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| Title: |
Duke Nukem |
| Publisher: |
GT Interactive |
| Features: |
GameBoy Color Only, Single Player, Battery Save |
| Format: |
Platform |
| Reviewer: |
Jason Cirillo |
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Introduction
I'll always remember Duke Nukem as the guy who swears in video games. Of course, we all know Duke from his adventures
on the PC which involved lots of blood, guts, and scantily clad ladies dancing around in a porno theater.
Many people might also know Duke as a first person shooter on the PC, but in actuality, Duke first appeared years
ago as a side scrolling platform game in 16 colors .
Interestingly enough, this is how Duke now appears on the GameBoy Color - except it's a lot more colorful this
time around. Duke also appeared on the Game.Com as a first person shooter, but believe me, the GameBoy version
is much, much better.
Game Play
After playing hours of "Metal Slug" on my Neo Geo Pocket (Okay, I just mentioned another handheld), I
was wishing for something similar for the GBC.
Well, Duke Nukem has answered my prayers. Like "Metal Slug", it's a bloody, non-stop action/adventure
with all kinds of weapons, vehicles (a tank and an airplane) and loads of humor.
I was especially thrilled with the smooth animation and challenging, maze-like levels that will engulf you. The
basic premise of the game is that you, Duke Nukem, must stop a horde of aliens who have maniacal plans to steal
human brains.
You travel through each level gathering weapons, health and other items that will increase your strength and experience.
The game is full of all kinds of strange characters who have unique personalities, weaknesses, strengths and attacks.
One of my favorites is a zombie like creature who tries to strangle you, and if you do manage to blow his brains
out, his legs still walk around for a few more seconds. It's little details like this that made me really happy
with the game.
The bosses are really cool too, and there are all kinds of little secrets and extras that make this a tough game
to put down. Heck! Who needs 3D? Duke's got it all right here in this excellent 2D title.
Color, Control & Sound
Duke Nukem uses the GBC's color palette pretty well, but I think the backgrounds could have had a little more depth.
Still, it's a visually pleasing game, to say the least. The very smooth animation makes up for any color deficiencies.
The controls are receptive, and it is very easy to change weapons and read health and other status meters.
Duke has the ability to shoot in different directions: in mid-air and on ladders. This adds variety, which doesn't
make game play feel stifled and repetitive.
The sound is rather good too, as many of the gunshots, moans and screams are sampled. This adds nicely to the atmosphere
and richness of the game.
One more excellent feature of the game's interface is that you have 8 (Yep! Count em'...8!) save slots, so you,
your friends and even your grandparents can try to kick some alien ass.
Final Comments
If you were a Duke fan way back when it was originally a 2D game, then you will absolutely love this GameBoy version.
Even if you know or loved Duke as a 3D game, you may still get a kick out of this one, since it is a totally different
game. Also, if enjoy busy platform shooters like "Metal Slug", then Duke Nukem is definitely for you.
The replay value of Duke Nukem is pretty high, since it is by no means an easy no-brainer type of game.
Duke doesn't swear, and you won't get to ogle at half-naked babes, but at least you'll get to blow stuff up and
kill a lot of monsters. After all, isn't that what Duke is all about? |
