The State of Cinemassacre 2023: Censorship and A Whole Lotta Meh

[@Ryan-Petre]

I think at this point most AVGN viewers are just watching purely out of habit. You can tell because most of the comments on each episode are all just vague, general praise eg. "James is a legend" "can't believe he's been on KZbin for this long" "this show is so nostalgic". Rather than specific commentary about the episode itself.

[@johnnym2069]

I don't think so. AVGN used to get millions of views, but now it barely reaches 1 million. The majority of fans dipped. The remaining few are still watching because they still enjoy it, even though the quality went way down. It's still good and worth watching, but not as good as it used to be, which is the case with most long running shows.

[@Ryan-Petre]

@@johnnym2069 Nah, I know multiple people irl who still watch him who admit it's purely out of habit. That and my instincts tell me that's the vibe. Ultimately we'll never know tho as it's not like we can quantify how many genuinely still enjoy it and for how many it's just cognitive dissonance.

[@johnnym2069]

@@Ryan-Petre Some definitely watch it out of habit, yes, but there's also some like me who genuinely still enjoy it.

[@japanesehercules]

I’ll say what everyone is saying about James: A) Find how to cut ties with Screenwave (when is their contract up?) B) Bring Mike back into the fold and also bring back James & Mike Mondays. Those were honestly fun to watch C) Make amends with Kyle and Bootsy This is all we want, James

[@brianm2881]

A) They help with the technical aspects of making the videos. Also, I can only assume James liked the financial package they were offering. As well as that, Screenwave is owned by the same guy who was Cinemassacre webmaster since 2007, so there's probably a good deal of trust, there. B&C) You can never go home again. All three of those guys have moved on with their lives. Even if they all did come back, it just wouldn't feel the same.

[@ssjup81]

@JaredGenesis777Bootsy and Kyle?

[@dirtywookie9868]

NOT BAD LUCK BOOTSY 😱 HIKE UP THE PANTS BOOTSY. HIKE THOSE PANTS MF. HIKE EM UP

[@Tony_3XL]

Will never ever happen. But yes this is what people want. Mike made the rite call moving to twitch.

[@getgle]

No, that's not what we want. We want rental reviews and the Cinamassacre podcast to come back.

[@After4th]

AVGN episodes used to premiere on Gametrailers for several years since 2007 being under contract to them and when James used to be part of Screwattack. Episodes aired on YT a year later.

[@tatvela6915]

Oh

[@2l84me8]

Good times.

[@Enigma-j8j]

Censored Avgn just defeats the whole purpose of the character.

[@JacobSegaNerd]

James had previously talked about Funny Movie Censorship this year. He was trying to basically make fun of all of the silly movie censorship he saw on TV growing up with Atari Pork, clearly.

[@Takeshi357]

That was my takeaway as well. I remembered he had talked about TV versions at some point and I figured this has got to have something to do with that.

[@CrimsonKing_85]

Or it's just an almost no effort attempt to bring in more ad rev because his channel gets a fraction of the views. Nah. Couldn't have anything to do with that.

[@Takeshi357]

@@CrimsonKing_85 Yeah I know, I let my optimism get the better of me.

[@brianhutcherson1700]

God, why the beeps for the sensored episodes? I mean seriously the switched words were at least chuckle worthy

[@retropocalypse1984]

He toned his character down, which really changed the show forever. I loved the improv when he would go off top.

[@JakeTheVoice]

I blame it on the advertisements for soy products that he peddled. All that soy milk must've mellowed him out too much.

[@opaljk4835]

I don’t think improv was ever going on lol

[@RedCowArcade]

Merry Christmas Josh!

[@DancingwithGhosts]

MERRY CHRISTMAS FRANKLIN AND E.J.!

[@gunsrtheanswer]

I thought his name was Ghost....

[@W-C-F-o1k]

I like James.. he's getting older and has been doing these for years. I still appreciate his work.

[@majoryeetus8245]

The comment section has more creativity than this low effort video

[@PetProjects2011]

John is a childhood friend of James' and is the guy who previously owned some of the NES games that James featured in his early AVGN series. For example, his name is written on the Karate Kid cartridge. One thing about AVGN this past year (and the year before I think), that's sort of bothered me, is James has been doing episodes on more mainstream games, as opposed to more obscure bad games. Now, one could argue that after almost 2 decades, of covering MANY bad obscure games, he's largely run out of material, and HAS to move on to more popular titles. However, I've speculated that James has moved on to more well-known titles perhaps as a way to get more views (if you'll notice, Doug Walker has been doing more mainstream films for his Nostalgia Critic series as of lately too). The problem I have with this is from 2004 to about 2021, many of the games he reviewed are games that genuinely suck, or have serious issues with them, so AVGN had good reason to be angry and frustrated at a game's content. But, when he's reviewing games like Earthworm Jim or Final Fantasy 3 (6), there's not a lot of "bad" in those games he can really mock, except maybe minor things, so he ends up seeming petty, or just whiny. One short-lived series of videos I wish James would bring back was when he talked about about very obscure mysteries in movies, such as the "lantern man" intro from Phantom of the Opera, or the identity of a strange movie clip seen in Troll 2. I loved those moves, but he only did about 4 or 5 of those videos, before giving up.

