What Is the Best Castlevania? - 20th Anniversary of Angry Video Game Nerd (AVGN)

[@JamesNintendoNerd]

Buy V Rising now on Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/1604030/V_Rising/?CINEMASSACRE Wishlist on PlayStation: playstation.com/games/v-rising/

[@TheCubicleReview2]

Love you man. Thanks.

[@wantsome-zs5sq]

We're the same age and your Castlevania conquest mirrors mine almost identically. And yes Castlevania 4 is the best.

[@setsers1]

​@@wantsome-zs5sqawesome👍

[@ceo1925]

Thanks for every Video

[@SouthBeach.]

I Limp Twirl My Whip Like it Owes Me Money!

[@GuitarAnthony]

After 20 years you'd think Rolling Rock would have given him an endorsement.

[@daver7178]

What a buncha fuckballs

[@ThisIsMyYouTubeAccount1]

That'd be awesome. He deserves it

[@PlayboiFarti-vz3lu]

i always think of him when i see it anywhere 💀

[@andrewglazier8940]

How do you know they haven't?

[@michaelboydston313]

If I remember correctly, I think the official rolling rock website has a page about the nerd

[@Reionder]

There's a whole generation of folks who were born too late to feel nostalgia for NES games but who are now old enough to feel nostalgia for classic AVGN videos

[@Reionder]

Which is to say the Angry Nintendo Nerd is as old to us as the NES was to James Rolfe when he made those videos

[@ZMAN_420]

Well Said!👍🏻🇺🇲

[@HiNRGboy]

That's some mindblowing stuff lol

[@KaMui_AllYourBaseAreBelongToUs]

Watching him since 2007

[@kdiggedydawg]

@@KaMui_AllYourBaseAreBelongToUs Same! Simpler times

[@jh4490]

22:31 "If it wasn't for Simon's Quest, you might not have ever known about me, and _I_ might not have ever known about you"

[@raidensreturn]

Goosebumps

[@Pēm̐cā]

beautifuel

[@JamesPlaysGames95]

He's right. Litterally got me into retro games and castlevania

[@Jebu911]

Ominous, he's watching us.

[@setsers1]

This is common sense. Without AVGN, Castlevania wouldn't be relevant and I'm ETERNALLY THANKFUL that he brought it to us.

[@lioneart19]

In Bloodlines you can't whip in all directions because there are two characters: one can spear in all directions but not while jumping, the other can whip while jumping but not in all directions. It's cool!

[@joyasmusicales603]

But its better!

[@FiLoriginale1]

Bloodlines is the best old school Castlevania .

[@purplesun3792]

I love Bloodlines

[@dizzle1119]

@@FiLoriginale1 Rondo Of Blood > Bloodlines

[@AnaverdGaiden]

My only issue with the game is the limited continues, it makes it a lot less fun than it could have been since death has a much higher punishment.

[@TheCurrykiev]

Tldw: he really, REALLY likes his whip to go in 8 directions.

[@IkeFoxbrush]

... and I wouldn't expect anything less from the f'cking nerd ^^

[@DustMan2704]

Interestingly enough Mike Matei isnt a fan of the multi-directional whipping. See his very recent playthrough.

[@beardalaxy]

I'm personally not a fan of it either. In fact, I like it when my castlevania has no whip (sotn) ​@@DustMan2704

[@setsers1]

That's Common Sense. Super Castlevania 4 Is Perfection.

[@joejojo1483]

Sadly, my whip only goes in one direction, UP! and the only thing that makes it happen is a new AVGN video

[@saucerspecial]

I'm one of your earliest subs from 18 years ago. I'm 42 now and I'm proud to say I'm in it until the end. Thank you for all the memories James. Your videos are memory books for me. I always know where I was when my favorite videos of yours dropped. Here's to another 18 years!

[@DustMan2704]

Go touch some grass ..... wanna buy some? : V

[@neoturfmasterMVS]

Nice to see your proud. It is pride month so your ready.

[@Nah_Bohdi]

😂🤮

[@neoturfmasterMVS]

@@TheKarenWars Biden?

[@Dimian7]

Same, been here since I found him on Screwattack ❤️🇸🇪

[@E107Sigma]

Thanks for all the memories, James. You might have suffered, but its still deeply appreciated.

[@OperationFatGuy]

suffered?

[@moorooster223]

@@OperationFatGuy bad games

[@bravenkirok3142]

James, my late wife and I have loved watching your videos of all types since the beginning. You made her laugh a lot but now it's just me. Glad you're still here. Plenty of games to review out there still. I grew up playing consoles in the 80s. I suggest playing retro modern games that are made with pixel art style. Tons of those you could check out like "Streets of Rogue" (amazingly well made and super fun). Thanks for bringing us laughs and entertainment through the years.😊

[@Bullboy_Adventures]

That was beautiful

[@Marcusianery]

Beautiful indeed.

