Super Mario Bros. Wonder is set to debut on the Switch on October 20, and it’s looking incredibly colorful and sleek. But if you’re looking for something a little…older, this fan-made commercial should do the trick.
Straight from the mind of the YouTube channel Luiz do Comercial, this video is a blast from the past. Aimed at recreating the somber yet powerful aesthetic of 1988, the clip reimagines the modern Super Mario Wonder as a classic NES game. In case you’re wondering, yes, they do the “Now You’re Playing with Power” slogan at the end.
In a fascinating turn, the creator notes that the inspiration came from an unlikely place: a retro remake concept of Mario Wonder by Nimaginendo Games. It also draws upon elements of Mario 2, including the in-game visuals. As Luiz notes: “This was a very audacious project, because in addition to the 3D and 2D, I had to do all the pixel art for the supposed NES game!”
These bits of nostalgia really work on me
Given that I was around for the height of the NES’ success in America, these types of fan-made projects speak to me in a big way. This one, in particular, is really spot on, from the hazy ’80s/’90s viewing experience to the booming horror-like voiceover effect.
It brings me back to a time when we were constantly advertised to by a faceless void-like entity; before the attitude-ridden ’90s came along and changed things considerably. By then, people were on-screen screaming in our faces. Game marketing is a fascinating microcosm of weirdness!
[Thanks Rob!]
