It’s the 10 year anniversary since the first episode of the Angry Video Game Nerd!
In this episode the Nerd takes a look at Desert Bus and Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest Redaction! Desert Bus was a mini game that was included on Penn & Teller’s Smoke and Mirrors (and unreleased game planned for the Sega CD). It was developed by Imagineering and published by Absolute Entertainment. Absolute went out of business so the game was never released but the Nerd was able to obtain a copy to torture himself with! In Desert Bus, you drive a bus from Arizona to Las Vegas in real time. It’s considered one of the worst games ever made, making it ripe for a review by the Nerd!
Then the Nerd takes a look at Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest Redacted – a hack that improves upon the flaws in the original NES game.
Big AVGN movie update coming soon! http://cinemassacre.com/2012/11/10/avgn-the-movie-trailer/
May 28, 2014 at 11:59 am
New Nerd!! Rejoice!!
May 28, 2014 at 9:40 pm
You’re in the big leagues now James. This vid just got a mention and retweet from Penn Jilette.
May 28, 2014 at 10:19 pm
Haha! Looks like you got yourself an admirer, James! Feels kinda humbling doesn’t it? I’m totally looking forward to the film, and I can’t fucking wait to see it! I liked this episode, felt like a nice segue to the AVGN Movie.
June 22, 2014 at 5:21 pm
Rejoice indeed, also rejoice at the fact that there are 79 inspiring stories out there
May 28, 2014 at 12:00 pm
I must have that calender 🙂
May 28, 2014 at 11:59 pm
I have that calender! Ordered it from a scholastic reader catalog in 1st grade. The next year’s edition too. Seeing this really brought me home.
May 28, 2014 at 12:02 pm
YES FINALLY! THANK YOU JAMES! 🙂
May 28, 2014 at 12:04 pm
HELLZ Yeah a new nerd video!
May 28, 2014 at 12:12 pm
Fucking Amazing! I Love You !
May 28, 2014 at 12:16 pm
Happy ten year anniversary of The Angry Video Game Nerd everyone! And congratulations to you, James, for maintaining the poupularity and the authenticity of the show for this long. Here’s to ten more years, or maybe even twenty! I can’t wait to watch the movie 🙂
May 29, 2014 at 1:18 am
Wow,there is nothing wrong with being a fan, but you seem really obsessed with James. You really gotta calm down
May 29, 2014 at 9:09 pm
I’m a regular viewer. I am regular commenter. What is wrong with that, huh? Is it that you think that I have nothing better to do? That I do nothing but hang around this site and wait for videos to be posted? Why do you have to be such a jerk? Why don’t you say this to any of the other regular commenters? The ones that probably post way more than me? please, don’t be so rude!
May 29, 2014 at 9:14 pm
I just noticed your other comment regarding my idea of using Kevin Smith’s Smodcast Pictures to distribute his film. You are the one that needs to “get a grip buddy.” I may be a passionate fan, like many others, but I do actually care about many other things out there. I do actually have a life.
May 30, 2014 at 2:09 pm
@Gariss90:
I have been a frequent visitor of the cinemassacre site and I also have noticed that Lukas comments on many videos, but I never thought of it as a “bad thing” as you imply here – if anything I thought it was very cool.
If I remember correctly, Lukas was one of the people who offered to help out with some visual effects for the AVGN movie when James Rolfe was looking for VFX artists in a blog post (I found the blog post: http://cinemassacre.com/2013/02/09/vfx-artists-wanted-for-avgn-the-movie/ ). This means he is studying at a film school or is already working in the film industry.
Now this is speculation on my part, but something tells me that Lukas also watched James Rolfe’s autobiographical videos “Cinemassacre 200” and “The Dragon in my Dreams”, two videos that are very inspiring and eye-opening, especially to people who are studying film or are planning to do so (I am studying media communication, which is not exactly film production, but my ambition is to head in that direction as well and I felt those videos were very encouraging). So I think Lukas, as many other avid followers, cheers James on by commenting here, primarily because he sees him as a role model for film makers, not necessarily because of an “obsession” with the fictional character of the Angry Video Game Nerd.