[@otakubullfrog1665]

I actually very much enjoyed the new Jekyll and Hyde episode, although it's not a well he can go back to anymore. I'll agree that, like many creators, he's stuck in this unhealthy relationship with KZbin itself where he's become reliant on its reach and discoverability, but his most successful content is the type that breaks the rules. A lot of channels struggle with that and, while I'm not sure if there's a perfect solution, I don't think that just toning things down even more whenever the overlords tweak the terms of service is sustainable long term.

[@hyznth]

8:37 "Who the fuck is going to want to binge watch the censored version of the first season of AVGN?"

[@MarshSMT]

I hope you keep doing these videos as long as they're entertaining to make for you. I've always been a huge fan of James and i've watched most of the cinemassacre catalogue, but following the truther stuff over the past few years has been an interesting ride

[@randchuck2492]

Marsh!

[@feenix219]

what truther stuff? i just get the avgn updates and an occaisional serious piece about movies.

[@No_Bark]

Nice

[@DeanH92]

You’re telling me… Frankie KNOWS we’re watching this video?

[@Zer0.-_]

The problem with AVGN, like a lot of skit-based comedy on KZbin, is that after a while they became too meta and started to directly talk to the audience, blending the character and the real life person sort of together, which ruins the charm of the original angry video game nerd character. He should have only done this in separate channels or in videos not tied to the nerd.

[@hatenate2070]

I wanna say ur hair looks cool but I'd be lying

[@LOP4795]

"And it was fine.... I guess?" - Sums up how I feel about every single thing that has been released in the past 4 years. With minor exceptions.

[@johnnym2069]

To be fair, this series has been going on for almost 20 years. There's literally no series or tv show in history that would be as good as it once was if it went on for that long. In my opinion, I think AVGN is still worth watching today. I still get some genuine enjoyment out if it. It's a big part of my life and I'm happy it's still around. The recent "Neighbor Nerds" series is also alright with me. Yes, It ain't no James & Mike Mondays or Mike & Bootsy, but it's pretty close. You can tell by their chemistry that they are actually childhood friends and enjoy gaming together. Overall, the channel itself improved quite a bit since James is more involved again and Screenwave is behind the scenes where they belong. Thank God.

[@Synesthesiaum2]

Yeah, right, thank God 🙏

[@EdibleDeodorant]

Why ever add "to be fair" to any sentence?

[@Amero2323]

South Park is better now than in the beginning of the series

[@johnnym2069]

@@EdibleDeodorant Because people are always being unreasonable without thinking it through, like this dude in the video. He sounds more like a hater than a legit reviewer.

[@johnnym2069]

@@Amero2323 Then why did it go from 20+ episodes per season all the way down to 10? Now it's even lower to 6. Because the viewership is decreasing more and more. People are losing interest in the show. Sure, there are some people who think it's still just as good or even better and that's cool, but numbers don't lie.

[@PS-it1dm]

Board James series was fun to watch. I just watch AVGN episodes out of habit thesd days. Started watching ten years ago.

[@BoxiesAU]

I was actually a big fan of the James and Mike Mondays. Mike is genuinely insane and hammed it up and at that time, I found it hilarious. Some of those videos are absolute classics.

[@ItsTeezoUBZ]

Dude it’s been played out but that’s why we watch it. Bro we are lucky we see anything on KZbin that we even like.

[@LHGeee]

Atari Pork was definitely a joke but I have no idea why he then did the entire first season censored like if that's also suppose to be a joke I don't get it

[@gunsrtheanswer]

You are supposed to buy the DVDs.

[@LHGeee]

@@gunsrtheanswer how come

[@gunsrtheanswer]

I'm assuming they censored the series in a way that is really annoying to watch, in an attempt to get fans to buy the DVDs. Obviously to make more money. @@LHGeee

[@GTV-Japan]

@@LHGeeebecause the Schott family needs your money.

[@Chatetris]

I am not entirely sure if you did a video on deep lore around Silvermania, but that would make an interesting video topic. So much content to go through (Bob, Kieran, Jurrutt, etc.)

[@isaiah4820]

It’s good to know Frankie is very aware of this video. Big Red Cow fan btw. To be honest, I miss the slobs. Cinemassacre was a lot more interesting when we were on the edge of our seats waiting to see their next antics. Now, it just feels like another retro gaming channel.

[@mistermista2927]

Wait. So, Frankie is aware of what's happening here?

