Angry Video Game Nerd Season 2 Episode 18 Dragon's Lair

In Angry Video Game Nerd season 2 episode 18, titled "Dragon's Lair," the Nerd is back to play one of the most iconic and notorious arcade games of all time.

Dragon's Lair was released in 1983 and became instantly popular for its innovative use of laser-disc technology and colorful animation by Don Bluth Studios. The game follows the heroic knight Dirk the Daring as he battles his way through a medieval castle filled with dangerous creatures and traps to rescue the princess Daphne from the clutches of the evil dragon Singe.

The Nerd starts by giving us a brief history of the game and its impact on the industry, but it's not long before he delves into the gameplay itself. While the animation is undoubtedly impressive, the game's controls leave a lot to be desired. Instead of using a joystick to move Dirk around, players must press one of four directional buttons at the correct moment to make him dodge an obstacle or attack an enemy. This can lead to frustrating deaths, as the Nerd demonstrates time and time again.

But the problem doesn't end there. The Nerd goes into great detail about the many unfair and unpredictable ways the game can kill you, from objects falling out of nowhere to enemies that spawn right on top of you. There are even instances where Dirk has to perform a specific action that's never explained, making it seem like just a random death rather than a proper challenge.

Another issue is the game's reliance on memorization. Each room in the castle has a set pattern of obstacles and enemies that players must learn by heart if they want to progress. This might have been acceptable in the early days of arcade gaming, but it's not particularly fun or rewarding for modern players.

Despite all these problems, the Nerd acknowledges the game's charm and lasting legacy. He even admits that he used to love playing it as a kid, but now he finds it too frustrating to enjoy. He also applauds the game's impact on animation and storytelling in gaming, paving the way for more cinematic experiences like Metal Gear Solid and Final Fantasy.

To give viewers an idea of just how frustrating Dragon's Lair can be, the Nerd includes a montage of some of his most catastrophic deaths in the game. From getting fried by lightning to falling down a seemingly bottomless pit, Dirk meets his end in a variety of ways. The Nerd's reactions to these deaths are priceless, ranging from resigned groans to frenzied rants about the game's unfairness.

The episode also features some hilarious skits and breaks from the gameplay, including a visit from the Nostalgia Critic and a segment where the Nerd tries to play Dragon's Lair on a broken NES cartridge. The latter results in some of the most absurd and hilarious moments in the episode.

Overall, "Dragon's Lair" is a hilarious and informative episode of Angry Video Game Nerd that will have viewers laughing and cringing in equal measure. It's a testament to the enduring legacy of a game that's both groundbreaking and deeply flawed. Whether you're a fan of classic arcade games or just a casual gamer, this episode is sure to entertain.