Angry Video Game Nerd II: ASSimilation
- March 28, 2016
- FreakZone Games
- 6h median play time
Get on SteamAngry Video Game Nerd II: ASSimilation is a hilarious run-and-gun game inspired by the popular web series. Players control the Nerd as he battles through multiple levels, taking on hordes of video game-themed enemies. The game features co-op play, multiple weapons, and plenty of nods to classic gaming nostalgia.
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Reviews
- The game features improved graphics and a fantastic soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
- Gameplay is more polished with new mechanics like wall jumping and power-ups, making it feel fresh and engaging.
- The humor and references to AVGN episodes are well-executed, providing a fun experience for fans of the series.
- The game can be frustratingly difficult at times, with some levels feeling unfair due to enemy placements and obstacles.
- The final boss is considered underwhelming compared to the challenges presented in earlier levels.
- There are performance issues, such as lag in certain levels, which can hinder gameplay.
- music236 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The music in "Angry Video Game Nerd 2: Assimilation" has received mixed reviews, with many praising it as a solid and enjoyable soundtrack that complements the gameplay. While some players feel it doesn't quite match the memorable quality of the first game's music, others highlight its variety and retro aesthetic, noting that it enhances the overall experience. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a strong aspect of the game, with several standout tracks that resonate well with fans of the series.
“The music perfectly complements the action and gameplay.”
“The soundtrack is a mix of old and new tracks, but its scope reflects the longer length of this title.”
“An excellent upgrade from the first game and add a fantastic soundtrack that I can't get enough of!”
“The music is way worse, the sound is horrendous to the point where I would love to know who did this.”
“I was really surprised with the music for the first game and I was anticipating hearing the track list for the sequel and I was at first slightly disappointed.”
“The only thing that has been slightly worse is the music.”
- gameplay160 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay in "AVGN Adventures 2" is widely regarded as a significant improvement over its predecessor, featuring enhanced mechanics such as wall jumping, power-ups, and a more fluid control system. Players appreciate the challenging yet fair level design, which incorporates a variety of nostalgic elements and references, while also offering a smoother experience with less frustrating instant deaths. Overall, the game successfully combines retro platforming elements with modern gameplay enhancements, making it enjoyable for both fans of the series and newcomers alike.
“The gameplay in AVGN 2 is by far the biggest improvement over the first game, and I'm glad to say that it felt much more fun to play because of it.”
“This game is a marked improvement over the first one in the series due to having more stages, more fun mechanics (wall jumping, swimming, anti-gravity, and more) and it goes for a 'tough but fair' approach to level design rather than the first game's 'bullshit but beatable' idea.”
“The gameplay is smoother and there is much more variety.”
“Trying to copy other mechanics from other games is clearly fine, but if your game doesn't fine-tune enough and platforming becomes the main part, but your hitboxes are just off or your abilities just don't work how they should, maybe you should consider changing stuff.”
“Instant deaths, cheap enemies, BS gameplay mechanics, and awkward movements!”
“As someone who played the first game to completion, and considered it an exercise in human misery, AVGN II: Assimilation is a massive step up in terms of gameplay and polish.”
- humor160 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a mix of nostalgic references, vulgar jokes, and clever meta-commentary, appealing primarily to fans of the AVGN series. While many players find the humor hilarious and well-integrated into the gameplay, some feel it can be hit-or-miss, with certain gags feeling repetitive or less impactful than in the first game. Overall, the humor is described as both childish and clever, making it a fun experience for those who appreciate its unique style.
“So many funny jokes and references.”
“The humor is great, the gameplay is fun, challenging, and really rage-inducing at times.”
“A love letter to the old-school platformers, with hilarious comedy, secrets to unlock, and an amazing soundtrack.”
- graphics124 mentions
- 34 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have received mixed reviews, with many praising the improved pixel art and vibrant aesthetics compared to the original, while others criticize issues like over-saturation, blurriness, and graphical glitches that can detract from the experience. Some players appreciate the retro feel and detailed environments, but note that certain visual effects can make gameplay challenging due to visibility issues. Overall, while the graphics are generally seen as a step up, they are not without their flaws, leading to a varied reception among players.
“Angry Video Game Nerd 2 looks pretty close to how the first game looked (which looked great), but now the graphics are crispier and the environments are also really good.”
“The game offers some nice graphics and a good aesthetic that really brightens and makes the game stand out and unique.”
“The graphics and audio are stellar; colorful and lively.”