[@isaiah4820]

@@mistermista2927 Frankie is very aware of what’s going on here.

[@RedCowArcade]

@@isaiah4820 Yo!

[@hizasama]

as an AVGN fan from back in the day, I agree - he is washed out. But he was a huge part of my childhood so I try to support him as best I can. You know what else is washed out though? Judging Cinemassacre in 2023. Like we get it - it's not as good as before. I think people got the point after thousands of videos on KZbin on the topic.

[@HarakiriRock]

If I remember correctly, John was on the Cinemassacre podcast several times and was James' childhood friend... or at least he looks like the same guy. I completely forgot about the failed slobcast till you showed that clip. Also, censoring the first season had to have taken the most time and effort they've put into the channel in years. A bizarre decision and I highly doubt anyone wants to sit through that shit.

[@gunsrtheanswer]

They want you to buy the DVDs.

[@TheSuckoShow]

I liked the Final Fantasy video because I was convinced he actually had some personal investment in the game. Maybe calling it his best video of the year is a very low bar, but it wasn't embarrassing, and the Santa beatdown was about what you expect from a guy in his forties doing this. There will probably be another AVGN golden age, but if he sticks to games he legitimately loves or hates, it makes for painless viewing.

[@gunsrtheanswer]

I doubt he played or wrote the episode. No time....

[@garrettchandler1948]

The mega 64 guys are in their 40s now and they due way more wild stuff. Actually their content has gotten much better over the years. Kinda like a reverse AVGN

[@anonymoustroll2432]

Is a reminicent to Earthbound

[@TheLurchReaper420]

@@gunsrtheanswer Yeah my guess is Mike, Sean and him played certain sections for footage and thats about it. Given the fact he has never mentioned the story before whilst talking about the game several times, it was probably bs in general.

[@JosephBlack]

What would happen if you wrote an AVGN episode and James was acting it out? The FFVI episode. Ever watched ProJared's video on FFVI? He has personal stakes. It's his fave game of all-time. Compare and contrast and you'll feel James never actually played FFVI.

[@spoogtastic]

I dont watch avgn but man its CRYSTAL CLEAR he just doesnt have the passion anymore. Its incredibly painful to sit through even a couple minutes of his lackadaisical attitude and wanna actually finish the video. If this man isnt coasting by on his rep then idk who is.

[@mikemulligan5731]

The AVGN episodes are still way better than anything you ever put out, you bundle of sticks.

[@bra1nc417d]

Bundle of sticks, hey? Just use the term for that instead 😅

[@JonasC22]

His videos literally saved my life, yup mmhm.

[@52Tmacfan]

Imagine defending Bimmy at this point

[@butterf1ytsunami]

Mike, you're a loser.

[@Nick-up5wv]

You're right. His newer stuff is kinda meh. It's not terrible; except censored NERD that's garbage, and not bad per say but just kinda... there. James is kinda like Simpsons at this point. Revolutionized a certain genre, made a movie, quality dropped drastically, newer stuff improved a bit, but no one cares anymore. I cherish all the memories; no not cinemassacre, but KZbin, and appreciate all James has done. However the world is changing and there's just no place for the NERD or Pewdi Pie any longer.

[@BigMacOrange]

Mike was the real angry video game nerd. Always has been.

[@Mona-the-Vampire]

Mike is Cinemassacre, not Bimmy.

[@BananaPhoPhilly]

@@PeaceWatcher-ek7zlMike is set for life man. He prob earns 100k a year or more just by sitting on his ass. And he hasn’t had to put significant work into any cinemassacre videos for years at this point. That’s goals.

[@KerwacheNE]

Mike is a despicable person

[@anonymousm9113]

I thought the FFIII episode was decent enough. Not a traditional AVGN episode, but you could tell he genuinely loves the game. I too bought it as soon as it was released, and to many of my generation, it is the best FF game ever released. Like some others, I think that James has just been doing this so long that he's going through the motions and making mediocre to good content, where he used to be known for consistently great content. Passion for anything wears thin over time, but he has a formula and makes a living doing something he always dreamed of doing. Ad reads and sponsorships are pretty much expected these days, so I can forgive the channel for those. I will say that AVGN has aged better over the past 20 years than Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Marvel, and so many other "cinematic universes".

[@VahanNisanian]

Well said.

[@dannysummers4591]

problem with FFIII is that it doesn't really make for good AVGN material since its a well made and beloved game, something more divisive like FF2(NES) or FF8 would have done better

[@XxMeatShakexX]

There's a joke on a lot of his compilations that people fall asleep to his multi-hour blocks. I think that's why he tried censoring them to monetize them easier.

[@ryanfoss9540]

Guilty. I should turn off auto-play...

[@moneybot646]

Props to the kid a album on the wall and that creepy unsolved mysteries sound track

[@MimonJesus67]

I hope James finally retires the AVGN in 2024.

