'Castlevania' Print Advertisement

* Vital Elements
Once again, the advertisement features the most important elements much like the previous (title, classification, release date, publisher/developer), however it is important to consider that the advert is only featured on one page. In comparison to the other titles I have studied, ‘Call of Duty’ sold 5.6 million copies in 24 hours, Assassins Creed: Brotherhood sold 6.5 million copies in one week, and lastly Castlevania sold only 1 million copies in just over 2 weeks. Because of the time of release being directly in the middle of 2 very popular game titles, the advertisers knew not to spend overt amounts of advertisements as it would not all pay itself back. Game play elements and quotes can be seen on this feature as it is purely for marketing and popularity boosts, which successfully managed to place it 7th amongst the ‘Most Anticipated Games of 2010’ list on the admired video game content website, Game Trailers.
* Representation
Visual semiotics suggest a represented time period within the 11th century, allowing the impression of old cultures and historically epic narratives to feature fantastical elements of magic and heroism within the game. The masculine lead at the head of the magazine advert boasts a gruff and angry expression and when keyed with the title ‘Lords of Shadow’, the construct of a male orientated representation is suggested.
* Genre
A stereotypical fantasy RPG (Role-Playing Game) because of its combat and levelling techniques, with a further developed idea into adventure and strategy. Though clearly aimed at a male audience, the purpose of the release is to reboot the old Castlevania franchise back into popularity as it once was. This then has primary focus on old fans of the game, as well as attracting newer players with experience within heavily medieval archetypes (Dungeons and Dragons, Elder Scrolls)
* Narrative
The game play screen shot along the bottom of the advert suggest a hand-to-hand or flourishing weaponry style combat game featuring methods of tacticality. The visuals in the advert imply epic battles and quest lines, based within a beautifully picturesque environment – a wholly stereotypical narrative plot for fantasy RPG games. The advert shows no rewards or blurbs for potential customers and no content other than game play screen shots, so it’s solely for media attention.
* Audience
Much like the Halo advert, no large text is involved to persuade the reader into becoming a buyer, just flashy visuals and graphics. This is most likely down the concept behind it being a reboot, as the developers want to show signs of maturity and expansion from their previous game, however research into the title shows that the game itself has minimal links to the previous games. Cleverly, this attracts old fans of the genre, as well as new customers as they are not left in the dark by missing out on the contextual knowledge others might hold.
* Media Language
The reviewed quotes along the top ultimately indicate the games modern approach to innovation, like previously mentioned (‘genre-defying’, ‘3D’). One of the key marketing schemes of the game was to boast the profile surrounding its 3D capabilities as it was one of the first games to ever attempt and successfully release a 3D optional title. It’s also important to notice that the quotes are taken from 2 of the most respected gaming magazines on the market, as their professional opinion would be influential to potential customers – Official Xbox Magazine (which this advert was featured) and Playstation Magazine 3. Within the taglines of the game, ‘repetition of the word ‘dark’ suggests a fight against morality and justice, once again highly typical for a fantasy game. The layout of the advert defines the character as locations as primary elements of the games and centrally key to the plot.