The Angry Video Game Nerd is an internet icon among many of us gamers. In the early 2000s, there wasn't anything else quite like the content he was putting out, and his videos are still a treat to see to this day. By both playing off our own childhood nostalgia and by introducing newcomers to the many rage-inducing retro games out there, the show manages to be both "educational" and comical, providing viewers an inside look at days gone by. Of course, this style of humor may not appeal to everyone, especially those who are easily offended by foul language, but the show isn't meant to be taken seriously.
The Nerd himself is played by none other than creator James Rolfe and has starred in over 220 episodes to date—including a movie. During this time, multiple storylines have been developed within the series, outside of playing the games themselves, and countless references and fan-favorite quotes have been established. It is thanks to this that the AVGN series has more than enough material to work with, which has led to the development of multiple games based on the series. All of these titles featured retro graphics and were callbacks to classic games and consoles such as the Nintendo Entertainment System, but they were in fact modern games released on PC and other home hardware. They were retro callbacks, just like the show itself.
The Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit on the other hand? That is a different story.
The Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit is the new video game adaptation for the long-running series, but rather than replicating retro games, it is in fact a true NES title. The game is playable on modern consoles and PC, but the game contained within each release is in fact an NES ROM file—something that is included with and can be used with the PC release. Those with a little know-how can in fact play this version on a physical NES console, with the developers also offering an official NES cartridge version as well.
Because of its status as a NES game, 8-Bit is a bit different from the titles that came before. It was developed for and limited by the NES hardware, and with that comes all of the quirks of being an older title. This doesn't truly hold the game back in any way, but there are some frustrations that are not typically seen in modern releases. That being said, 8-Bit is a unique title, and one that will appeal to those who enjoy platform games from an age gone by—especially those who like Mega Man.
The Story:
The Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit is not truly a story-heavy game, but the game itself also functions as another episode of the series. Those playing on PC or console are greeted to newly recorded footage of the Nerd coming face-to-face with Super Mecha Death Christ 2000 B.C. Version 4.0 Beta, who has been cursed by the Nerd's NES and become corrupt with glitches. Now dubbed Version 4.1 Unstable Beta, he has escaped into the world of video games, and the Nerd must stop him to bring him back to normal. The game he is now trapped in? None other than The Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit—an NES adventure where the Nerd must come face-to-face with parodies of the games that have haunted him for years.
If all of that sounds crazy and doesn't make sense, that's fine, because that is exactly the point. The story plays off of past AVGN skits and serves as an excuse for the Nerd to be playing a game about himself. After completing a few levels, additional live-action AVGN cut-ins will play out, but it isn't until the end of the game that we see a more complete ending—thus completing the "episode," which you yourself just played.
When it comes to playing the NES version and the in-game cutscenes, each level begins with a little scene to provide context for the area, but that is about it. In true classic NES game fashion, most of the story, including its setup, is told outside of the game itself. However, rather than reading a game manual, it is told via the live-action skits. Even without the skits, this is in fact a full, complete, stand-alone title, where players need to know little outside of what is presented to them at the beginning of each level. (But it honestly isn't a story-focused game in the slightest; this is all for fun and callbacks to past AVGN episodes.)
The Gameplay:
Similar to past titles, 8-Bit is a side-scrolling action platformer, which puts the NES Zapper in the Nerd's hand for a run 'n gun adventure. However, rather than following in line with games such as Contra, 8-Bit pulls most of its gameplay from the classic Mega Man series.
(Screenshot provided by Retroware of the Demo to avoid revealing the stages)
Similar to Mega Man, stages are presented via a stage select screen and can be played out in any order. The menus, icons, and even many of the enemies and their attack patterns are also reminiscent of the series, with the stages themselves being themed after different popular AVGN episodes. The Nerd's main abilities are to jump, shoot, and slide, with a handful of power-ups and items to pick up throughout the stage as well. Rolling Rock serves as the Nerd's health bar; picking up extra bottles recharges it, and the Zapper's attack power can also be upgraded by collecting items. Each upgrade makes the shot a little stronger and eventually adds different attack patterns. For example, one of the early upgrades will turn his normal shot into a spread shot, while the following one will be a three-shot wave. Moving beyond that, the shots get stronger and cover more of the screen, making progression much easier in general.
The catch: getting hit will cause the Nerd to lose one power level, and not picking it up in time means he'll lose it forever. There are only so many upgrades hidden throughout the stage, so it can become impossible to max out your attack if you mess up. This is a case where the game actually becomes easier the better you do, as your attack is stronger, and the bosses will become more of a struggle if you face off against them when you are weak. Sometimes it is actually easier to just restart the stage and try again, rather than retrying the boss with a weak Zapper and no items, but it is ultimately the player's choice. Additionally, throwable attack items exist as well, but these too will be lost upon death. The NES version requires holding Up on the D-Pad and pressing B to use such items, while playing on PC or modern consoles has a dedicated button to make things a bit easier.
Stages themselves are varied and have their own unique bosses to overcome. No two levels are truly the same, with different obstacles and gimmicks at play in each one. In one stage, you are bouncing across platforms in the air and then fighting in a jet shoot-'em-up style, but then the next is a seemingly standard platforming stage that actually incorporates the NES game Jekyll and Hyde's day and night mechanic as a part of its design. These are fun throwbacks that are sure to put a smile on the face of fans, but they are simply fun stages in general, even for those who have no experience with the series. They are very well designed in general, but with a few hang-ups that result from it being an NES game.
The biggest issue here comes from stages where a forced scrolling screen can actually lock your progress or force you into an undeserved death. This is the sort of thing many were simply used to back in the day, but we've been spoiled by modern gaming conventions since then, and it was a bit surprising to see it happen again here. It fits with the NES theme, but whether it was intentional or not is truly hard to tell.
After completing the game's main stages, the final levels open up, and that ultimately leads to the final fight. Upon completing the game, there are extras and reasons to go back and play a second time, with multiple difficulty options available as well. That being said, even on the easier difficulties, the game can be quite challenging, where often progression is blocked by a simple lack of experience. Don't be surprised if it takes multiple run-throughs of a stage before completing it, with some of the bosses being the hardest part—especially if you lost all of your upgrades. Once you get the hang of each stage, however, it isn't too terrible, and switching to a harder mode is a great way to further improve your skills and challenge yourself.
Should you play it?
The Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit isn't just a fun retro throwback to days gone by; it is a legitimate modern-day NES game that captures what made these games special. Drawing heavy inspiration from Mega Man, it successfully blends the series' classic gameplay mechanics with stages and ideas from other NES titles, and the end result is a game all platforming fans can enjoy. While you do not need to be a fan of AVGN to enjoy this title, it is packed full of fan service that will put a smile on your face, and the live-action skits are nice to see as well. This game is in fact an Angry Video Game Nerd episode in disguise; it's just you are the one playing it this time, and not the Nerd. Either way, if you are a fan of retro platformers, and especially the classic Mega Man series, then this is a game you will not want to miss out on.
VERDICT: Recommended
Reviewed on PC
Review Copy was Provided
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