[@Beefnhammer]

AVGN has not been good for a very long time unfortunately, but I don't think it's all James' fault. It's simply not possible to keep something like this going for so long while maintaining that level of quality. The golden age of this series (2006 to 2009) was lightning in a bottle, and they're still some of the greatest internet videos of all time in my opinion. I will occasionally pull up an old AVGN episode from that era and I still laugh every time. But nothing lasts forever.

[@redacted2275]

It's the lack of effort that people criticize James for... if you don't care about it, that's fine, but ultimately it is James' fault... he doesn't even try anymore. The plagiarism stuff would've never happened if James wasn't on automatic hiring imbeciIes and not checking the script.

[@szlatyka]

James has no Plan A and just has to make these mediocre videos to pay the bills. It was fun for everyone when it was a fun side project, now it's an unfun 9-to-5 job for James and a KZbin series overshadowed by a dozen other ones for us.

[@Beefnhammer]

@@redacted2275 I get that, It definitely doesn't seem he's giving it his all. But I still think even if he gave it 110% for every episode, they still would not be anywhere near as good as the classic videos. The episodes had already started getting stale as far back as the early 2010's (pre-screenwave) when much more effort was being made. The concept is beyond played out, and the show should've ended a long time ago. I'm of course talking only about AVGN. I never cared about Monster Madness or that whole plagiarism fiasco.

[@netabolt6546]

@@Beefnhammer i feel like after Episode 100 it was a huge step back in my opinion but i still like all his content. i just like the guy (no, not gay, i mean in a friendly kinda way, he seems like a chill guy and personality, and avgn is a way to put me asleep or calm my anxiety when i have a panic attack. i always come back when i had a bad day or have anxiety issues, James Rolfe, or the AVGN character brings me some sort of comfort that makes me relaxed and not care in the world) but i can agree that his newer episodes are not as great as the Golden Age (wich was for me the first seasons up until Episode 100). i think Screenwave Media era was definitely the worst and he makes better episodes again now, but i feel his style has a bit changed. i understand he's a bit burned down from too many episodes for now but he still doing it, never gives up. i think it can also be due to the fact that he burned through most of the bad NES and SNES games so that eventually there are no more bad games left to review so he needs to be reviewing the bad games form the playstation era and maybe he needs a break. the episode of Jeckyll and mr Hyde last year was ALMOST perfect or at least well made, but the audio kinda sucked in that video so it sounded a bit too muffled. acting was good like it was a minimovie but the audio was just awfull (my opinion though). question, not sure, episode 100 (the last IN MY OPINION of AVGN Golden Era), wich year was this? was this early 2010 or was it later or earlier, because my next question would be, what was your avgn video that you decided they begin to get stale? for me it began after 100 and when he made the movie then after the movie the videos changed style drastically, i think you mean that they got stale then, or was it earlier? sorry for weird qestions and talking, i'm not english speaking in my native tongue plus also i cant explain very good as i have a sort of Mental Disability (maybe Thats the reason for panick attacks and anxiety and the need for AVGN as a way to cope with the stress?!)

[@Eyesofwrathvox]

Videos like this is basically modern journalism in a nutshell. Someone who is pretty harmless, keeps his nose out of trouble and is overall wholesome is a big No-No to people like this. They have to find something on them to b**** about and capitalize on it. There are other videos that do the same about him. It's gross. Let the man do his job. He's not hurting anybody. These aren't criticisms, this is looking for something to bash. There's a difference

[@csdarlington86]

And…

[@Eyesofwrathvox]

@@csdarlington86 it's stupid. Just miserable, bitter, jealous people looking for something negative about good people. Contributes more to the fall of society. If people think that's something to celebrate or that's a good thing, then fuck those people.

[@suckmymonkey4315]

avgns best videos didnt even have him as the focus, bad luck bootsy ftw

[@rye17]

@@csdarlington86 and maybe you should get your head out your ass for starters.

[@e1622zelda]

exactly!!! This dude is a hater and comes off super annoying.

[@joshtoten]

To be fair, this year's videos have been better than the past few... but that's not saying a whole lot. AVGN went from being must see "TV" to being something you only tune into out of perceived obligation or morbid curiosity. Kinda like The Simpsons. Started off promising, became it's best self, started to flounder, released a pointless movie, got worse, then slowly became somewhat acceptable every now and then.

[@homebaked1731]

I think the Jekyll and Hyde episode was really coo. My only issue was the audio. The voice overs sounded really muffled

[@netabolt6546]

finaly someone who said it. i was afraid of commenting on it about the audion but turns out i'm not alone, thank god! yeah, the audio was bad in that episode, making it one of the weaker videos of the season, but also, its been done now three times already he plays that game, but at least now he finished it so thats good. i feel like the episode was also a reference to The Excorsist wich i never watched so i was'nt into it that much. but probably it was due to that audio issue.