[@barneyjuniorYT]

Aww I hope she rests in peace.

[@bravenkirok3142]

@@Bullboy_Adventures Thank you

[@bravenkirok3142]

@@Marcusianery Thank you

[@JayTheRed602]

Thank you Nerd. You'll never get all the credit you deserve for helping establish KZbin as a true entertainment alternative, but without you, KZbin wouldnt have been KZbin.

[@JamesJames-li2wv]

KZbins been around since 1998 bro I think it'd basically still be the same

[@danny5034]

@@JamesJames-li2wv What planet are you living on? KZbin was registered in February of 2005. James has been uploading to the platform since April of 2006. He's one of the founding fathers when it comes to content creation. He's been around since the beginning. The platform, specifically for gaming and review culture, would absolutely NOT be the same without him.

[@JamesJames-li2wv]

@@danny5034 what are you crazy? KZbin was Kurt Cobain's favorite website

[@johanneswolfken8658]

​@@danny5034and don't forget, that KZbin wasn't the only platform. Vimeo,Dailymotion even Googlevideo tried to be what KZbin is today.

[@1WEareBUFO1]

May i also have an arbitrary date you made up? I want to be 6 years older as well ​@@JamesJames-li2wv

[@Bread_Bug]

Can’t believe this series is almost as old as I am lol. This has to be the most consistent and rewatchable series on the internet

[@da_ocsta1452]

I spin a few eps everyday. Best background noise for sleeping bar none.

[@Marinanor]

I'm old enough to be it's father. Not his father, but it's father.

[@RayzaNC]

I've never missed an episode but i can't agree it's consistent, it used to be a lot funnier

[@turboshazed7370]

​@@RayzaNCsure but there are still laughs to be had.

[@prometheustv6558]

Even older than KZbin itself

[@evilpeti]

24:55 - No, James. Thank YOU for being here for us! Edit: To everyone here, thanks for the likes and thanks for being part of the AVGN journey! And what a ride it's been!

[@bra1nc417d]

Absofuckinglutely. This was an awesome video, for sure and a perfect mark, for his 20th Anniversary. James, has my respect.

[@KoolKeithProductions]

​@@bra1nc417danyone know the name of the theme at 7:22

[@Queen-uo8cm]

Yessir!

[@Metalisalearning77]

2nd this one

[@KoolKeithProductions]

@@YourChannel-r4v there's no OST called "castle venia"

[@PhantomSnake84]

Symphony Of The Night is still my favourite. All of James' problems with it like the RPG elements, the feeling of ''where do I go now?'', making sure you've got the right gear equipped, the items and weapons' special properties, levelling up, hunting for secrets etc. is everything I love about it.

[@jwill7998]

I don't know if they qualify as "retro", but the DS games are all amazing.

[@gunsharck]

Nah mate you’re weird

[@mrbri6463]

Same with Aria of Sorrow being a close second.

[@AnaverdGaiden]

@@gunsharck Nah, he has great tastes

[@megavolt67]

@@mrbri6463 Aria I'd argue is a better designed game than Symphony. Symphony is kind of a mess in some ways with its assortment of useless stuff to collect, its underutilized transformations, and its lazily implemented and tedious to navigate inverted castle. But Symphony still edges it out because of its fantastic presentation that to me is second only to Castlevania 4 (I'm talking the visuals, the music, and just the overall tone). None of the other Metroidvanias have been able to match it in that department. Not even its spiritual successor Bloodstained despite not being constrained by handheld technology like the GBA and DS titles were.

[@MasterSartorius]

Its odd to me how this feels like the last AVGN episode. Im not saying it is, but the vibe and sincerity gives it off.

[@MarMaxGaming]

It was a big capstone type of vid, more reflection and authenticity!

[@CobaltContrast]

Like the magnum opus of his career?

[@InnerSactumGaming]

Whenever he reviewed every LJN game, I thought that was the last episode, but he surprised me with more videos.

[@therappingconservative2438]

He died at the end

[@technerdbird]

​@@CobaltContrastearthbound was the magnum opus of his career

[@imgermain]

Its insane to know I've been watching AVGN since 2008 on Screwattack and Gametrailers. Its a real timeless show. Thanks for all the memories and entertainment James! Who else is feeling old and nostalgic for AVGN episodes?

[@MercLazarus]

GO WATCH SOME SCREWATTACK! *DUNDUN*

[@crazysilly2914]

Ive been watching since 2014 when I was 14. Damm its been ten years already… im 24 now

[@Kronosthebreaker]

That was the year i was born 💀

[@K1ng1995]

I've been watching since 2007

[@JunKazamaFan]

"Yes, I already answered that in my Castlevania four-part episode in 2009." Man, 2009 feels like it was only yesterday to me...

