Angry Video Game Nerd Season 4 Episode 17 Castlevania Part III

The Angry Video Game Nerd (AVGN) is a popular web series in which the host, James Rolfe, reviews and critiques retro video games. The show is known for its humorous and often profane commentary, as well as its in-depth analysis of the games' flaws and frustrations. In season 4 episode 17, entitled "Castlevania Part III," James takes on the third and final installment of the original Castlevania trilogy for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).

The episode begins with James reflecting on his previous reviews of the first two Castlevania games, which he deemed as some of the most difficult and frustrating games he had ever played. He notes that he received an overwhelming amount of feedback from fans requesting that he review Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse, which is widely regarded as one of the most challenging games in the series.

After a brief overview of the game's plot and mechanics, James dives into the gameplay itself. He notes that Castlevania III features multiple playable characters, including Trevor Belmont, the protagonist of the first game, as well as a pirate named Grant, a sorceress named Sypha, and Dracula's own son Alucard. Each character has unique abilities and attributes, adding a layer of depth to the gameplay that was missing from the previous games.

However, James also highlights several frustrating aspects of the game, such as the limited continues and the difficulty of certain levels, particularly the clock tower. He jokes that the game is so difficult that it would make Hades himself break a sweat.

Throughout the episode, James also provides historical context for the game, discussing the impact that the Castlevania series had on the NES platform, as well as its lasting legacy in the gaming industry. He notes that the game's music, composed by Konami music legend Kenichi Matsubara, is still beloved by fans to this day, and even performs a rendition of one of the game's most famous tunes on his guitar.

Despite his frustrations with the game, James concludes that Castlevania III is a worthy finale to the original trilogy, and praises its ambitious level design and diverse cast of characters. He also notes that the game's difficulty is part of its charm, and that completing it gives players a true sense of accomplishment.

Overall, "Castlevania Part III" is a humorous and insightful look at one of the most challenging games of all time. James' commentary is both entertaining and informative, providing fans of the series with a deeper understanding of its mechanics and history. Whether you're a diehard Castlevania fan or simply a retro gaming enthusiast, this episode is definitely worth a watch.