Angry Video Game Nerd Season 2 Episode 14 Nintendo Power

The show Angry Video Game Nerd is a web series where the host, James Rolfe, plays and reviews video games, often focusing on older or obscure titles that have gained a cult following. Season 2, episode 14 is titled "Nintendo Power" and sees the Nerd exploring the world of Nintendo games from the perspective of the official magazine of the same name.

In this episode, the Nerd starts by discussing the importance of video game magazines in the pre-internet era and how influential they were in shaping his own gaming habits. He then introduces Nintendo Power, the official magazine of Nintendo that was published from 1988 to 2012. The magazine was known for its detailed guides, maps, tips, tricks, and behind-the-scenes looks at some of Nintendo's biggest games.

The Nerd takes a trip down memory lane by showing off some of his own old issues of Nintendo Power, explaining how he used them to better understand and enjoy some of his favorite games. He then starts to review some of the featured games in the magazine, starting with the cover story of issue #1 - Super Mario Bros. 2.

The Nerd provides an in-depth analysis of Super Mario Bros. 2 and explains how the game is dramatically different from the first Super Mario Bros. game, which was far more straightforward and linear. He goes into detail about the game's unusual setting in a dream world, its wacky enemies and bosses, and the unique gameplay mechanics that allow players to choose between four different characters with different abilities.

Moving on to other games featured in Nintendo Power, the Nerd reviews the classic RPG game The Legend of Zelda. He talks about how important this game was both for the Zelda franchise and for gaming as a whole, with its open-world exploration, puzzle-solving, and innovative gameplay mechanics. He even manages to find and play a hidden mini-game that was included in the original Nintendo Power guide for The Legend of Zelda, showcasing just how thorough the magazine's coverage of Nintendo games was.

Another game reviewed by the Nerd in this episode is Contra, a classic side-scrolling shooter that was notoriously difficult but incredibly fun to play. The Nerd talks about the game's iconic code that gives players 30 lives, its intense boss battles, and the unforgettable soundtrack that has become synonymous with the game.

Throughout the episode, the Nerd also provides insights into the history and development of each game, recounting interesting trivia and facts that only a true gaming enthusiast would know. He also touches on the legacy of Nintendo Power magazine and how it helped shape so many gamers' experiences during its long run.

The episode concludes with the Nerd summarizing his thoughts on Nintendo Power and why he believes it was such an important component of the gaming world. Despite the rise of the internet and the decline of print media in general, the Nintendo Power magazine remains a fond memory for many gamers who grew up with it and holds a special place in gaming history.

Overall, "Nintendo Power" is a fun and informative episode of Angry Video Game Nerd that will appeal to old-school gamers and fans of classic Nintendo titles. With its humor, insights, and detailed analysis of some of the most beloved games of all time, this episode is sure to please both casual viewers and die-hard gaming enthusiasts alike.