Perhaps it’s a regional thing—I do live in Canada, after all—but we don’t get nearly enough video game commercials here, and most of the ones we do see are fairly lackluster. So I often take to YouTube to get my fix. Here are a few of those rare commercials that have a humorous impact, a much better marketing strategy in my Canadian opinion.
Graphic Violence Meets SingStar
This one should be new to all of you, as it came all the way from the Netherlands. We can take it as a sign of how the ESRB can only do so little to keep inappropriate games out of the hands of children. But, politics aside, the look on that girl’s face is priceless.
Cabela’s Big Game Hunter 2012
I know Christmas is over, but hopefully some of you were treated to this hilarious commercial over the holiday season. That deer has some mad skills, being able to talk, hold a plastic gun, and sit on a couch. His human partner is certainly not a real hunter, not with a sweater like that. Singing along to “Jingle Bells” is a nice touch, but wouldn’t “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” be funnier? Or at least more disturbing?
Funny Lawyer Commercial
So this isn’t advertising any specific video game, but you’ve got to give a hand to the law firm that gave the thumbs up to air this commercial. It’s nice to know some pressed-pants lawyers are in touch with the modern world. You simply can’t tell me as a gamer that you would not choose these guys to take your case after seeing this commercial. The announcer’s last line is delivered perfectly. Good job!
Banned Modern Warfare 2 Ad
This is by far the highlight video of the week. An old guy in a recliner talking about Modern Warfare 2 is, in itself, shocking enough. Add in over a minute of pure double entendre, and you’ve got commercial gold. Frankly, I think there should be an extended version, as there are probably a million other references that could have been used.
Guitar Hero: World Tour
This one I actually did see in my area, thankfully. I know it’s not necessarily all that funny, but I don’t think many of you will object to it. I mean, it’s Heidi Klum, Guitar Hero, and the classic Risky Business scene all rolled into one. What’s not to love? My only wish is that I could have found a YouTube clip with a better frame rate. Oh well.
 | By Sean Engemann Contributing Writer Date: March 29, 2013 |