Also, I am sure there are other fans who also comment a lot of the videos, but most of the time you spot Lukas because he uses a photo of his face as his avatar picture while most commentators on here have these automatically generated pixelated space invaders-like avatars.
If you wonder, why I remember posts from back then and reply to your comment, Lukas’ name sounds like he is either from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany or Austria and I am from Germany, so every time I read a comment by him I thought: “Cool, it’s that guy from Europe who maybe does not live too far away from where I live” (I personally don’t know other AVGN fans in Germany).
May 30, 2014 at 2:37 pm
Thanks Arigatoor. And yes, I am actually from Europe. From Denmark even, which is one of the countries you mentioned. And you also hit the nail on the head with why I am here, and why I cheer James on. I also think that your theory about the avatar thing makes sense. It’s really hard to tell everyone apart on here hah 😛
You’re also right about me wanting to work in the industry. After I stopped working on the AVGN Movie’s visual effects departement I moved on to some of my friends’ projects. Things like Grim: A Tale of Death. Maybe you’ve heard of it. It’s a huge dark fantasy web series some British friends of mine are making. I am on the project as the visual effects consultant. And I have some other cool stuff coming up 🙂 I primarily want to actually write the stories for films though. And also write novels. Just write stories in general, no matter the medium it’s for. But when I do decide I want to work on a project, like the AVGN Movie, or Grim, it’s always because I really believe in the people and in the projects themselves. I’d never say yes to working on Big Brother for example, even if they decided to give me a hundred million dollars. It would never happen. Glad to meet a fellow European fan by the way! 🙂
May 31, 2014 at 11:19 am
You’re welcome, Lukas. My timing of reading through the recent Cinemassacre blog posts could have been better, because I just now discovered the dispute in the comment section of the May 26 VFX update (I usually skim those short blog posts). Oh boy. I would have posted my reply there if I had discovered those comments before Gariss90’s one here.
Anyways, I just looked up the indie gogo video of Grim, it looks awesome. It’s off-topic, so I am going to write you a message on facebook (I assume you have an account and use your real name there as well). It would be cool to stay in contact, also with regards to any potential AVGN movie premiere events in Europe.
– Philipp Nowatschin
And congratulations to James & Mike, for a decade of AVGN and more than a decade of making films! Keep up the good work!
June 6, 2014 at 11:00 am
Wow,there is nothing wrong with being a fan, but you seem really obsessed with Lukas. You really gotta calm down
June 8, 2014 at 11:33 am
@ER:
Well played.
May 28, 2014 at 12:16 pm
Happy Birthday AVGN!
May 28, 2014 at 12:16 pm
AWESOME VIDEO! I CANT WAIT TO SEE WHAT YOU DO NEXT!
May 28, 2014 at 12:17 pm
YOU CANT RETIRE!!
May 28, 2014 at 12:18 pm
Happy Birthday AVGN! Happy ten year anniversary! Been watching for years! I watch your videos every day! Cant wait to see more! Keep up the great work! love you so much james! i wish you the best in everything you do!
May 28, 2014 at 12:25 pm
“The word of the Nerd has been heard.” Put that on a t-shirt James, Don’t be surprised if it ends up selling like hotcakes. Might just buy a couple myself…
May 28, 2014 at 12:30 pm
You really had me fooled. I really thought this was the end of the Nerd. 10 year anniversary, going full circle back to Simon’s Quest and the movie nearing completion.
So glad that AVGN will continue. I hope you’re making these videoes until you’re 80!
May 28, 2014 at 12:45 pm
My God! I think this is the most emotional Nerd episode ever! You saying it is time to retire had me almost crying. Of course I know you aren’t because you have a movie on the way. What a great way to celebrate ten years. I hope you have ten more years for this show to go on. Reviewing shitty games until the end of time. God bless you AVGN!
