The Angry Video Game Nerd: I & II Deluxe (Nintendo Switch) Review

Taking inspiration from Cinemassacre series 'The Angry Videogame Nerd', the double pack of titles included here both follow a simple formula. Minimal plots involving Aliens and a near perfect re-creation of the plot to Captain N: The Game Master (Which was incredible and should be on Blu-Ray) that leads into a standard 2D platformer starring the aforementioned Nerd himself.

Each level explored is a pixel perfect homage to the kinds of levels that would drive children of the late 80's to madness. Patience is key with every touch of the directional pad requiring pin point accuracy and timing. Lasers dominate the Mega Man-esque future while barrages of ghosts blur across the screen in a 'Vania style gothic castle. Even with a minimal knowledge of videogames, at least one of the stages littered across the two titles are sure to raise a smile. Bright vivid sprites fill every crevice and with an extensive knowledge of what works, it's clear that level design has been created with the help of the Glass-Wearing one.

It's this however that does work against The Angry Video Game Nerd: I & II Deluxe in some respects. Although the level design and progression has been carefully crafted to emulate the games of the era, the door swings both ways. Items are placed in often almost impossible situations and everywhere the Nerd turns is another death-trap that can so easily be stood on. There are even blocks specifically designed to implement instant death just a little too frequently. Balancing these out however are frequent save points and forgivable checkpoints, often however the distance between each becomes a running gauntlet of survival more than a delicate platforming dance.

By its nature, the AVGN pack is going to appeal to a niche audience. The majority of UK gamers are more than likely unfamiliar with the humour and content of James and his crew and players of a certain age are also often looking for a more casual experience over a hardcore jump-fest. For the fans however, this may be as close to a perfect imagining of what would a Nerd game should be. Unfair at times but responsive controls ensuring that the only person to blame for an error is the gamer themselves. Add to this text-based quips that perfectly suit the situation as well as commentary on exactly why a certain section is a ball ache captures the mood of any episode perfectly. Easter eggs also litter each level with appearances from most of the AVGN crew in either powerup or backdrop form.