Ep 3. E.T. Atari 2600

The Angry Video Game Nerd is back for season 8 and he's taking on one of the most infamous video games of all time: E.T. for the Atari 2600. This game was released in 1982 and was based on the popular movie of the same name. It's known for being one of the worst games ever made, and it's often blamed for causing the 1983 video game crash.

In this episode, the Nerd dives deep into the history of E.T. and why it's so hated. He starts by exploring the game itself and the various levels and mechanics. He quickly discovers that the controls are extremely difficult to use and the game is incredibly frustrating to play.

However, the Nerd doesn't stop there. He also explores the history of the game's development and why it was rushed to market before it was ready. He talks to former Atari employees and game developers who worked on the project, and they give him some fascinating insights into what went wrong.

One of the most interesting segments of the episode is when the Nerd visits the infamous landfill in Alamogordo, New Mexico where thousands of E.T. cartridges were buried in 1983. He talks to people who were there when the cartridges were dumped, including former Atari employees, and they tell him what it was like to witness the burial of one of the most hated video games of all time.

The Nerd also explores the impact that E.T. had on the video game industry as a whole. He talks about how the game caused the entire industry to crash in 1983 and how it took years for the industry to recover.

Throughout the episode, the Nerd sprinkles in his trademark humor and sarcasm. He's not afraid to call out the flaws in the game or the industry, and he's not afraid to make fun of himself either. He also includes some great retro footage of himself playing the game as a kid, which adds a nice personal touch to the episode.

Overall, this episode of Angry Video Game Nerd is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of video games or the culture surrounding them. It's informative, entertaining, and filled with interesting insights and perspectives. Whether you're a hardcore gamer or just someone who likes to dabble in video games, you'll find something to appreciate in this episode.