Duke not "looking good" here (Duke Nukem (GB))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Duke Nukem (GB)
Date:	29/01/09 (6 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Traditional 2D gameplay

Disadvantages: Graphics

"Duke Nukem" is a two dimensional platform adventure game for the Gameboy Color console. In this, players control Duke Nukem who is on a standard science-fiction plot to save the world from invading robot forces as deployed by Dr. Proton. This Gameboy Color title appears to be a parody of the "second episode" for the personal computer where Duke is transported to Dr. Proton's moonbase.

Gameplay keeps with its original humble roots in two dimensional gaming. Players must guide Duke across a series of playing stages while combating robot forces using the heavy arms which he has access to. It is a typical platform title but also makes a wide use of ladders and other climbing instruments, something which isn't often seen in games of this genre. Controls are standard in that arrows will guide movement, "A" fires the weapon and "B" causes Duke to jump. Something which isn't often seen in the platform genre is the requirement to use keys in order to gain access across the level; "Duke Nukem" implements this successfully by requiring coloured key cards. There is some challenge throughout due to this requirement of keys to access restricted areas and progress further into the game.

Graphics aren't particularly good on this game. I found detailing of the characters, showing little by the way of Duke's traditional gruesome facial features and other unpleasantness that this series is known for. Colour use itself was good and seemed to fill the display with many different tints and shades throughout the title. One noticeable flaw I did see is that there is no effect to suggest bullets from Duke's weapons. It is difficult to know when a player has contact an enemy in this game and rather must keeping firing until it is has been eliminated from play.

Audio appears to be good and makes use of a different sound effect for each of Duke's weapons. There are also a few audio cues to suggest pain when Duke encounters a hazard. A good presentation in this department all around.

"Duke Nukem" doesn't particularly keep with the more modern games that were seen on the personal computer at the time but does offer an acceptable play of its own right. If one can look past the obvious flaw in not knowing what target one is hitting, it's likely this game could offer some replay value on a more minimal scale.

Summary: May be appealing in shorter bursts