[@Mr.Plant1994]

Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde was one of the few episode this year I really liked. The rest were mostly mid at best.

[@TheUltimateMarioFan]

Agreed, aside from some sound issues Hyde was not his worst.

[@andrewcramer9200]

Yeah it wasn't the worst, he beat the game in all forms, so maybe he'll finally stop talking about it 🤔

[@Mr.Plant1994]

@@andrewcramer9200 one can hope that it only returns as jokes and not full episodes from here on out

[@1977TA]

You know, whenever I see a video of a youtuber being critical of another youtuber I can help but get a sense that it is not legit. This looks more like promotion for Cinemassacre than a guy giving his honest opinion. People who watch this video will head over to Cinemassacre to see for themselves how bad the 2023 content allegedly is. As part of the deal with Cinemassacre, Dancing with Ghosts gets some kind of kick back. Could be revenue sharing or more eyeballs on his channel. This is manufactured drama that plays into the trope that seems to be a never-ending trend. Drama sells more than sex nowadays. As for my opinion of AVGN, I think James should have retired the series years ago. He is not the kid he was when he started playing the Nerd. Current AVGN is a middle-aged dude doing a parody of AVGN. The passion is gone. James is burnt out. He's simply existing making just enough new videos to get by with as little effort as possible.

[@Gumo]

2005 edgy emo guy talking about the nerd character being overplayed! 😂

[@bra1nc417d]

How god damn shocking right!!??? 😅😅😅

[@Pepsiaddict125]

Nerd's videos will always have more creativity and effort then this edgelord will ever have

[@Bubbytoed]

you can skip the youtube ad within seconds. not a good comparison honestly

[@biglong714]

Have you watch the AVGN update: the videos back then were awesome because he had more time, and this was way before he has kids. Now, he has two and he doesn't want any of them to hear any swearing. I agree the censorship was weird but with YT updating its terms & policies, certain regions aren't allowed to show it and it's demonizing the video for its creator.

[@HoroJoga]

I think James is stuck with a lot of tropes that used to work back in the day, and its fine if he just want to keep his most loyal viewers, but it doesn't hit well with people who never grew up with AVGN or folks who are tired of his content. BUT, I don't think the criticism towards him on the internet (specially on that subreddit) is fair. People there are just awful, and there isn't a single post without mean intentions. It's like they think its fair to mock the guy just because he doesn't do what they want. This is ridiculous, a bunch of grown up men bashing a person for no specific reason.

[@snowghoul3813]

I thought the subtitle was "censorship and a whole lot of men" and got really excited for a second

[@Timeforceletsgo]

You only did this for engagement, kudos to you. Of course it is never going to be fresh again, he’s an OG. You don’t watch his videos for new fresh takes, you watch it for the nostalgia. His FF6 video was actually good and endearing, more of that content would be nice.

[@gunsrtheanswer]

His final fantasy review was boring. (and I like that game) I doubt he actually played and wrote that episode.

[@Timeforceletsgo]

@@gunsrtheanswernah, it wasn’t boring, it was nice to hear his story on it.

[@Metal_Groove45]

The amount of Cinemassacre/James Rolfe pickle whistlers that still defend him are goofy AF!

[@ClovissenpaiDotR]

1:16 You mentioning slipknot made me think: do you have any plans on covering all the Slipknot debacles as of late? Or their general decline/falling off? Just like AVGN, the simpsons, and basically every metal band ever, they went from being one of the biggest metal bands in the world to just basically trying to replicate their former glory. They went from being like 'were just a number behind a mask' to firing longtime members as business decisions. And there really is no comparison from their early works to their recent stuff. I figured because you're a music guy you might have a good insight on that. Yours sincerely, someone who watches way too much AVGN criticism videos

[@gorteous]

I think we can all agree though that Jame's biggest tone deaf moment of the year was when he advertised soylent for one of his neighbor nerds videos.

[@crazysilly2914]

? how so, explain?

[@br2134]

I like how he called John James’ bodyguard in this video. It totally does look like that, some slob cancelled a let’s play to go eat or something and James just invited his bodyguard to play instead, since nobody in cinemassacre is good at video games anyway

[@professorpenne9962]

he drank that shit in a cup and probably sent mike money for game footage from his streams. I'm starting to lose count of how many games mike does that gets turned into a nerd episode 😅

[@DrMurdercock]

Mike basically is the nerd man. With out mike, we wouldn't have but the first episode. There is also a over 60 minute com-PILE-ation on YT starting off with Mike saying "Its all james guys, i only helped slightly" Then proceeds to show clips from the past many years of him mentioning things he worked on over time. Basically, with out mike, AVGN would NOT exist. Mike helped write most the best episodes, acted in them, played the games, gave james the rough idea.... And to think Mike was shit on so hard too but in reality, with out mike, we'd have YOU KNOW WHATS BULLSHIIIIT @@professorpenne9962

[@dirtywookie9868]

Despite me being a James fan myself I kinda agree with some of his points.. the channel is in a weird state.. not dead but not really alive

[@toddjenkins2561]

Anyone saying his points are without merit is in denial, but you can still enjoy the content

[@Awesoman]

​@@toddjenkins2561I think it has more to do with the cesspool mentality ("What have you done for me lately?") that this guy, Red Cow, and especially the Cinemassacre Truth all are giving off. All they do is relentlessly complain and not constructively either. No one is denying that Cinemassacre isn't what it used to be and there are many reasons and factors as to why that is. But regardless of its current state James has provided a ton of good, enjoyable content through the years that I and undeniably other folks revisit on a regular basis. Things change, people change and nothing lasts forever. Even if James's more recent content hasn't been as memorable, I wouldn't expect him to approach this stuff with the same energy he had 20 years ago. I do hope he gets inspired enough again to put out something special, but it's okay if that doesn't happen.

[@toddjenkins2561]

@@Awesoman I understand, but I think as long as you're still publishing content, it's open for critique.

[@Awesoman]

@@toddjenkins2561 Of course it is. I just feel that this guy is just whining more than anything and not offering any constructive feedback.

[@toddjenkins2561]

@@Awesoman haha fair. And now you're critiquing a content creator's critique of a content creator. Care to make a video? 😁

[@DrRobotnikPingas]

I miss Bootsy, Mike, Kyle and James, when they made videos together.

[@mattd6755]

His bodyguard... ROLFEMAO!

[@retrogamerecluse]

Fair enough, but some of us still like the Nerd!

[@misguidedmoomin]

Yup, still very watchable to me 👍 Plus it doesn't cost anything to watch so it's better value than the BBC!

[@louclarkson6098]

James has expressed before that he thinks the way tv networks edit is funny.

[@clydecash5659]

It is. What’s funnier is that we still have religious conservatives actively seeking to control what we can and cannot watch.

[@noeditbookreviews]

​@@clydecash5659as Frank Zappa said- Never bend over for a christian.

[@Mark-nh2hs]

When he beat up santa I was expecting him to pull down his pants and take a big dump on him - like he did in the past 😂 but alas this did not happen

[@twitchywitchx]

The FF3/6 episode was nice imo. I wish AVGN and shit, even JonTron would've talked more about games they liked sometimes. It's a nice change of pace.

[@soundandfurymusic]

wow, so many Jimbo simps in the comments, lol

[@bltvd]

James and Mike Mondays was my favorite output of the channel.

[@Mona-the-Vampire]

Nothing but good memories.

[@Jackaljkljkl]

@@Mona-the-Vampire Who's Your Daddy, Jaguar CD, The Flowers of Robert Mapplethorpe, Amazing Frog, My Horse Prince and Goat Simulator are some of the funniest episodes IMHO. Mikes meltdown in the second-half of the Jaguar CD one is especially hilarious, as the games got progressively worse and ended with the complete train-wreck that is The Highlander.

[@HarakiriRock]

I would have to agree, but you know why it was so great right? Because of Mike.

[@holdingpattern245]

I think one of the Red Cow guys said it first, but James & Mike Mondays was an ingenious way of adapting to the algorithm's shift to high-output channels in the 2010s, they couldn't crank stuff out like Markiplier or the Grumps but they kept a strict schedule and their output was noticeably slicker, I still watch old episodes for this reason. James was also a strong draw at this time, and there was almost no time or effort required on his part to keep the show going (despite what he claims?). I guess that's the point of Neighbor Nerds, they're trying to patch up this gaping wound in the channel.

[@Idkwhattoput-p2s]

@@HarakiriRock Yeah, it must have been all Mike. Considering the fact that his own videos were stupid as fuck, it was for sure as hell not because of Mike. I'm actually glad that autist is gone.

[@battango]

Isn't that Matei in the Santa costume?

[@D-Fens_1632]

Considering all the people who have been responsible for the content these last number of years they couldn't have found a fat Santa?

[@jaytheocarinian2001]

out of all critizisims, If you hate Jekyll n' Hyde running joke in AVGN... WERE YOU EVER A FAN OF HIS IN THE FIRST PLACE??

[@JP-xw2kf]

Nice hair you must be popular with the local highschool kids

[@AkiraLionPilot]

I'm convinced the Atari Porn censored video was a jab at awkward TV edits of movies from the 80s. Watch the TV edits for movies like RoboCop and Scarface and the changes are pretty much on par with what James did with the Atari Porn video.

[@deusprogrammer_thekingofspace]

Just another person who will never see a fraction of the greatness of AVGN’s success jealous of said success and trying to knock them down a peg.