May 28, 2014 at 12:51 pm
Yeah James but… “Where did you learn to drive?” “Where did you learn to drive?” “Where did you learn to drive?” “Where did you learn to drive?” “Where did you learn to drive?” “Where did you learn to drive?” “Where did you learn to drive?” “Where did you learn to drive?” “Where did you learn to drive?” “Where did you learn to drive?” “Where did you learn to drive?” “Where did you learn to drive?” “Where did you learn to drive?” “Where did you learn to drive?” “Where did you learn to drive?” “Where did you learn to drive?” “Where did you learn to drive?” “Where did you learn to drive?” “Where did you learn to drive?” “Where did you learn to drive?” “Where did you learn to drive?” “Where did you learn to drive?”
May 28, 2014 at 9:56 pm
LMAO
May 28, 2014 at 12:52 pm
I was sad when he said he was going to retire but at the end of the video I threw up my hands and clapped excitedly!
May 28, 2014 at 12:53 pm
God bless who ever made that Simon’s Quest Redaction. You saved us from Nerd Retirement!
May 28, 2014 at 12:53 pm
wow, does that means that the movie is ready? 🙂
May 28, 2014 at 12:55 pm
I Can’t wait for the AVGN movie!!!
May 28, 2014 at 1:02 pm
The Word of the Nerd has indeed been heard!
May 28, 2014 at 8:17 pm
A-well-a everybody’s heard about the nerd
N-n-n-nerd, nerd, nerd, n-nerd’s the word
A-well-a nerd, nerd, nerd, the nerd is the word
A-well-a nerd, nerd, nerd, well the nerd is the word
A-well-a nerd, nerd, nerd, n-nerd’s the word
A-well-a nerd, nerd, nerd, well the nerd is the word
A-well-a nerd, nerd, n-nerd’s the word
A-well-a nerd, nerd, nerd, n-nerd’s the word
A-well-a nerd, nerd, nerd, well the nerd is the word
A-well-a nerd, nerd, n-nerd’s the word
A-well-a don’t you know about the nerd?
Well, everybody knows that the nerd is the word!
May 28, 2014 at 1:02 pm
That Desert Bus game looks boring as shit, but at least that was the entire point. Also, it was weird seeing the Nerd wearing jeans at the end of this episode. Anyway, conglaturation on the ten years, Mr. Nerd. Here’s to another ten years and I’m psyched for that epic update regarding the AVGN Movie that is right around the corner. I am ready to see this movie.
May 28, 2014 at 1:02 pm
Also, DAT ENDING :DDDDDDDDDDD
May 28, 2014 at 1:07 pm
Congratulations on 10 years of AVGN videos!
May 28, 2014 at 1:07 pm
LOL! Nailed it as always (We’re not worthy! We’re not worthy!) So relieved to hear that you’re not actually retiring. Not gonna lie, that scared the hell out of me when you said that ha ha. I wonder what’s next. Can hardly wait.
May 28, 2014 at 1:08 pm
the magician throwing straitjackets is James Randi!!! The Amazing Randi!!!
May 28, 2014 at 1:10 pm
Wow 10 years, Can`t believe its been that long. A wonderful episode. Congrats James, I’ve been a fan since the beginning and shall be forever! Keep on the good work, can’t wait for the movie!
May 28, 2014 at 1:11 pm
FANTASTIC
May 28, 2014 at 1:19 pm
YOU SCARED THE SHIT OUT OF ME FOR A MINUTE!! James, really thank you for all your years with the nerd videos. It really must be exhausting to feel like you keep doing the same thing over and over, but for us, we are watching your work with intense awe, and love every second of it all. You have a rare gift that many would kill to be able to do, I really wish you the best with many more years (I hope) but thanks for not quitting on us. Some of us would go as far to say that you truly are one of our favorite shows to watch. thank you
May 28, 2014 at 1:20 pm
This is a well timed episode for me. I was just at a gaming museum which had “Smoke & Mirrors” on display for everyone to play including Desert Bus.
May 28, 2014 at 1:35 pm
Rom hackers have also fixed E.T. The Cheetahmen. Seems it’s not uncommon for an enthusiastic hacker to correct problems that have plagued certain games for years.
May 28, 2014 at 1:43 pm
Congrats, James! Can’t believe it’s been 10 whole goddamn years. I first discovered your videos in 2006 on YouTube but still, that’s a really long time.
