4 Hours of Uncle Derek's Cringe First Videos (2007-2010) | HVGN Review Compilation | SSFF 

I want to thank everyone who has ever supported me at any point during this 15 year journey. I always say I've never been a big channel, but I've never been a small one either! I've had support and love from the very first episode of Happy Video Game Nerd. That is what's really kept me running for 15 years! And I need to thank James the AVGN himself, who really never cared either way about the HVGN hahaha, but he left me alone to do my thing. We've met several times over the years and he's always been nice, which is really all I can ask for. I also want to clear up a couple of things about the HVGN. This whole thing was inspired by three things. First the AVGN, of course, and second all the AVGN imitators (there were A LOT of them back then). But what finally pushed me to make the HVGN was Brandon Jones' Final Fantasy Retrospective on GameTrailers. Those dropped in summer 2007 and it was the first time I'd seen someone talk about retro games seriously. No jokes, no swearing, just professional and informative discussion about old video games. These were the early days of RU-vid, I didn't know you could do that! It was probably just as much of an inspiration as the AVGN. Also there's always been some weirdness around the GameTrailers "Out Nerd The Nerd" contest. People think I created the HVGN for that contest and this is not true. I had the idea for months before hand, I just didn't act on it because I'd never made a video before (I was actually focusing on music). It was just an insane coincidence that the Monday after I had shot the first video, the contest was announced. Though because of the contest, I reshot a lot of it because I felt I had a real chance at winning. That was the MetalStorm video, my first video. However it was the second video, Journey to Silius, that actually won (which I guess Chris is still salty about), not the first video. And that always confused me because the first video was more of a direct parody of AVGN while the second was more of a straight-forward review. But those wild few weeks in August and September 2007 really changed my life and started me on the path I'm on today. I'm not sure who actually voted for the contest, but you gave an incredibly hungry young kid the validation that he could be a successful entertainer. You really created a monster! Also, technically my sister-in-law was pregnant when I shot the first video so there's an argument I've been Uncle Derek this whole time! Anyway, with every fiber of my being I say thank you. I hope I've brought a little entertainment to you over these years. Stay Powerful, Uncle Derek

The year is 2007, and youtube is awash with AVGN clones. HVGN instead celebrated how great old games were. To be a rebel was to be positive! Congrats on 15 years mate. Glass of wine to you🍷

"Cringe" or not, I still quote "Good games are great, cuz they're good!" WAY more than I should. Real talk though, for the era they came out, HVGN has aged remarkably well.

RU-vid was oversaturated with a glut of "guy bitches and screams about an old game" videos, and HVGN was a breath of fresh air. These videos were informative, lighthearted, and at times even heartfelt. I think they stand the test of time and am glad they're still available to watch.

Congrats my dude!!! Here’s to so many more!

Love this so much friend! We all had our early days and I'm so stinkin proud of you for sticking with it and embracing those early times! Thanks for sharing this all with us - Zion

I remember I was obsessed with your Splatterhouse videos when I first found your channel... God, I must have been in High School? I'm 27 now. I'm glad you're still making content, and thank you so much for uploading this!! What a blast from the past.

In a sea of oddities, mediocre production quality, shock/edge content, and content clone after content clone in the bizarre age of the last years of the wild west era of the internet, your content has always put a smile on my face! Your effort to continue entertaining and educating people about goof ass video games is genuinely appreciated. Keep on rockin, Derek

Great stuff, man! Been watching since StarTropics! Man.

Bruh I remember the Happy Videogame Nerd. It's what made me subscribe in the first place!

"Cringe Years"? Derek, don't say that. Please don't say that. The HVGN was one of my favorite and most formative series back in the day. That's nothing to be ashamed of. You had a light inside of you that you just had to share with the world, and people like me are better for it.

Derek...seriously thank you for this. Thank you for the early years of HVGN. I know you call them cringe, but they were from a more innocent time when you could just put up a silly video and have fun with it. It's what made RU-vid RU-vid. You were a DIRECT influence to me as I wanted my review show to be a mix between your show and Roo's 16 Bit Gems. 10 years later from my start on DYHPTG?! and the early HVGN cringe still warms my heart and keeps my flame burning bright. Gotta do everything we can to keep the cringe alive! Much love, dude.

Honestly back in the day I looked forward to HVGN videos more than AVGN videos, and a lot of games ended up in my collection based on your recommendations. This is a fantastic trip down memory lane. HVGN will always have a place in my heart.

I started watching Uncle Derek during the HVGN years because AVGN recommended him as being a decent spin off of his ideas. It was during the whole Irate Gamer controversy.

I found you thanks to your Splatterhouse review when I was still in middle school. Been watching you for 14 years now!

I dont usually leave comments on videos but i just have to say thank you derek ,back in 2007 i was such a poor kid in my country of Venezuela with no way of getting any of the new consoles. I was so sad and depressed because i felt that having fun with videogames was out of my reach but somehow i found your splatterhouse review and it lead to discover the joy of emulating old games that were as fun if not much more fun than whatever games i was missing by not having a PS3, every new video was like a present because i could get myself a new game and i knew that coming from you it was gonna be an amazing one i remember that one hallowen way back then i had no friends no gf and nothing going on in my life and you dropped three videos at once i was so happy i rewatched them all day. Now im 28 years old living with my wife having all the games i could want and seeing this compilation made me look back and remember those times when i wasnt happy but sometimes even for some minutes i could get some joy from a guy that didnt event know i existed and he kept going even tough he himself was in his own way struggling as much as me to find his way to be happy.

These videos are almost as old as Metal Storm was when you first reviewed it... Man, what even is time???? But I always loved your channel, both HVGN and SFFF, for breaking from the "angry" style that everyone was doing. Even now, positivity on the internet, particularly on RU-vid, is the exception rather than the rule. Your commitment to it even after all these years is great, and helped me really learn to appreciate and celebrate the underrated and the flawed. And yeah, these old videos are definitely rough around the edges, but as a certain recent cartoon put it, it's imperfections that make something beautiful.

Honestly, I want this Derek to come back for just one video. Complete lack of filter lol Love ya dude. Been here since the start and will continue to be here 🖤

No matter how cringy you think these reviews are, they hold up really well. The writing is still strong and is easily what makes them so enjoyable to go back to. Been watching since that first Splatterhouse review and I can't tell you how much your old style has inspired and shaped my own review style. So, be proud of these old videos and know that there are fans, like myself, who will always have a special place in their hearts for some good ole HVGN

Just to think youtube went from only allowing 480p to not counting 720p as hd

if it wasn't for you, i would've never known about "sweet home". thanks for all the cringe and laughs. p.s. "hey derek, don't forget about me, dustman. just............dustman."

I love going back to your old videos. I still love the style that you had back then with your fast-paced cuts to the game's OST

Uncle Derek breaking into his old apartment and kicking out the new tenants just so he can film the intro to his throwback compilation, king shit

We’ve come a long way, yet despite that, the Disney Capcom retrospective is still (in my opinion) one of your best videos ever. Another one of my favorites is one of the videos on bad games (I can’t remember which one) where you talked to great length about appreciating “bad” games because they are bad. Really changed my perspective on bad games and made me realize just because someone else thinks it’s bad doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it for what it is instead of hating it for what it’s not. I am thankful that I stumbled upon this channel one day while browsing the retro gaming side of RU-vid in 2020. Gave me something to do in those trying times. Hats off to you, Uncle Derek!

Seriously, the PS1 Clock Tower Scissor Mane joke... So good. Thanks for making us laugh and turning us on to great games over the years! Thank you Derek!

I think you can't realise my surprise when I was first "met" you as HVGN and, many ears after, stumble on your new-era video thining that's a some "new channel". And after watching "fresh videos," I opened the whole list of downloaded vids and realized it was you again Your work is shockingly enjoyable and relevant. Doesn't matter what video - old or new. I'm really feel like you are true uncle Derek for me

Had to stop the cringe years at 2011, cause that's when Calvin came on the scene in Chrono Trigger, and he's just great. He's the one that taught me we need to name all the characters Hank to make them the strongest. Glad you seem to be doing well.

Holy shit, what a nostalgic journey. Been with you since DuckTales, man! So cool to follow you through all the years and seen how you've grown. So cool to see the old place too!!

Dude. I speak for all of your fans when i say those early videos were excellent. Never cringe. Well written. Entertaining. You should bring the charecter back from time to time for nostalgia.

As someone born in 2001 with unrestricted internet access as a kid, I grew up with HVGN and the contemporaries so seeing this in my notifications was wild! I'm really nostalgic for that era of retro game content and it introduced me to tons of classics I played on emulators on my parents' computer. I've been here for probably like, 10-12 years and being along for the wild ride has been a cool experience, can't wait to sit down with something to eat and have a nostalgia trip with this. I know I'm probably on the younger side of the fanbase but thanks for the memories (and introducing me to Metal Storm)!

It was crazy when I saw you streaming and you mentioned happy video game nerd, and I just had a flash back, "THAT WAS YOU!? Holy shit man I didn't even know! I honestly thought you just disappeared."

I loved HVGN. Finally, someone on RU-vid acknowledging how great Rocket Knight Adventures is. And you helped me discover Metal Storm, now one of my go-to NES titles!

I don't remember exactly how I stumbled upon your work back in 2008 (it might have been the Mega Man 9 review) but I'm sure glad I did. I still go back and watch them occasionally and it's nice to see the "early years" compiled here! Thanks for 15 years of amazing videos Uncle Derek and here's to a whole lot more in the future!

Derek I’ve been subbed since 2009 and I’ve loved every episode of anything you’ve done. Here’s to the next 15 years. We love you Lophatjello!

I remember coming across HVGN very early on when I was bored and just browsing YT and I binged all the videos that were up at the time (maybe 2009 or 2010?) around the same time as I discovered LGR. It wasn't until years later that I discovered SSFF and realized that it was the same person as HVGN. I was so happy to see that the guy that made these cool videos I binge-watched in an afternoon was still around making videos.

I still marathon your old videos now and again, especially the Halloween ones at the right time of year. The intro in the old house was a nice blast from the past. Congrats on still going strong, Uncle Derek!

I am indebted to these videos...they truly changed my life back in the day. Thank you for everything, Derek.

Been here since RetrowareTV and Lophatjello! Simpler times for sure. Congrats on 15 years and here's to 15 more! 😀

Absolutely wild, man. I got turned onto the HVGN from either the "OutNerd the Nerd" thing on GameTrailers or Ben of VGTO putting your episodes on his BLOG, because he and I were on a forum together. Here's to 15 more years.

I think cringe years is way too strong my dude. This was the format and style back then! It's definitely a lot "more" than we expect from videos these days but it's earnest and genuine which is something that remains fresh to this day. I've never seen most of these before and I enjoyed stepping back in time to that magical early period of RU-vid. Thanks for posting this!

I wasn’t here from the very start but I do remember finding this channel around 2009-2010 via the related channels section of an AVGN video and binging a good chunk of the videos you’ve made up to that point. There are so many games I’ve been able to experience for myself because of your old videos (Splatterhouse series, Journey to Silius, Little Nemo, Gargoyle’s Quest series, ect.) and I cannot thank you enough for that. Oh and I’m not sure if it’s in this compilation (it’s after 2AM here and I have to rest up for work tomorrow) but those reading this should check out the Nightshade outtakes video if you haven’t yet. You haven’t laughed and lived until you see Nightshade pop in and give you the bird.

Don’t be too hard on yourself. That’s how these videos were back in the day. Your HVGN videos are pure nostalgia for that era

I've been watching you since the early days back in 07, you even started a Halloween tradition for me. I play the Splatterhouse remake every year to celebrate the holiday. Regardless of whether you think these are cringe videos or not, you got me into really great games that have become some of my favorites with these videos, and for that, I want to say, thank you.

I really liked the Splatterhouse video, that was my introduction to you and something James (AVGN) never even mentioned even though it seemed like it was up his alley. Thanks Uncle Derek!

I've been watching since 2009. I don't think they're cringe at all, just evident of their time, which is never a bad thing. I watched these along with all those other AVGN-likes in middle school in high school and even tried to be one myself. It's amazing how much of an influence James was on RU-vid back in the day. He WAS RU-vid for a lot of us. This should be fun to look back on!

You're too hard on yourself, I remember those days still and you were WAY more watchable than the sort of gamer RU-vid content coming out at the time! I think I only played Star Tropics because of your video, congrats on the milestone, dude!

I may not have been there for when your journey began (sorry for not watching your videos at 18 months old), but thank you for providing us with 15 years of entertainment! Keep those skeletons from fighting!

While I prefer my Dereks with ample husk, I'm suprised how good of a presenter you were from the beginning. The most "early yt" or low quality about these is the lighting.

I've been watching since the HVGN days. The old days of RetroWareTV. Keep doing you, and I'll keep watching. Keep up the great work!

I know this is gonna sound weird, but I watched the nightshade video recently and saw that you had a warning about a slur that was used in it. Idk, it just really made me respect and love you even more. Thank you for all the good memories and rough nights you got me through.

I only found out about Uncle Derek a couple years ago and haven't gone back to watch the catalogue, but I'm so excited for this, thanks for not getting rid of your past content!

Dude, I love your old videos still to this day. Heck, your responsible for a lot of games being in my collection today as I was just getting into retro collection around this time. Also, thanks for putting me on to Awesome Video Games because of your review of their DVD.

If it wasn't for your "cringe years" I would've never played the NES gem, Nightshade. Really, your channel did help make my last years of college a bit more memorable.

Would this technically count as Uncle Derek's home movie retrospective?

I've always wondered what the music playing at 1:31:36 is, and even believe I asked for it on the original video with no response. If I could figure that out now after all this time, that'd be pretty magical. Also just wanna say you introduced me to a lot of wonderful video games that I still think fondly of to this day and barely see talked about, Enemy Zero being my favorite horror for instance. Thanks for all the fond memories, the Happy Game Nerd will still live on to me.

Your old videos are not cringe! I used to watch them all the time and they still hold up. They actually inspired me to buy the SNES cart of Earthbound and now it’s in my TOP 5 favorite games of all time.

Man I remember watching these old video's way back in the day. Growing up on RU-vid watching avgn and you made me love retro games as a little kid. Thanks for the memories and I've loved your channel for years (or even decades) now

Will always be nostalgic for the Chrono Trigger April Fools Day video. Your friend was absolutely legendary.

Crazy thing Derek. I think you're the only Avgn clone that actually broke off and made something of yourself. You should always be proud of me with you done. I've been watching you back since the splatterhouse videos you really are trooper

God. I don't know if I was along for the whole ride, but I know I've been for a long time. I remember when the "Was it really that bad" for The Sum of all Fears was just uploaded, and it was my favorite video for a time. Never getting off.

Such nostalgia! We've all come so far, my friend.

I love this! This what got me as a subscriber so many years ago. Congrats on 15 years of RU-vid. Still loving the content. I know it is in the past but it would be neat if we got 1 HVGN video a year on the annual anniversary of when you started the show.

I remember when you first uploaded a lot of these videos back when I was in high school, thanks for all the years of content Derek!

Bro, I've been watching since the HVGN days. Love the old videos and I'll be glad to revisit them in this video. Super happy that I have a pic with you at PRGE. Keep doing what youre doing!

Love it! Derek you've been one of my single biggest RU-vid inspirations since 2008. Hope to see another 15 years!

It’s still crazy to me that when the metal storm video came out, the game was 16 years old and now the video is 16 years old damn i’m old

I miss the cringe years tbh

Man I've been watching since the original Earthbound Review and it's been a really fun journey to see you progress from HVGN onto SSFF and how they both aimed to delivery unique perspectives on games. I appreciate all the hard work you've poured in all these years man, cheers!

Shout-out to Nekbone. He wore out his welcome, but to me, he is NEK... BONE! He was underrated in an awesomely cringe way. Thanks for the playlist remaster. 👍

Unironically downloaded and loved watching your og videos as a tween on my Ipad. Incredibly comfy experience!

i might not be exactly 15 years long, but these episodes are the gateway to you, and here's to 15 years and to 15 more🍺 cheers

I was literally just saying to myself "you know, I've never gone back and watched the old HVGN videos, maybe I should do that!" and then this video popped up. You must be psychic or something!

Been Watching since the Star Topics Review! Inspired me to buy a copy! Always looking forward to your next upload. So happy you've stuck with it for so long!

