I first discovered The Angry Video Game Nerd when my brother showed me an episode. I believe he was talking about the Sega CD. At first, I wasn't quite interested in watching it because I don't really play video games that much. But later on, I gave the show a chance, and I found that I really enjoyed it. The show is funny with the running gags and all, but it is also something we can all relate to. The idea of a foul-mouthed, angry gamer who has to drink beer when he plays games (because they are either really badly designed or frustratingly difficult) is really funny because people do get frustrated over video games, especially ones that are unplayable. Of course, that anger is more extreme in people who are very passionate about video games (like the Nerd) and take them seriously. However, although I do enjoy the comedy, I wish to talk about what I personally think is the best part of the show.
For me, what really makes the show work is James Rolfe's ability to make the show enjoyable for non-gamers. James does a great job of reviewing the games in that when he plays the games, you feel his anger and frustration. He backs up his criticisms very well, whether the criticism is for the bad control scheme or the frustrating level design. Criticisms like these, when they're not done right, can come off as a gamer just complaining because he is actually incompetent. When this happens, the character/reviewer does not create an impact on you because you don't feel his emotions; instead, you just feel annoyed by the character/reviewer. Fortunately, James does not have this problem; his criticisms feel genuine and reasonable, which allow the viewers to feel the Nerd's emotions, making the character someone we can identify with. Also, James does a great job of setting up the context of the time period when the games (or consoles) came out. In this way, he allows those of us who didn't grow up in that time period (and non-gamers, like me) to understand and feel the disappointment and anger that people felt when the game designers failed to do do a good job on the game or when the console didn't live up to people's expectations. Setting up the context also allows the Angry Video Game Nerd to be a representation of how people felt at that time. It's almost like a person from that time period is communicating with us. For me, someone who can review video games and make the show enjoyable for even non-gamers like me is the sign of true talent.
So, with all my praise, why not a perfect score of 10/10? Well, sometimes the jokes with feces can get a bit too much, and I never really liked the moments when the feces is actually shown. Those parts were always a little too gross for me. Also, there have been a few jokes that didn't quite work. I understand though that it is a comedy show, so not every bit of it is going to be perfect, especially considering that there are now over one hundred episodes. But overall, this is a great show. So James Rolfe, thank you for all the laughs and for educating me more about video games.
For me, what really makes the show work is James Rolfe's ability to make the show enjoyable for non-gamers. James does a great job of reviewing the games in that when he plays the games, you feel his anger and frustration. He backs up his criticisms very well, whether the criticism is for the bad control scheme or the frustrating level design. Criticisms like these, when they're not done right, can come off as a gamer just complaining because he is actually incompetent. When this happens, the character/reviewer does not create an impact on you because you don't feel his emotions; instead, you just feel annoyed by the character/reviewer. Fortunately, James does not have this problem; his criticisms feel genuine and reasonable, which allow the viewers to feel the Nerd's emotions, making the character someone we can identify with. Also, James does a great job of setting up the context of the time period when the games (or consoles) came out. In this way, he allows those of us who didn't grow up in that time period (and non-gamers, like me) to understand and feel the disappointment and anger that people felt when the game designers failed to do do a good job on the game or when the console didn't live up to people's expectations. Setting up the context also allows the Angry Video Game Nerd to be a representation of how people felt at that time. It's almost like a person from that time period is communicating with us. For me, someone who can review video games and make the show enjoyable for even non-gamers like me is the sign of true talent.
So, with all my praise, why not a perfect score of 10/10? Well, sometimes the jokes with feces can get a bit too much, and I never really liked the moments when the feces is actually shown. Those parts were always a little too gross for me. Also, there have been a few jokes that didn't quite work. I understand though that it is a comedy show, so not every bit of it is going to be perfect, especially considering that there are now over one hundred episodes. But overall, this is a great show. So James Rolfe, thank you for all the laughs and for educating me more about video games.
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