[@retro-ronin]

I always re-watch that 4 part series every once in a while. When I heard that 2009, man, it hit like a truck. It feels just like yesterday.

[@CB-L]

@@retro-ronin *_Memories that will last forever..._*

[@nbHawkeye]

@@retro-ronin It's literally one of the best videos he made.

[@ke8mattj]

@@retro-ronin Same. It is one of my favorite AVGN episodes.

[@thecaptain6520]

I always think about the 32X episode "We live in the year 2007"

[@brunopc101]

Rondo of blood is my favorite: They gave you more control over the jumping and more versatile weapojs while still keeping the original roots.

[@Brother_Piner]

More control? Did we play the same game? There’s like a backflip and that’s it for improvements. It has some pretty stiff movement. Honestly wish there was a classic Castlevania with movement options akin to Richter in Symphony of the Night.

[@soyeahsauce]

​@@Brother_Pinerhave you not played as maria yet? she has better air control

[@jhonathanvargas9446]

Symphony of the Night For me

[@fwobebe5164]

15:48 But is Rondo the best or worst?

[@RyanMercer]

So many memories watching my friend play Symphony of the Night

[@patrickblakethesaint]

Best metroidvania ever made. Go back and play it for yourself

[@webberfan1234]

Play with yourself IYKWIM

[@gdelva]

One of the best games I've ever played.

[@lanehodnett8222]

Absolutely love SOTN. Great replay value and once you get the crissaegrim it just starts to feel fun instead of overly challenging

[@sweetjohnny8211]

Same here! My buddy was definitely better than I was and I just enjoyed kicking back watching him.

[@anastasiakomar286]

I basically grew up and learned English with Cinemassacre. It sparked my interest in classic horror movies and introduced me to some of my favorite video game franchises. Thank you, Mr. Rolfe ❤

[@jolly1559]

imagining phrases like "assload of buffalo turds" being your introduction to english is amazing

[@jhonnythefox7903]

Mee too Im from Italy... James its like a friend .

[@Psycho250785]

Привет :)

[@Psycho250785]

Привет :)

[@leaodoproerd2008]

I'm brazillian and learned english with him more then i did with classes

[@HollywoodLego]

Here's a fun fact. The four part Castlevania videos that James did, is what got me into Castlevania. And to this day, they remain to be my favorite Avgn episodes to date. They are a great combination of his hilarious anger antics, being very informative, and talking about things he loves from his past. The episodes embrace everything we love about the nerd, and I became a Castlevania fan because of it. Thanks James, for making me love Castlevania as much as you do. Edit: Oh and as for my favorites. In the series. Castlevania NES Aria of sorrow Rondo of blood Super Castlevania 4 Portrait of ruin And symphony of the night is my favorite. What are your favorites?

[@NeverKetamine]

I think those are actually his best videos, the love put into them was palpable.

[@Disambiguation144]

I know what you mean. Those are my favorite episodes too. Just awesome

[@garrykaspari2588]

I couldn't say it better than you. The Nerd is simply not complete without "Castlevania?" in every few episodes~

[@OnafetsEnovap]

Castlevania: Bloodlines (AKA Castlevania: The New Generation in Europe and Australia, or Vampire Killer in Japan) - it's the only one I've played fully.

[@gnarwhal7562]

Same dawg. I also greatly appreciated his praise towards Super Castlevania IV (felt like I was crazy for saying that's my favourite one in the series)

[@user-qe1qs5bc3b]

Symphony of the Night... The answer is Symphony of the Night.

[@ThinkCMYK]

Castlevania Dawn of Sorrow I think much better :)

[@OuterSpace90]

The handheld Castlevanias of GBA and DS are underrated. Aria of Sorrow is my favorite from the series. Its the best version of the Metroidvania style imo

[@Pax_Mayn3]

Symphony of the night is the best, but i'd put aria of sorrow as number 2.

[@chesspunk489]

Those are all great games.

[@Pax_Mayn3]

@@chesspunk489 I wonder if everybody who is mentioning symphony of the night is factoring in the the upside down castle. You had to do something very specific to access it and I could see people missing it if they didn't know it existed.

[@kentalacrucia]

Aria of Sorrow is hands down perfection

[@JohnSmith-ff2pb]

Circle of the Moon is the best in the series.

[@FluxOperation]

I have not missed an episode in 20 years. Thank you, James, for being there.

[@DanielBMS]

That compilation at the end confirms I have missed a few.

[@savageblood466]

Same

[@martinsch]

AVGN literally cured my depression

[@FluxOperation]

@@martinsch I think he single handily responsible for the retro video game resurgence we’ve seen the last 10 years. It was headed that way anyway but he pushed it on over the edge and 400 games later, here I am.

[@wingnut5404]

Thanks James! And many more to come.

[@TheObsessiveGamer]

Egorapter - 8 Directional Whipping ruins Castlevania AVGN - 8 Directional Whipping is a must in Castlevania The duality of man

[@bigdummy6286]

Never played 4. It might've trivialized games like 1 & 3.

[@Musashi0387]

What's an egoraptor?

[@purrpocalypse]

@@Musashi0387 GameGrumps Arin

[@TheObsessiveGamer]

@@Musashi0387 something something grumpy gamer.

[@GacMan47]

Egoraptor has the worst gaming opinions

[@rhouy22-md7rg]

no mention about alucards secret inputs and the power of the shield rod. no wonder you didnt enjoy alucard. youre so stocked in the old version you overlooked why alucard is the main character for symphony of the night. theres a reason why symphony is the highest rated castlevania game and its not because of richter

[@mrbri6463]

Also SOTN intent was to re-invent the serie because, in Iga opinion, the old style was getting stale.

[@DanGamingFan2406]

It's hard to believe it's been so long. Thank you Nerd, KZbin simply wouldn't be the same without you.

[@watershipup7101]

Agreed. He's made the platform what it is today.

[@kdusel1991]

Agreed!

[@kdusel1991]

​@DamianMongoose the best part about that joke was when he actually did it

[@genjis5155]

You got that right.

[@raidensreturn]

The world wouldn't be the same without you!

[@minicritman999]

People are asking “Is this his last episode?” but I have my doubts. He said ‘20 years and counting’, which makes it seem more like a celebration of 20 years of AVGN rather than a goodbye.

[@MDLuffy1234YT]

I'm pretty sure that AVGN will continue with his daughter once James grows too old to continue the series. And maybe she could make episodes for exclusively 6th or 7th gen games onwards instead of forcing the notion of 80s and 90s nostalgia on someone who clearly wasn't born in that era. That would unironically be amazing.

[@ExplorerDS6789]

He would let us know when the end was coming. He wouldn't make the same mistake Doug Walker made back in 2012.

[@bgbd182]

@@MDLuffy1234YT retro for his daughters, especially the older one, would be early 2000s, which is even before they were born

[@TortillaYT]

@@MDLuffy1234YTThere is no way his daughter is going to be the future nerd, this series will end with James.

[@roetemeteor]

@@TortillaYT I have a feeling his daughter will do her own thing.

[@m.w9418]

2004.03.10 The end of innocence And the beginning of anger and alcohol

[@ZoMiLeTHIRD]

This series is old enough to drink in some states

[@Justforvisit]

@@ZoMiLeTHIRD And pretty much in all of Europe

[@laszlodomonkos3941]

When the Rolling Rock Clock started rolling.

[@panthekirb7561]

Lament of innocence

[@ARedMotorcycle]

@ZoMiLeTHIRD I didn't know any States let you drink under 21.

[@hessiankyojin]

My top 5 will always be: - Rondo of Blood - Symphony of the Night - Super CastleVania 4 - Aria of Sorrow - Portrait of Ruin

[@LeicaFleury]

Have you tried bloodborne? It's an amazing metroidvania

[@hessiankyojin]

@@LeicaFleury Not yet but I've watched some videos of it before. Looks amazing.

[@Sir4everKcRoyal]

That’s my top 5 too just in a slightly different order (Aria is top for me)

[@Summonredhellspites]

Solid order

[@ThinkCMYK]

@@Sir4everKcRoyal did you ever played Castlevania Dawn of Sorrow? sequel to aria? :)

[@daviddamasceno6063]

That ending man... Crazy that we now can feel nostalgic about a show about nostalgia.

[@lowmax4431]

Metanostalgia 🥲

[@BOKYODUBS]

You said it perfectly!

[@stephenkim589]

That's very poetic.

[@nbHawkeye]

Right into the feelings. 🥲

[@ElAssoWipe-o]

He's gonna take you back to the past. . . . .

[@Feiqn]

Have you ever tried being angry about something for 20 years straight? That’s dedication, Holmes.

[@SxGaming3390]

It’s called playing meat head gamers like a fiddle

[@g.l.vstudios3104]

Really, how do you do you do it Holmes?

[@gunsharck]

@@g.l.vstudios3104Sherlock

[@Yoss2023]

This could be the PERFECT last and final episode of AVGN. It's pure magic. But I hope James keep doing these for another 20 more years. I love you man, thanks for all the learning and laughs through the years!

[@kdusel1991]

Me too!

[@vedbergsmagicalworld]

Ljn trilogy were better as a sendoff IMO, and I really thought that they were the last episodes of avgn

[@w0rldw1dew3b]

@@vedbergsmagicalworld i was surprised that the series wasn't capped off by that set of videos, that seemed like THE beast to conquer.

[@StevenJShow]

@@vedbergsmagicalworld LOL, no.Those videos were a glorified clip show and a really shoddy way to celebrate the landmark.

[@vedbergsmagicalworld]

@@StevenJShow Hard disagree, it incorporates his long hatred for ljn ,making him the new ceo to make the games better , and realising its impossible, coming full circle

[@SenranKaguraFan1227]

22:57 Thanks for everything

[@MailmanRSO]

I kind of figured there'd be a nostalgia montage, but I was hoping it would have the Kyle Justin version of the song playing. It almost made me cry with the sad music, but if I had heard "He's gonna take you back to the past..." I would have cried for sure. Thanks, James, for all the memories. Been watching since when there was maybe only 10 episodes available to watch.

[@gooblop]

True. Not sure if it's issues with if he's allowed to use the song or not, but to me that song IS a large part of AVGN and the lyricless chiptuney version can never compare.

[@RowletGameing]

I think it's worth mentioning that in the Sega Saturn version of Symphony of the Night you can actually play as Richter from the start without needing to beat the game, the version of Symphony of the Night you've imagined DOES exist but only in Japan and for this reason (among all the additional content the Saturn version added) I think it's a real shame we never got that version of the port over here.

[@zanegandini5350]

The extra content is nice, but it's got too many problems to give it a full recommendation, especially all the slowdown. There's a hack that aims to fix some of the problems, but it's still not enough to stack up to the PS1 original.

[@cynicalMusic21]

Isn't that version on PSP? I could've sworn they ported the Saturn version over here once.

[@zachtwilightwindwaker596]

@@cynicalMusic21 You can use and fight Maria but I don't think they kept the added content.

[@crashpal]

​@cynicalMusic21 yes that version ended up on the PSP along with I believe Rondo of Blood

[@CB-L]

Not exactly, stuff like saturn-exclusive areas and additional gears were *never* ported elsewhere for twenty something years

[@OnDavidsBrain]

20 years, on behalf of the fans, for entertainment you've provided us and for those you've inspired with your work, we thank you. Here's to 20 more years Nerd.

[@artistpenguin5890]

I can't remember how many times I've played Order of Ecclesia. To me this is the best part - best music, top artstyle, best protagonist, coolest version of Dracula and all of the lessons from SOTN done right. Portrait of Ruin is probably second.

[@CriticalEnjoyer]

Kingly opinion. The DS games are all overlooked, especially OoE.

[@Top_Hat_Walrus]

Haven’t tried them but I really like Aria of Sorrow (and of course Sotn) so maybe I’ll give them a shot

[@InvincibleGuitarist]

Thank you for being apart of our journey on this rock in space. Been watching you since i was in middle school back in 08’ again thank you so much for the laughs.

[@jamieobrien2090]

This is one of the best AVGN episodes. The focus on the games and your personal experiences with them is so much more valuable than guest characters and skits and catchphrases. Thank you for a wonderful memory.

[@twenty-fifth420]

I have been watching this series for so long, I went from being taken care of by my parents, to coming back to take care of my aged parents 😂 James Rolfe, promoting strong family bonds since 2004.

[@KyuJuEX099x]

20:34 what a dumb take

[@shootmckay2270]

He's right,though

[@holitinne]

My favorite episodes were the ones when you teamed up with Kyle Justin. Hope he’s doing well.

[@CertifiedButtholeLicker]

Fr Ikari Warriors is still one of my favorite episodes to this day

[@nozarashi4329]

I think he has a painting business or something iirc.

[@seanmcelroy6222]

@@nozarashi4329 yes it is a full construction business and he often does work for the sets used on AVGN.

[@harukatakahashi8822]

Akari Warriors, Battle toads? Kyle as Spider man?

[@seanmcelroy6222]

@@harukatakahashi8822 the one where he resurrects from under the couch. Yea I think Ikari Warriors

[@CyanideSublime]

If I never see another AVGN episode, I'm happiest with this one.

[@JBKiser]

Man it would have been great to use the actual theme for an anniversary episode.

[@XxXxTwofirstnames69420xXxXx]

KZbin will demonetize the vid with f words that early in the

[@VTuber_Central]

should've had the creator come out and play it on guitar

[@vgpowerlord]

Rondo of Blood's music continuing while paused is likely because the original version actually played a track off the CD as the background music.

[@FuzzyStripetail]

If Maria had thrown cats that were holding swords (just like the enemy bats that were holding swords) James probably would have stated that Rondo of Blood was the best Castlevania game.

[@victordeluca7360]

They were this close to perfection

[@OM19_MO79]

No. The only way he’d done that is if it would have been easier than IV.

[@theblocksays]

She should be able to one-shot every Mummy enemy with the cat for sure :D

[@sheridan140]

At the throwing cats part, could NOT get out of my head the Simpsons' crazy cat lady! That would've been a hilarious clip to include.