Still highly anticipating AVGN The Movie!
May 28, 2014 at 1:46 pm
That music at the end sounded familiar, but I can’t seem to put my finger on it.
Anyway, nice episode as usual. Looking forward to that movie!
May 28, 2014 at 1:50 pm
I seriously thought he was gonna announce his retirement for a second. Excellent fakeout!
May 28, 2014 at 1:51 pm
Happy 10 Years of Nerding it up! I can tell you I appreciate all the work you do and regardless of what video you make, the common denominator, they always make my wife and I smile. I’m looking forward to the AVGN Movie and looking for more excuses for you to take my money! FUND THE NERD.
May 28, 2014 at 1:55 pm
“All-time’s sake”?
Anyway, congrats on 10 years and still being willing to keep the train going…YA FUCKIN’ NERD!
May 28, 2014 at 1:56 pm
Expected a flashback to the terminator episode in the moment the Nerd realised he could just hold the button with a tool. Anyway, an epic episode, especially loved that ending. Does this mean it’s the last episode before the movie?
Good luck and happy anniversary, James, keep up the good word, we all appreciate it.
P.S Maybe some programming pro should try remaking all the games he reviewed, fixing the mistakes? That’d be amazing 😀
May 28, 2014 at 2:34 pm
That was pretty cool. Was that a plug at the end for your movie indicating it may soon be released?
May 28, 2014 at 2:34 pm
HEY YOU FUCKIN NERD I WAS WATCHING A SPIDERMAN 3 SPECIAL FEATURE AND THOMAS HADEN CHURCH COMPARED DR JECKLE AND MR HYDE WITH SPIDERMAN FUCKIN SPIDERMAN LOL. KEEP UP THE VIDEO YOU PIECE OF SHIT
May 28, 2014 at 2:45 pm
happy anniversary, you damn nintendo dork! lol.. I don’t drink beer, but i’ll raise a glass of my favorite soda in your honor and make a toast…here’s to then years of great shitty game reviews and here’s to 10 more!
May 28, 2014 at 2:50 pm
Congratulations James on your 10 year anniversary as AVGN! What a perfect day for a new nerd video as it’s my birthday and I’ve been loving these videos for years. Keep up the great work and can’t wait for the movie!
May 28, 2014 at 2:57 pm
ANGRY VIDEO GAME NERD you are great at reviewing bad games but how about a break do a good game you are just that awsome a good game to review thats decent is Journey To Siluis if you don’t have it I can give you my copy its for the nes but remember you are a hero to gamers everywere such as my self keep on gaming James R.
May 28, 2014 at 3:04 pm
From a Nerd, to a Legend! James, thank you so much for AVGN, he’s changed the world, and so many lives, including my own. (Picks up Rolling Rock) Here’s to 10 Years, to the movie, to 10 more years, to the Angry Video Game Nerd, and to James Rolfe!
May 28, 2014 at 3:15 pm
wait does this mean that the movie is done and coming out soon halleluiah
May 28, 2014 at 6:42 pm
Yes. The movie is premiering this summer actually 🙂 No actual date has been said. But James did confirm a summer premiere in his last VFX status blog post.
May 28, 2014 at 3:16 pm
Congrats on 100 STRAIGHT episodes that are actually about videogames! I’m guessing the next thing is… of course!
May 28, 2014 at 3:30 pm
Awesome vid as always James! Looking forward to 10 more years of hilarious AVGN! And what a cliffhanger ending!! Don’t keep us waiting too long man! Keep up the great work!
May 28, 2014 at 4:37 pm
Wow, James! I almost cried when you said you were gonna “retire”.
And that cliffhanger…Oh, that cliffhanger…Could it mean what I think it means?!
May 28, 2014 at 4:56 pm
Awesome video! And the end is just epic, love it.
May 28, 2014 at 4:57 pm
Dis gon b gud!
May 28, 2014 at 4:58 pm
I’m guessing the ending of this episode ties in with the movie? If so, it means that something really big movie wise is coming, and I don’t mean just an update…
May 28, 2014 at 5:00 pm
I was sincerely scared that you were going to retire. It’s great to know that there will still be more Nerd.
May 28, 2014 at 5:32 pm
I was almost standing by the end of video, you are the fucking king nerd!
May 28, 2014 at 5:32 pm
Goosebumps all the way throughout the video, Great work! I actually can’t help but think that Desert Bus is the best Joke ever! 🙂
I love how the video takes a look back at the very first episode and is it just me or is the end of the episode a teaser trailer in disguise? Can’t wait for the movie!
You’re the best James!
May 28, 2014 at 5:35 pm
YESSSSSS A New AVGN Thank the lords above
May 28, 2014 at 5:39 pm
James if you didn’t made all those complains about those games and everything,nobody would have sit in their asses making those changes in a game like simon’s quest.And of course nobody would have made those so freaking famus for how bad they are.You asking your self how you are going to continue? here’s a hint make some other games from the newer systems there are many other out there.
May 28, 2014 at 5:53 pm
Awesome video! Congrats on 10 years, James.
May 28, 2014 at 5:57 pm
AVGN is back!!! great video as always, and look forward to more episodes!! but what can top his video’s? why a AVGN movie of course!!!
May 28, 2014 at 6:06 pm
I’m diggin the sideburns James.
May 28, 2014 at 6:24 pm
I want that redacted version
May 28, 2014 at 6:41 pm
Happy 10 years, and a good one at that. Even though I started in 2010, it feels like it HAS been the full 10 years. Great job. THIS GAME!!!
May 28, 2014 at 6:52 pm
Happy 10 years! It’s not easy for any entertainment show to have that kind of longevity and still maintain quality and creativity. In my opinion, James has done it. I still watch and rewatch these episodes and always enjoy them. Thanks for the quality entertainment! Please continue!
May 28, 2014 at 6:55 pm
Soooo much love for you right now, this video was awesome!!!!!
First your take on thatDesert Bus was perfect and super funny. Then I you had me going with the retirement thing and the black and white part got me really nostalgic (realizing I’ve been following you for a decade now, and all that’s happened) then bringing it back to Castlevania 2 was a brilliant idea and when you realized your angry complaints finally improved the game and decided not to retire, I started to cheer.
I couldn’t be more excited for the movie. I’m going to go to the screening wherever it is.
May 28, 2014 at 7:34 pm
That was f-ing epic
May 28, 2014 at 7:50 pm
Awesome, just awesome! 😀 HBD AVGN!
May 28, 2014 at 7:50 pm
Awesome video!!!!!!
May 28, 2014 at 8:29 pm
10 years of some great entertainment and great personal successes. Couldn’t happen to a more genuine, nice and deserving dude.
Hope to be seeing your stuff in another decade.
May 28, 2014 at 8:39 pm
That was the best AVGN episode ever thank you for the reviews James you are my idol and happy 10th anniversary can’t wait for more nerd ad James and mike Mondays and the avgn movie
May 28, 2014 at 8:40 pm
Yeah I really thought you were calling it quits when I saw this. I figured maybe the movie was the end of this era for you or something. Its good that your still staying as avgn because you were the original and best
May 28, 2014 at 9:07 pm
Conglaturation !!!
10 years and counting.. Good stuff, Nerd
May 28, 2014 at 9:31 pm
God damnit James, you made worried sick there for a moment!
Happy 10 year anniversary :)almost the same time as my own birthday. Fun review even tho I was almost emotionaly destroyed there for a moment
May 28, 2014 at 9:34 pm
Simon’s Quest Redacted actually looks amazing. Well done, programmer.
May 28, 2014 at 9:46 pm
thank you for 10 years of awesome adventures and laughs. One of the best websites out there
May 28, 2014 at 9:55 pm
Fucking Epic Nerd. Simply Epic
May 28, 2014 at 9:57 pm
well done but i expected more from the ten year oh well
May 28, 2014 at 9:58 pm
Oh man what a great Nerd video! I actually got chills! Can’t wait to see what comes next! Thanks James!
May 28, 2014 at 10:04 pm
Thank you for everything Mr. Rolfe. May the nerd live on until the day we all replaced by computerized orangutangs who worship a broken copy of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in an abandoned subway as a god of destruction.