“An entire level in shitty Virtual Boy graphics?”
“I've had a headache for days because of the graphics in that level and to make my headache worse I try having my brightness down on my computer so it's not as straining on my eyes but then I can't see the level very well.”
“They take a step backwards with the aesthetics as well though, as a lot of the levels have shitty filters over them that just make things harder to see, like the black and white filter on the Halloween themed levels.”
- story42 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The story in the game is minimal and serves primarily as a backdrop for gameplay, featuring a simple narrative structure with a starting cutscene, an ending, and humorous dialogue throughout levels. While some players appreciate the comedic elements and guest cameos, many agree that the plot is not groundbreaking and lacks depth, similar to the first game. Overall, the story is seen as a lighthearted vehicle for the game's action rather than a focal point.
“A fun, new storyline and even more guest cameos, all with the same formidable difficulty you expect from any game featuring AVGN.”
“The game also has a pretty funny story.”
“You shouldn't expect a story-driven game as there's basically next to no story; it's just a starting cutscene, an ending, and a bunch of jokes that you hear in certain levels.”
“The story is just as lacking as in the first one, and the final boss, [spoiler] death mwauthzyx, returning from the AVGN movie, feels uninspired as one stage theme is based on the movie. [/spoiler]”
“Just like the first game, the story isn't complicated or important, and only serves as a vehicle for the nerd's adventure to have a purpose, much like in some of the AVGN episodes.”
- replayability32 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The game offers significant replayability through its collectible power-ups and the n.e.r.d. cartridges scattered across levels, appealing to achievement hunters and completionists. Players can also enjoy multiple difficulty settings and a variety of levels, including miniboss and boss fights, which enhance the overall experience. However, some reviewers noted that while the collectibles add replay value, they are not particularly challenging to obtain, and the overall replayability may be limited for those not focused on achievements.
“Overall, AVGN II: Assimilation does a great job at fine-tuning out the problems of the original and creating a great, replayable, and overall fun experience.”
“Perfect game to relive the old school platformers like Ninja Gaiden, Mega Man, Mario, Ninja Turtles, etc. There are many easter eggs to discover in this game and the achievements to collect add to the replayability.”
“There are 16 full-length levels (individual levels are shorter than in the original), the tutorial level (which is hilariously replayable), 8 miniboss fights in those levels including the tutorial one, and 6 boss-only levels for a total of 23.”
“Unless you care about earning most/all of the relatively short list of achievements, there isn't much else in the way of replayability.”
“And I'll admit the collectibles are not that hard to get, don't add that much replay value, and the upgrades, even when useful, could have been better implemented into the levels.”
“It has some replay value which will keep you happy and frustrated for hours.”
- optimization6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
While the game generally performs well, players have reported occasional stuttering and frame drops during intense moments with heavy on-screen action, indicating that optimization could be improved.
“Performance issues aside, this is a fun game.”
“Performance is probably the weakest link in the game for me.”
“Performance - probably the weakest link in the game for me.”
“For the most part, the game runs great, but there are a few instances where there's so much stuff on the screen that you may experience significant stuttering or frame drops.”
- grinding6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a double-edged sword; while some parts are enjoyable and rewarding, others can be excessively punishing and frustrating, leading to a sense of needing to invest significant time or effort to progress. Overall, the challenge of grinding can feel overwhelming, especially in higher difficulty modes.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Most of the game is teeth-grindingly delicious; other parts are bone-snappingly punishing.”
“The challenge is how long you can endure impossible mode without grinding your patience to the limit.”
- stability4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game generally runs well, but players have reported several glitches, such as unusual hit detection and the ability to wall-slide on deathblocks. Additionally, during intense moments with many elements on screen, significant stuttering and frame drops can occur.
“For the most part, the game runs great, but there are a few instances where there's so much stuff on the screen that you may experience significant stuttering or frame drops.”
“There are several glitches, including the ability to sometimes wall-slide across death blocks, and hit detection on the player can be odd. Sometimes I seem to take 2 hits at once despite there being a short cooldown on how often you can get hit.”
“There are several glitches, including the ability to sometimes wall-slide across death blocks, and hit detection on the player can be odd. Sometimes I seem to take 2 hits at once despite there being a short cooldown on how often you can get hit.”
- emotional4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a strong emotional connection to the game, feeling nostalgic and immersed in the experience through numerous references to beloved videos and movies. This sense of playing as a "nerd in his prime" enhances their engagement, despite some frustrations with technical issues.