[@CouchCoop128]

Dang,,,this videos doing really well! I'm very happy for you 😐🤣Happy Christmas big guy 👍 congrats on 11k

[@zachary_attackery]

That Atari Porn episode was never on his regular channel, you probably saw it on some other channel that uploaded it

[@DancingwithGhosts]

hmm.. maybe.. i coulda sworn i saw it on his channel but if you say so 🤷‍♂

[@johnathin0061892]

It was on his channel way, way back in the day. It was on pre-Google KZbin at least, back when creators actually had freedom of speech here and could say whatever they wanted. Yeah, adults being able to say whatever they want, what a concept...

[@ashtraydekay6624]

I also saw it on his YT channel .....

[@zachary_attackery]

@@johnathin0061892 I remember it being a "website exclusive" even when it first came out like the TMNT 3 video

[@holdingpattern245]

I definitely saw it on the Cinemassacre channel, I think it was called JamesNintendoNerd at the time or something like that.

[@JosephBlack]

Oof the cope AVGN-fans have here! Guys James is a person, who outgrew the joke of the AVGN. Critisism is valid. AVGN is not a religion or lifestyle. Let it go.

[@holdingpattern245]

I wouldn't say that the AVGN is stale, I think it's just gone in a weird and wrong direction.

[@Synesthesiaum2]

I think he did a great job with FF3/6. It's like the Mother/Earthbound episode, very nostalgic and it really made me wanna replay the game. The best content of James is reminiscing about the past. I really like that. That's also the feeling I get of watching the old classic AVGN episodes. But your right with what your saying, even his scripted acting doesn't feel very convincing that he's "angry". But also I can understand that you can't keep doing the same character over two decades and not loose your momentum. I think he should stop faking his anger and make more episodes like the last one, letting us feel like teenager's again when video games actually where good and not that microtransaction bullshit wich games more and more becoming.

[@cookeris]

Yeah. To me, James is best when's just being himself and sharing about what he loves. So I enjoyed his Monster Madness and some AVGN videos.

[@mikecash1221]

I couldn't even finish the latest episode of avgn. Told myself I will get back to it later.

[@sindelmybelle2215]

Obviously not a ff fan then. Sucks to be you. 3/6 was fantastic.

[@carlosacunacastillo6227]

@@sindelmybelle2215 homie never held a ff3 cartridge in his life the shame

[@holdingpattern245]

I find it difficult to watch them lately.

[@gunsrtheanswer]

You didn't miss anything. And I really like that game....

[@randez626]

Avgn is dead. I honestly think uh .. well since he IS a dad, thats how all his videos feel like. Just another dad uploading dad things. Take that how u will, but definately not the angry burning with passion any more

[@DancingwithGhosts]

nope.. and that's ok.. but just retire it already.. but he can't

[@liam-no2kn]

I just need James and his family to be ok.

[@JonasC22]

that's kind of an odd thing to say

[@EmperorGuyver]

​​@@JonasC22 Its odd to hope someones family is ok ? Wow, 2023 really turned yall into sensitive pansies

[@br2134]

What? Why?

[@gunsrtheanswer]

LOL!

[@chillfox420]

I just want him to make funny vids again

[@AbrasiousProductions]

"you sickBASSFISH" this is downright more egregious than censored cuts of films on television🤣

[@angelsinthere]

I find the criticism kinda petty he has said in the past that he doesn't have much free time as he once did the reason why he isn't putting much effort in videos is because he doesn't have time to manage having a family, work (yes he works because he said youtube isn't a stable source of income), and have personal time for himself. Plus, he has to make a script, find a game or gaming topic that he wants to make a video and find ways to make entertaining plus he works with a video company that help promote and edit his content for him who probably has restrictions on what is allowed to be shown via their contract. He has that the yearly monster madness and a bunch of other projects that he wants to do

[@chrismaghintay]

1:11 I've always wondered why they couldn't put the ad in the middle or the end of the episode. Other prominent KZbinrs do that. Now that I think about it, very few KZbinrs that I watch put the ad in the front.

[@Pozorrogo]

Im going to guess that James puts them in the front so that people can quickly skip over it and they can watch the video without breaks. The only other person Ive seen do this is JonTron

[@belstar1128]

I don't hate avgn but he is just another youtuber now to me i don't have a lot of hype for it anymore and a lot of avgn are now in my backlog .since there are many youtubers that are just as good or better . i used to get very hyped for new avgn episodes checking his website all the time .

[@CursoryMercenary]

I haven't watched the AVGN videos consistently for a few years. Time to retire the character maybe it's time for James to just retire from on-screen stuff, i'm sure he has enough talent to work solely as a producer.

[@Mona-the-Vampire]

We need Cooper Folly back. I’m sure Jeremy Suarez could spare some time for his best friend.

[@weston407]

nerds before birds!

[@deadpixelscreative]

Thanks for making these videos homie!

