The Angry Video Game Nerd has been around for over twenty years and has starred in two games and a remake/enhanced version of the two games which did well, so it was only a matter of time before the AVGN got adapted one more time. Unlike the previous AVGN games, which favoured 16-bit style visuals, Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit does what its name says and takes us back to the past and specifically into the 8-bit era. AVGN 8 Bit was designed to be a real NES game with a release on an actual NES cartridge, but the version for modern platforms does have things not possible on an NES such as FMV.
In fact, Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit starts right off with an FMV of the nerd sitting down to play a game, when recurring character Super Mecha Death Christ shows up and infects the Nerd’s NES and all consoles around the globe. Now the AVGN must take on a new quest to stop Super mecha Death Chris and save the day and the way this happens is with a Mega Man style run n gun platformer. The FMV at the start is not the only one, as there will be several throughout the game and it kind of makes Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit feel like an actual episode of the show.
Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit uses a stage select screen that looks like its Mega Man inspiration, and a number of shoutouts to that series such as the ability to slide through small gaps.Unlike Mega Man though, the Nerd does not get a new ability by beating a boss, bur rather the Nerd can upgrade his Zapper by collecting tokens, which will change the way the Zapper works. However, the zapper will revert if you take a hit, but you can get back the token if you are quick enough, and having a fully upgraded Zapper will make a major difference when going up against bosses, while subweapons like smart bombs will show up as well.
Speaking of the bosses, they are a mixed bag, because while the stages can be selected in any order, some stages and bosses are much easier than others and it can create an uneven experience at times. While the difficulty ramps up at times, the game never feels unfair and it will be easy to get extra lives and health tokens. If you are playing on easy mode and in your last life, Shit Pickle will appear and throw out power-ups and health tokens, to ensure you win.
The stages themselves are neat and like previous AVGN games, are inspired by AVGN episodes or classic video games with stages based on Ghosts ‘n Goblins and Castlevania, ET, the Nerd’s hated nemesis Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde, and even a level that is based on the Pepsi Man episode, complete with a Terminator 2 style production plant. The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde –inspired level is extremely well done and accurate to the original game and even has parts that scroll in the opposite direction, albeit in a less frustrating form. The stages are short but replayable and there are branching paths you can take that encourage you to play over and over.
The music in Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit is well done and has some excellent chiptunes that make full use of what the NES was capable of, while the visuals are great with vivid and detailed stages, large characters and creative design choices. Despite being designed to be an actual NES, Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit does not have an issue with spite flicker and slowdown, but there is no way of knowing if the NES release will have that issue. Still, it was nice to see the sampled speech clips from characters like the Nerd that will likely be in the NES release.
Angry Video Game Nerd 8-bit is a fantastic entry in the series full of fan service to keep longtime AVGN viewers happy. The difficulty level does vary a bit, but it will not be too hard for those not used to NES games, but you can have it be a challenge if you want. Is it as good as AVGN Adventures 1 & 2? No, but it comes very close, and does things in its own way. Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit is a game you will want to play, put down and then come back to later just for the familiar fun it brings, and that is something great in its own right.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided
