One thing that really sets AVGN apart from the rest of the crowd, IMO, is that he usually does a decent job incorporating a "guest star"/skit/creativity into some episodes. The Ninja from the Ninja Gaiden episode, the guy who does his theme song in Battle Toads episode, etc. etc. have all been memorable.
He has no budget, but he does an admirable job. His commentary is amusing, even if I don't always agree with it.
yes for doing this as a side-thing, its always been of pretty good quality as far as internet filming goes for this sort of thing.
