“ASS!” Probably one of the best things about Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit, arriving this week from Retroware, is its menu screen. Here, you can select from the six main stages you’ll need to take on. But you can also just sit there, focus on the Nerd’s face in the center, and keep pressing a button. He’ll sit there and scream “ASS!” as many times as you want. Surprisingly, this can actually be helpful when you’re facing a tough challenge in the game — which you definitely will.
That’s because Retroware channels the classics of old with 8-Bit, which is a nice step up from previous Angry Video Game Nerd games. It plays like Mega Man, with the Nerd carrying a Zapper as he blasts his way through virtual game worlds. Along the way, you can increase your gun’s power with little icons and power up with a beer—because, of course. You’ll need everything you can get, because boy, do the bosses pack a punch.
The game’s difficulty can be on the tough side (even on the “Chill as Hell” setting), but the gameplay has its heart in the right place. It feels like an NES adventure through and through, right down to the timed jumps. It also looks and sounds great, thanks to some nice touches from Programancer. (It doesn’t hurt to have Mega Cat Studios in the mix, either.)
It’s painfully short (just six stages and a boss run), but Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit delivers all the raucous charm you’d expect from its foul-mouthed hero. Not to mention, the video sequences are good fun — and, damn it, there are homages galore.
Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit Brings the Classic Run and Gun
If you’ve played Mega Man, you have a good idea of how Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit handles. You can blast, jump, and slide your way through stages. But you’ll want to be careful — there are disappearing platforms and reappearing enemies aplenty. You’ll need to save whatever energy you have for the boss battles, of which there are many. At one point, you even face a giant turd. Because, obviously.
There are different difficulty options available, including a “Chill” mode for newcomers. But don’t rest easy — Retroware, working alongside Programancer and Mega Cat Studios, has the gameplay dialed in with traditional 8-bit settings. That means you’ll get hit — often — and lose a few lives along the way. But that will push you to keep trying and, eventually, move on to the next stage.
The only downside here is the game’s overall length. Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit lasts a mere six stages before moving into boss battles to wrap everything up. That’s about the same structure the earlier Mega Man games had, so it’s easy to see why that blueprint was used here. But those expecting something a bit longer may be left wondering what’s up. Still, it’s the journey — not the destination — that counts.
With tight gameplay and lots of variety (not to mention some fun Easter eggs), Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit holds up beautifully. It’s fun while it lasts — and let’s not forget the main menu, where you can say “ASS!” on demand. Seriously, I can imagine the Angry Video Game Nerd himself reviewing this game and getting stuck on that for five minutes — just like he did with the Battletoads theme song when he reviewed that game. (Just not dancing as much.)
Does the Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit Look Ugly? Heck No
In terms of appearance, Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit is a loving homage to classic NES games. It looks fantastic, with basic yet well-put-together retro stages for each of the worlds the Nerd visits. The animations are good — not amazing, but ideal for the theming — and the bosses offer startling variety.
On top of that, there are video sequences featuring James Rolfe himself as he goes through the game’s somewhat flimsy (yet fun) story. They’re worth watching, but if you want to skip them and get straight to the main menu (“ASS!”), that’s totally your call. Just be aware — it’s not every day a game includes FMV anymore. Maybe cherish the profane moments.
As for the music, it’s great. You’ve got the classic Nerd theme in full effect (you’ll have to provide your own profane lyrics), and there are other solid 8-bit melodies as well — particularly in the “air” stage. The sound effects are also cool (albeit basic), and those voice effects hit the spot. How can you not love a perfectly rendered “ASS!”? (Notice I’ve said that a few times now.)
You Won’t Regret Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit, Even If He Might
Will you like Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit? I believe you will. Even with its short length (that’s what she said!), it’s a fun little blastathon that pays tribute to the classics that came before it. And the Nerd’s never looked or sounded better — though a possible Nerd 16-Bit game could change that.
If you’re not a fan of the character, you can probably skip this one with ease. But if you’re all about a challenging shooter with a sense of humor — and the greatest main menu option ever — Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit is a welcome addition to your library. Don’t be an “ASS!”, just dig in.
GAMERHUB RATING: FOUR (out of five) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Retroware for providing us a review code for the game. We refuse to call them asses. You can get the game on October 23rd for Steam, Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch!
Need more retro thrills? Check out our review of RetroRealms!