May 28, 2014 at 10:05 pm
you know what you must do……E.T.
May 28, 2014 at 10:05 pm
et
May 28, 2014 at 10:21 pm
At the end that was a teaser for the movie right?
May 28, 2014 at 10:37 pm
10 years! It seems like the time has just flown by. Thanks for all of the years of great entertainment, James. Here’s to 10 more!
May 28, 2014 at 10:38 pm
James this was a fan fucking tastic nerd episode
May 28, 2014 at 10:38 pm
Fantastic episode, James! So excited for the big update coming soon!
May 28, 2014 at 10:42 pm
The word of the nerd’s nerds has been herd! AVGN stills on! 😀
May 28, 2014 at 11:06 pm
Epic video James, I’m not gonna lie, I got a little scared there for a minute…
May 28, 2014 at 11:37 pm
Cool as always 😀
I tell you in 18 wheels of steel game series travel from Arzona to LV are more entertaining even you drive truck with fully loaded trailer and move similar speed like in Desert Bus.
May 28, 2014 at 11:37 pm
You scared me there for a minute Nerd. Onward to future endeavors!
May 28, 2014 at 11:41 pm
Happy 10 Year Anniversary Nerd! It’s been quite a journey for all of us. Thank you for a decade of laughs and thrills. You truly are an inspiration!
May 28, 2014 at 11:59 pm
Oh cool a brand new Nerd ep, just in time for the summer. This was worth the wait for sure, and congrats on 10 years of AVGN James. Keep on doing what you do best.
May 29, 2014 at 12:17 am
Yes first to write a comment, im sooooo good!….. am i God or somthin? I know one thing, this is an amazing triumph, I think i’ll reward myself will Gold. Bow before your first commEnt poster king you ants. (this is what id say if I posted first which will never happen.
May 29, 2014 at 12:34 am
Btw great video james, been a fan a long time. Your going to start reviewing games now on the moon right? If your going to shift things up, you have got to do it epicly. well try it out anyways, atleast jump once and see if you can make it there. lol. ps – Mike reminds me of a SIJF.
May 29, 2014 at 1:12 am
Awesome. Great to see a new nerd video. Keep them coming. Been looking forward for a new one forever.
May 29, 2014 at 1:20 am
😀
May 29, 2014 at 1:22 am
10 years…..WOW! Can’t believe it’s been that long. I absolutely love the nostalgic look back at all the past videos, and I look forward to more awesome videos 🙂
May 29, 2014 at 2:07 am
Live long, game strong
May 29, 2014 at 3:00 am
What is Bus Driver? The prequel to Euro Truck Simulator? Yes.
That ending tho, perfect as my ass…mm-mm.
May 29, 2014 at 3:25 am
Happy 10 year anniversary Nerd! May you have several more years!
May 29, 2014 at 4:12 am
I just want to thank you, James, for all that you’ve done!
May 29, 2014 at 4:27 am
Holy shit! Ten years! I can’t believe we’ve wasted so much time together. You beautiful bastard.
So I honestly thought for a minute that this was your way of saying you were done. Glad to hear the movie is still in the works. You are a goddamn genius, James Rolfe! Long live the Nerd, and thank you for all that you do.
May 29, 2014 at 5:22 am
I WANT….THAT CALENDAR!!!
May 29, 2014 at 6:19 am
Congratulation Nerd, you can now live like a windrammer as you fuck. Happy 10 years good sir.
May 29, 2014 at 7:55 am
Happy 10th Anniversary James!!! So excited and happy for you. Can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next and where you will take your show
May 29, 2014 at 8:33 am
Happy 10th Bruv
May 29, 2014 at 10:05 am
What a great lead-up to the movie! I got kinda scared about retirement . _.
May 29, 2014 at 11:06 am
OMG i love the reference at the end to the movie coming soon. Gave me chills im so hyped for the movie now!
May 29, 2014 at 11:32 am
Your sideburns are like mine!
May 29, 2014 at 12:21 pm
The movie to top it all off. Awesome.