One of my all-time favorite action platformers. It just has excellent level design, items, enemies, and interactivity. This is the first appearance of Duke Nukem, who would go on to further fame in his 3D series of games. In the original game he has a little less attitude but the outline of the character he would become is definitely here. Duke Nukem (DOS) is the original DOS-based version of the iconic Duke Nukem franchise, created by 3D Realms (formerly Apogee Software). Released in 1991, Duke Nukem is a side-scrolling platformer that marks the first appearance of the now-famous character, Duke Nukem. This early version of the game differs significantly from the more well-known 3D first-person shooter series that would emerge in later years but still established many of the characteristics that would become a hallmark of the franchise. Side-Scrolling Action: Unlike later Duke Nukem titles, this version is a 2D side-scroller where Duke moves from left to right through various levels. The levels are often full of platforms, enemies, and obstacles, requiring quick reflexes and strategy to navigate. Players use the keyboard to control Duke's movements, jumping, and shooting, as they advance through the levels. Weapon and Combat: Duke Nukem uses a variety of weapons to defeat enemies. Early in the game, players have access to basic guns, but as they progress, they can unlock more powerful weapons to fight off increasingly difficult foes. Weapons include pistols, machine guns, and explosives, with some weapons offering greater firepower but limited ammo. Enemies and Boss Fights: Players face a variety of enemies, including aliens, robots, and other creatures. These enemies appear in different levels, often with unique attack patterns or abilities. Each stage typically concludes with a boss fight, where players must face a powerful enemy that requires skill and timing to defeat. Collectibles and Power-ups: As in many platformers, Duke Nukem features collectibles throughout the levels. These can include health packs, ammunition, and power-ups that grant Duke temporary boosts or enhancements, such as invincibility or rapid-fire weapons. Collecting coins, keys, or other items might also be necessary to unlock doors or progress through levels. Humor and Personality: A defining feature of Duke Nukem is the character’s personality. Even in this early game, Duke is portrayed as a macho, wise-cracking hero. His tough-guy attitude, humorous one-liners, and overall brashness are part of what made the character so memorable. This humor would carry through to the later 3D Duke Nukem games, particularly Duke Nukem 3D. Graphics and Design: The graphics in Duke Nukem (DOS) are typical of early 90s DOS platformers: pixelated and colorful but simple compared to later 3D titles. The environment design includes a variety of settings, including futuristic cities and alien landscapes, all presented with basic, yet distinct, sprites and backgrounds. The pixel art style is somewhat primitive but adds to the nostalgic charm of the game. Levels and Progression: The game is divided into several levels, each with its own theme and set of challenges. These range from city streets to underground bases, with each environment containing its own set of enemies, traps, and obstacles. Players must reach the end of each level while collecting items, defeating enemies, and avoiding hazards. The difficulty gradually increases, with more complex enemies and tougher platforming sequences.
5/21/2024