The Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures Review on Mario’s Hat

Not a whole lot of time today nor a whole lot of news, so I figured I’d take a moment to invite you to check out my review of The Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures for Wii U over on fellow Nyteworks site Mario’s Hat.

The game came out a little while back on Steam, but just arrived on the Wii U’s Nintendo eShop earlier last month. The more I thought about it as I played it, though, the more I thought “this is kind of a Mega Man-esque game, isn’t it?” Which is why I decided to share this here today.

Though there are references to all kinds of games throughout the eight selectable levels and final stage, it seems that Mega Man gets the most love out of all of them, some of it subtle. This should come as little surprise, given that the developer, FreakZone Games, would go on to do a more blatant homage in Jump’N’Shoot Attack.

Just a few of the Mega Man homages include Quick Man’s instant death beams and disappearing block platforming puzzles– not the most encouraging for some, I’m sure, but there’s more. The world “Future F***b***s 2010” is something of a pastiche of futuristic-themed games, Mega Man included, and playing as the Nerd himself reminds me quite a bit of playing as the Blue Bomber… except he can duck, and alternate between running and gunning or standing still and shooting in all directions, not unlike Bass. It’s like the best of both worlds!

James “AVGN” Rolfe’s real-life friend Mike Matei is a playable character as well, and he works like a combination of Zero and Luigi, bringing slippery high jumps and a potent beam saber attack. Sadly, no combos or learned skills, however.

Oh, and maybe it’s just me, but the Nerd’s jump pose (seen in the banner at the top) reminds me a bit of Mega Man’s own, open mouth and all.

That’s what I picked up from it, at least. You can find my full review here, and like the game, it features some Not Safe For Work language and such visuals from the game, so be forewarned.

LBD "Nytetrayn"

David Oxford, or “LBD ‘Nytetrayn’,” as he is sometimes also known, is a freelance writer of many varied interests who resides in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. If you’re interested in hiring him, please drop him a line at david.oxford (at) nyteworks.net.

For a full list of places to find him online, click here.