[@ackbarfan5556]

@@sheridan140*Cue Tress MacNellie’s incoherent gibberish.*

[@BOTCHED]

Thanks for 20 years of great content James. I'll be around as long as you want to keep doing AVGN.

[@pilot_jesse7968]

New AVGN episode means 4 hours of binging old ones after watching this one 🔥🔥🔥

[@jasonundead8416]

to remember when they were entertaining

[@doomteam2326]

Ah, another professional avgn watcher here

[@kobeschannel3506]

@@jasonundead8416I’m gonna be honest he’s still entertaining, I wish I could say the same for Nostalgia Critic though

[@DRCEQ]

Only 4 hours?

[@billy2807]

I watch that marathon every Halloween. I used to watch it with a case of beer. This year, I'll be watching it with my daughter. Thank you, James.

[@acoolphin8846]

Castlevania 2, obviously. The Nerd loves it so much hes made several videos on it!

[@tinman271]

It's crazy to think that I've been watching AVGN ever since 2007, and it's perhaps even more crazy that whenever a new video is released, none of that original magic is gone. Even after 17 years I still get excited and giddy whenever I see a new episode. What a legacy. Thank you for making amazing content like this for all these years.

[@soundandfurymusic]

were you excited for My horse prince too?

[@theflail]

I was. The James and Mike Monday episode was friggin' great.

[@kdusel1991]

​@@theflail that episode was awesome!

[@jakerebo8538]

As a tradition, I play a different Castlevania from beginning to end among other horror games every Halloween month for the last 15 years.

[@wadedewell]

That's a great tradition. I would like to join in on this

[@lyrand6408]

Nice, very similar to me, except for me it's Resident Evil (specifically, 2 and 3 on PS1, and the GameCube remake of 1).

[@endlessdarkknight]

Lol I do the same except my games are Castlevania SOTN, Resident Evil Series, Splatter House or Luigi’s Mansion

[@johnnymartinibgoode]

I always do this, specially with Order of Ecclesia, and listening to Helloween's discography is also a tradition

[@wadedewell]

@@johnnymartinibgoode isn't that on gba or ds? I need to get some of those. I've recently started collecting for ds and gba. Been retro collecting for the past 3 years now. Slowly but surely

[@DannyCaine-k6p]

For me it’s SOTN. Nothing else comes close.

[@Thrifty032781]

You don't have to win Symphony of the Night to play as Richter. Just enter your name as Richter. Similar to original Zelda.

[@SneedyKetler]

I wish this were mentioned in the video

[@kennymetz187]

In the footage he did put his name in a richter

[@ronaldzamora8850]

Except you need to beat SOTN to play Richter, the Saturn version allows you to choose Richter without beating the game.

[@FindingsOfAnArmouredMind]

Yes, you have if you're playing the PS1 version

[@koichidignitythief7429]

I still had to beat the game.

[@ViniZiello]

James, this... This is what we, your fans want. You can upload 30 videos like this and we wont get tired of it. Those simple video are what made us love your work

[@brycevo]

What a terrible night to be a Nerd

[@Jorje15gaming]

Now AVGN needs to review the GBA Castlevania games.

[@jameswasden8668]

Thanks for letting us come along for the ride, James. The world is better with you in it.

[@devanshouse5027]

I've been a huge fan of the AVGN since 2008 and i can still rewatch almost any of his videos! Truly timeless!

[@Soundwavenchill22]

You're the last real youtuber from better times. Thank you for your commitment

[@danlee8008]

This episode feels like a bit of a finale. If it's truly the end, it's a fitting one. Would love to see you continue Cinemassacre original projects, like your animatronic horror film!

[@6_dogs]

Thank you for such an epic episode in celebration of 20 years!

[@Kaitri]

Not really an angry video game episode but def. A nerdy episode with passion. Which is what i lately miss a lot from james. The passion

[@Zanuk]

Surprised he didnt talk about Aria or Dawn of Sorrow. Sure thier RPG's like SOTN but with their diverse weapons and attack styles, the monster souls, it more then makes up for the lack of 8 directional whip to me atleast.

[@_HJ_K]

I like this anniversary video nothing fancy, just plain simple stuff, and James talking about things that he actually cares and likes

[@Nightowl1981]

I agree 💯

[@ahistoric_gamer9716]

Jesus it’s been 20 years. I’ve been watching you since I was a wee lad 😂

[@Microsave2]

Mamma m!a!

[@Nov-5062]

You mean since you were a 'Wii' lad? he he...

[@ArchDuckling]

Same, I was just telling my parents that I've been watching AVGN for so long that I used to have to hide watching it because they were strict about this kind of stuff

[@Asmallcorneroftheinternet]

Jesus Christ I'm old.

[@anvorguesogames]

Same here. Long live James! ❤

[@astovar23]

And of course now it's mandatory to rewatch the 2009 Castlevania Reviews.

