it is a 30 second commercial and anyone who invests in a game should do more research than a commercial.
@cube_b3, not sure what you mean about Ryo’s “nonexistent” love life. Play your cards right around the time they meet in the park on the snowy night, and you’ll experience what is possibly the slowest and most sensual QTE in the history of video games.
haha, funny guy you are.