[@McLovin_2007]

It seems like James on recent AVGN video's is reviewing some games he likes rather than the "worst games of all time" like the song says. He likes Contra and Final Fantasy 3. Maybe he forgot how to play his character, or just evolving.

[@noeditbookreviews]

This is interesting to see. I stopped watching that channel a long time ago, but I'm curious as to how bad it's gotten. I must say I'm surprised. I didn't think they could aim this low.

[@50TBRD]

I liked the 1 episode that was censored but that was because they changed all the dialog to crazy stuff like they would in the 90s for TV.

[@jameswilson591]

If you spent more time focusing on your channel and less time focusing on AVGN you might have more than 11.1k subscribers and Nord VPN would pay you to do a 3 minute ad during your videos.

[@josephchandrasegaran276]

While I have enjoyed some of the more recent AVGN episodes (The Jekyl and Hyde revisited video was nice, even with the re-enactment of the classic film The Exorcist), I am however appalled at the censorship. To me peak AVGN was unfiltered, unapologetic, balls-to-the-wall profanity and everything under the sun. The fact that these videos are censored now has made them worse, rather than better. I am aware that KZbin seems to flag a lot of this kind of content, but a censored episode is just the worst.

[@tomelliott73]

The final fantasy episode was great hit a lot of nostalgia feels and I forgot how good that game was

[@baduel5986]

I fell asleep during the Final Fantasy III episode, my god, what a bore! Btw, what happened with the fat squad? Justin, Kieran and Tony?

[@toffeemug]

I've watched the other cinemassacre videos on your channel. I grew up watching avgn and I personally don't mind that james is still putting out nerd videos. sure they're not as good as they used to be, and I hated when screenwave was writing the scripts, but I feel like these newer episodes are a return to form and have a nostalgic vibe to them. I guess I'm biased, but I find your criticism very interesting. you've brought up good points supporting your opinion and it's given me a new perspective on james and his channel. screenwave absolutely was sucking the life out of cinemassacre and I didn't like when the other dudes showed up on the channel. rental reviews was okay for the most part but it would've been way better without the screenwave guys. I also have to agree with you that rex viper is fucking terrible lol. I can't believe people pay to see such a low quality act. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I understand where you're coming from. james is getting old and there's not much else to do with the nerd that would be considered fresh and new. if he wanted to retire tomorrow I would be happy for him. if he wants to continue for 10 more years I'd be fine with that too. I think a lot of us who still like the cinemassacre channel just want to support james and his family. or maybe that's just my shitty opinion lol. I may not agree with everything you say, but I understand the criticism now

[@professorpenne9962]

its more of a return because mike is back in the picture and is actually sending james game footage from his streams and input of the games from playing them

[@ll4680]

The lastest Final Fantasy 6 episode was ASSSSSSSSSS

[@DancingwithGhosts]

there was just .. nothing to it.. it was him explaining the game and why it's good... o0kk and?

[@Capt.CrackSparrow]

It got me wanting to play it and?

[@YuzoKoshiroSan]

Good analysis. I managed to rewatch some of his very old episodes which are still comfy and - it still feels strange to say that - nostalgic nowadays. But all of his content after that goddamn movie... what a shame.

[@Marcusianery]

AVGN did lose its thunder years ago. I think it gotten a bit better but it says not much since it was so damn boring for a while. Now its just meh.

[@AbrasiousProductions]

this is precisely why I stopped doing the Gunsmoke reviews, I simply lost the passion to do it and as soon as that happened, I halted production on those reviews, I'd rather stop when I'm ready then continue in an uninspired zombified way..

[@tb.21]

The Final Fantasy video was amazing

[@DarkseidJoshua]

I did like rental reviews honestly because it felt like just a group of friends getting together and talking shit about movies. I think it would have been far better if they actually were friends and not just people who kinda work together but it was still kinda enjoyable. AVGN episodes this year have been a little better but that's like spraying deodorant on a dog turd and saying it covers up the smell. It's still dog shit. I think James should just retire AVGN completely at this point and cancel all future content and retire. I get this makes money, but is it really worth all the drama and hate to continue an outdated channel formula that he has no passion for anymore. In my opinion, not really.

[@JM-nm3oo]

The AVGN concept really has run its course. Even simple concepts like James and Mike Mondays would be more entertaining.

[@Metal_Groove45]

No time!

[@bra1nc417d]

"I have a great idea!! Im gonna rant about other people who make better content than me! Yeeeaaahhhh!!!!!" .............👍

[@shanebrockway9182]

I think AVGN is still entertaining. By the way a take kratom,kava and THC edibles. Lol

[@GeekMuscle]

I mean he is a dad now. This is just a job for him and his family. Which is understandable. I still respect james and dont expect peak videos like before.

[@lil_bear]

How much longer can he go on like this? It’s so fucking stale, and tired.

[@struttux5156]

Censoring AVGN is the worst idea since nailing Jesus to the cross