[@FindingsOfAnArmouredMind]

Retrospective*

[@migeru3543]

I have to say that you can skip the game over screen and the intro cutscenes by pressing start repeatedly in simphony of the night Richter can do the backflip in rondo of blood too and the true richter commands in simphony of the night are: ⬆️⬇️↘️➡️+attack ⬇️⬆️+jump

[@ezra6490]

It’s so crazy to me that I’m as old as the nerd! I always watched your videos growing up, and I often rewatched your castlevania videos because I loved them so much. You’re a big reason I’m even into castlevania! So it was really cool to see another video about it here. Thanks for all the videos, nerd, I’m glad I could grow up with you!

[@bloodystatic4156]

Please have the Glitch Gremlin come back!

[@JaredGenesis444]

James ditched him along with all the other OG's. I doubt any of them respect him anymore.

[@LordMuffinToken]

What do you mean exactly?​@@JaredGenesis444

[@jeffl4802]

@@LordMuffinToken Google exiists... and Bing. Look it up

[@vjcodec]

@@LordMuffinTokendon’t engage with them

[@FamousWolfe]

@@vjcodec No, no, there's a story here that needs to be told.

[@ThatsOnYoutube]

The one with Dracula... Or motorcycle skeletons.

[@tommj4365]

1:30 video starts

[@chrisbeale9937]

Love you nerd. Thanks for being a part of our lives.

[@alwaysasn]

That “In Memoriam” for James’ hairline at the end was really beautiful. Jokes aside - I can’t imagine how well James has aged. And I’m forever grateful for the hours upon hours of entertainment he’s given us over the years.

[@mikerolfe1842]

Absolutely, he's hard working

[@1WEareBUFO1]

When I thought it was all over a few years ago I cried. Wait, no! I never cry! Forget I said that.

[@punklover99]

I remember randomly coming across James because of another KZbinr saying he liked watching him back in about 06, so i decided to check him out. Been hooked ever since

[@kentuckycryptid]

I'm so amazed that you've been doing AVGN for _20 years._ Here's to another 20!

[@PacmanPac-m8y]

he will be 80 years old by that point

[@cheapskategamer8562]

@@PacmanPac-m8y 64 to be exact!!!!!

[@Nintentoni]

​@@PacmanPac-m8ywhat?! No, he will be 64

[@Rakki_Haitatsu]

James, That 4 part castlevaina series was a masterpiece. I rewatch it every few months. Hope all is well with you and your family

[@gavinwigg8057]

24:32 Still my favorite underrated Nerd moment: huge lead up..... to a silent flip off. 😂😂

[@brendancrosbytrumpvoter]

So wacky

[@yokitikun]

Not giving the ability to whip in all directions is a game design decision, if you are able to whip diagonally upwards then you don't need the axe, if are able to whip diagonally downwards you don't need the holy water, there are other examples as well. The thing is the whip is overpowered in Castlevania 4 to the point that you don't need to use a lot of itens that you would have to use strategically in the other games of the series, those itens might as well not be in the game.

[@Linklex7]

We don’t need them in the game, but it didn’t make part 4 easy. Castlevania’s challenge comes from bad controls and handicapping the player. That’s not fun. Part 4, the challenge came from the actual game and not the bad game design restraining you

[@UltimaKeyMaster]

@@Linklex7 You just kinda answered their point entirely. "You didn't need them." Then why are they there if they're so useless? They're distractions from the OP whip.

[@xavierjuno4572]

​@@UltimaKeyMasterI think what he means is that while the whip is OP, it didn't make the game any easier

[@comparc1972]

​@@Linklex7 I think you're missing the point. Not being able to whip in all 8 directions shouldn't be the only reason as to why one game is superior to another. I don't think games like Rondo of Blood are unfair or have bad controls and I think there's many aspects of other Castlevania games that make them superior to IV. Of course, I'm not saying Castlevania IV is a bad game but I can't agree with the idea that we should dismiss every other Castlevania game as "inferior" just because you can't whip in all 8 directions.

[@ElFreakinCid]

100% untrue, but sure, let's go with that.

[@blindspot3847]

Thanks for the 20 years, James. Here's to 20 more!

[@TheBlackSeraph]

I thought they got rid of the 8-directional whip because it undermined the subweapons.

[@MajorMokoto]

The recap at the very had me in both tears and stitches. Remembering all of those great AVGN moments. Here's to a wonderful 20 years spent! Thanks for all the laughs AVGN!