I remember coming across one of your SSFF videos in 2018 and I was like, wait a second, is that...? 2007 era RU-vid was way different. It's definitely what I grew up with. Giving you credit where it's due, the videos haven't aged well, but for 2007 RU-vid standards, they're pretty good.

I am so glad you uploaded these! I haven't seen any of your HVGN stuff since it first came out and helped ease me into retro gaming!

I still find your Splatterhouse videos as some of the greatest in the platform and review genre.

I've been getting way more into watching these videos lately, I've always loved the comfy vibe that they provide!

I started watching sometime in 2010 and I still adore the HVGN era even if I came in the end. Wild to see you back there!!!

I have been a fan for a long tome and love the HVGN videos still to this day, absolutely can't thank you enough Derek for the many fun videos and smiles you have brought me in my hard times! Keep up the amazing work and I will continue to support and cheer you on!

Congrats Derek, been watching you since the first vid. We may have disagreed on things in the past, but I've always appreciated your drive. Here's to many more years.

I’ve been a fan of your channel since the beginning and I owe you for introducing me many lesser known games, chief among them being Splatterhouse. Keep up the good work.

I LOVED HVGN back in the day. This channel has introduced me to so many things, through HVGN and the reviews, to Starship Amazing and Retro Beats podcast, and now to SSFF. Such a great channel of content

I literally just went through and watched all the Hvgn videos a couple months ago, but I could go again. I love everything about these videos and they are a go to comfort video for me. I appreciate all the work you do and have done 🤙🏼

Oh, I watched most of these! They're really fun! Good, I really wanted a little bit more of you guys ^^

I've always been a fan of the HVGN, SSFF, and Uncle Derek! These old videos were, and still are, a treasure! No matter where you're stationed, or what moniker you choose to go by, I'll always be a fan, and I'll always be there to tune in! Thanks for everything, Derek!

I marathon these often! Like others have said, this definitely holds up better than a lot of other videos from that era! Thank you for the content and I look forward to whatever lies ahead! Cheers!

I really loved your Sweet Home and Splatterhouse reviews back then and watched ever since!

I watched your videos back in the day, they were a celebration of games and you always put a smile on my face :) Thanks for those moments, my friend!

Watching this made me realize I've seen everything on your channel. Love seeing the growth and how some things change, evolve and grow as you do. You guys are awesome and always excited for what you put out.

Been a fan since the MM9 video, I've still got my DVDs on my shelf after all these years! I also revisit starship amazing all the time, Ruby Dagger, 20XX, Y'all Stop Bloggin', even Career Suicide. I never get tired of your rendition of those songs.

Your Journey to Silius video was the first one I saw way back when, and it really hooked me. I used to love smoking a bowl and just watching your good vibes, talking about the games I loved. Sometimes I would join you with a glass of wine! Your work got me through some tough times, and I'm grateful that! Thank you for the memories!

I subbed few videos before you turned into SSFF. Thanks for your coverage over years!

Can't believe it's been that long. I think the very first one I came across was the Startropics review and the rest is history. Still here after all these years!

Don't be ashamed of your cringe. Embrace your beginnings and learn from them, and if you do, you are sure to make great things like Derek.

Been watching your channel ever since the beginning! I think you guys have been consistently improving and getting better and better over time. Your dedication to quality and innovation really shows. Hope to see more content from Grace too!

Loved these videos back in the day. Thanks for compiling the whole series. Ver comfy to listen to while grinding around Halloween time. Greetings from Chile

Im really glad that I found this channel since I could finally enjoy the classic Doom RPG on pc as well as to try out the other 3 doom engine games wich were an absulute blast of an experience PS. Holly shit I didn't realize you were the one who did the HVGN from the AVGN contest, thats awesome!

Gotta love a good HVGN throwback. I've been a fan since...I don't know, around the Mega Man 10 video? I think that was the first time I saw one of your videos as a new upload. I'm gonna be happy to revisit the "cringe" 😁

Haha, you were my favorite right after Rolfe in those AVGN/HVGN days. Gotta say I've loved every vid that's come out of SSFF, and am joyous that even your oldies hold up super well today. Can't wait for what's cooking next 💜

LET'S GO!! I loved HVGN back in the day, for a good while something seemed so familiar about you but I never could figure it out