8Bit/Digi

He’s Gonna Take You Back to the Past

If you’ve been a gamer since the 2000s, you’re likely familiar with James Rolfe as The Angry Video Game Nerd. A staple of gaming culture, he’s taken us back to the past while reviewing some of the worst titles ever made, reminding us why they suck ass. Over his long career, the Nerd has inspired several video game adaptations based on his iconic character. The Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit is the latest and most ambitious entry, combining retro aesthetics with modern elements.

The Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit is a retro-style adventure based on the hit YouTube series. Players step into the role of the Nerd as he battles through a gauntlet of levels inspired by his most infamous reviews. This time, you’re not just going back to the past to play the games that suck—you’re tackling them all at once.

When you Turn on Your TV

If you’ve never watched The Angry Video Game Nerd, you might wonder whether it’s required to understand the game. Fortunately, the answer is a soft no. You don’t need to know the series to enjoy it, just a general appreciation for Third Generation video games. That being said, not having watched the series means a lot of the jokes will fly over your head, while you will miss out on other jabs at some of the worst games. I would recommend watching his review of E.T., Pepsiman, plus Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde as a starting point.

Hopefully; the game becomes a starting point for those who have never watched an episode of the series.

He’s the Angry Nintendo Nerd

Based on the hit YouTube series, players step into the shoes of James “The Nerd” Rolfe as he races to save the world. Super Mecha Death Christ 2000 B.C. Version 4.1 has hijacked the Nerd’s NES system and used it to seize control of every video game console worldwide. To save video games, he has created the ultimate bad game by fusing the worst games he can find into one title. With the ultimate bad game in the possessed NES, the players must battle through each stage with the goal of weakening Super Mecha Death Christ.

Fans of The Angry Video Game Nerd will immediately recognize what the story delivers. The classic theme song plays while the Nerd spouts his signature catchphrases across the adventure. Each stage draws from one of the notoriously awful games he’s reviewed, creating a twisted mix of nostalgia and frustration. True to the show’s spirit, the game captures the Nerd’s relentless battle against gaming’s worst titles with humor and chaos intact.

A Power Glove and a Filthy Mouth

Let’s get the obvious out of the way… this is not an LJN quality game. The Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit embraces a retro-inspired aesthetic with its graphics, gameplay, and soundtrack. At the same time, its quality of life features and mechanics are on par with modern games. However, you will be screaming “ASS!” during the boss fights or the more frustrating moments.

The gameplay embraces a classic action platformer style reminiscent of Mega Man. The main difference is that you’re equipped with an NES Zapper and a Power Glove. Players will traverse levels packed with enemies and tricky platforming challenges, blasting anything that stands in their way. Along the way, you’ll collect boosts, health items, and secondary weapons to improve your arsenal. Each stage ends with a boss battle, and every victory brings you one step closer to saving video games.

The levels perfectly capture the essence of an NES game while being designed to test both your skills and sense of exploration. There isn’t just one path to follow, but multiple routes branch throughout each stage. Some make the journey easier, while others ramp up the challenge, rewarding players who dare to take the harder road with hidden secrets and a greater sense of accomplishment.

He’s the Angry Atari Sega Nerd

The Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit is a game made for two types of gamers: those who enjoy retro games from the Third Generation and those who are fans of the YouTube series. But you don’t need to be both of them to enjoy this. You just need to be a fan of retro games.

Overall, The Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit does a solid job at recreating the classic NES experience. Its visual design perfectly captures the graphical style of video games from that era. Complementing the graphics is a chiptune soundtrack that sets the tone while featuring a faithful recreation of the Nerd’s iconic theme song. Each level is packed with references to the series and the terrible games it lampoons. The difference is that these infamous titles have been reimagined with a level of quality and attention to detail.

This should come as no surprise, as James Rolfe is a critic who not only loves Third Generation video games but also appreciates what they gave him in his youth and how they inspired future creators. The same passion can be seen in the team behind this project. It’s a game made by fans of retro gaming, crafted for those who share that same nostalgic love for the classics.

Play the Shitty Games that Suck Ass

The game isn’t the same shit quality you’d expect from an old LJN title, though it still has its flaws. The biggest issue lies in the controls, which sometimes fail to respond when precision matters most. There have been far too many moments where I’ve missed a timed jump due to the lack of precise response between my input on the controller and the on-screen action. This often results in missing my mark and having to repeat the same frustrating sequence over and over again. This has been especially true with Airworld and Turdo Tunnel.

The Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit isn’t the worst offender when it comes to this issue, but I still found myself screaming “ASS!” at the top of my lungs during these moments.

He’s the Angry Video Game Nerd

The Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit recreates some of the worst NES games in a way that retro gamers and longtime fans of the series will appreciate. It delivers a classic NES style experience wrapped in a story that feels straight out of an episode of the show. The difference is that quality of life aspects take full advantage of modern hardware. Complementing the gameplay are its 8-bit visuals and a chiptune soundtrack. Overall, it’s a far better experience than having a buffalo take a diarrhea dump in your ear.

Disclaimer: The publisher, through a PR representative, provided the game used for this review.

This review is the critique and thoughts of one writer. If you want to see how other critics felt, then check it out on OpenCritic.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.

The Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit (PC)

9

Excellent

9.0/10

Pros

• Story feels like an episode of AVGN.
• Easy to learn gameplay and the fun starts right away.
• Its 8-bit inspired visuals and chiptune soundtrack.
• It’s a treat for retro gamers and AVGN fans.

Cons

• Some of the issues that plague classic games are still present.