[@ALuckyClutzNamedTV]

This feels kinda like a goodbye to the Nerd, ending it how it all started. I know it probably isn't, but I don't think I could be mad or upset if it was. It feels proper and satisfying

[@TTULangGenius]

James, I'd like to say thank you on this 20th anniversary occasion. AVGN got me through some tough times in the early 2010s after nearly a decade of abuse from people I thought were my friends. You helped me through those early stages of recovery and I've watched you ever since. Words aren't sufficient, but I still want to give you my sincerest gratitude. May there be many more years of AVGN! ❤❤❤

[@matt-xe5km]

i was 14 when i discovered you and now im 33, thank you for all that you do

[@Jordan3DS]

Easy, Rondo of Blood. Have you *heard* that soundtrack?

[@Iohannis42]

It was a major step down from Super Castlevania IV

[@swiggan]

It also plays way, WAY better. It's so smooth and punchy. And the colors! Absolutely love it. What an amazing game.

[@GrayD_Fox]

@@Iohannis42because of two things

[@cxthednalien]

​@@Iohannis42 These are two different type of OSTs IV's is atmospheric while Rondo's is intense and action-paced

[@Linklex7]

Take out the soundtrack and anime cutscene and tell me what this game has over part 4. Honestly, as much as I enjoyed the soundtrack to Rondo, I still think part 4 is better. Simon’s theme is GOAT’ed.

[@NickTaylor-Phantom-Works2]

That soundtrack is really special. Im a lifelong gamer, starting on Phillips G7000, then going to c64, with it's legendary sound chip and music, eventually stopping on the 360 before going back to retro gaming, and that soundtrack is one of the greatest I've ever heard mate.

[@ProfessorMembrane373]

Soundtrack to which game specifically?

[@NickTaylor-Phantom-Works2]

​@ProfessorMembrane373 castlevania 4 on the snes, and the main theme early on in most of the games, are iconic in my opinion.

[@esoterra8050]

I love this classic approach of the video without the over the top acting and skits. THIS IS SO REFRESHING!

[@neoturfmasterMVS]

Reminds me of none of the classics. Amazing.

[@the_sacrifice]

Rondo DOES let you moonwalk! you just have to hold the attack button down while on solid ground!

[@nahomgirma5095]

This has got to be one of the best, most honest videos you have ever done James. And that little timeline part at the end was truly touching. The only thing that, in my opinion, could've done it better is if you saw the LJN rainbow and then drove your Big Rigs truck into the sunset.

[@nicholascooney]

Super Castlevania IV is dope, but Bloodlines and Rondo are really well-designed. Nerd didn't even mention the awesome Hydro Storm during his Rondo Of Blood segment.

[@diegonmtz]

You're the best. Thanks for doing the AVGN for so many years.

[@adolfocastanon1880]

SoTN will always be my favorite. I’d love a remake with modern graphics.

[@virdiasmith5527]

Has... Has he not realized you can press Start to skip the game over screen on SotN yet?

[@jordandutra9029]

20 years!!! That is crazy! I’ve been watching the Angry Video Game Nerd since 2008 (16 years ago). That’s how old I am, lol!

[@maddhattersboutique]

Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest was actually my favorite one! Maybe it's the RPG feel to it. Best MUSIC ever in franchise history fasho!

[@chriswheatley3146]

If not for the cryptic flaws, I'd completely agree with you. They've made a fan hack that addresses most of that and it holds up really well as a result.

[@Neon002121]

As a kid I looked past the flaws and absolutely loved it. I give it props for the really dark gothic atmosphere (and the soundtrack is a big part of that).

[@dnocturn84]

Castlevania 2 is your favorite one? If you have to choose from the same pool of games as the nerd did?

[@ARedMotorcycle]

I miss Legacy of Kain and Soul Reaver.

[@kekeke8988]

It's literally the only I could beat on NES.

[@user-ew1xo4xj6f]

James utterly NAILS the feeling of nostalgia, in the best way. It's the vibe he should really focus on. We love him when he's being sincere about old stuff he likes

[@Wade_Tyler]

I think the reason why SC4 is the only game to have 8 way whip direction is because the devs realised it made the secondary weapons pointless to use.

[@ronaldzamora8850]

Secondary weapons are meant to be secondary, even in SCV4 the cross boomerang was as handy as ever.

[@SoloWing88]

Castlevania: Harmony of Despair also has 8 way whipping, but for a DLC character

[@crazysilly2914]

@@SoloWing88 *Harmony of dissonance

[@SoloWing88]

@@crazysilly2914 thought that was the other one

[@GakuKodori]

​@@ronaldzamora8850 the cross was pretty much the only helpful subweapon in that game to massacre the bosses hmmm

[@leonlegend]

This is a big step up from last video. The narration only is not only a throwback, as you say, but also is like many up & coming KZbinrs you have no doubt inspired.

[@TheSuckoShow]

Agreed. If this is the new direction for AVGN, he's on to something. This is allowing the character and the presentation to mature with James, rather than trying to replicate what he was doing twenty years ago.

[@whiplash308]

And to think for some of us out there, 20 years of our lives have been spent with you James. Thank you for all the memories you've given us.