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Developer: Torus Games
Publisher: Take2 Interactive
Genre: FPS
Region: NTSC
Format:
Release Date: 14 Aug 02
User Rating
10 (4 votes) -
More Screens (5 total)
Overview
It seems like only yesterday I was playing Duke Nukem for the first time on PlayStation and Nintendo 64. I've never been a big PC gamer, which is why I've always jumped at the chance to play console versions of great PC games.
Lately, game developers have begun to realize that the Game Boy Advance is quite a bit more powerful than the Super NES. This revelation has paved the way for many great first-person shooters on the GBA, the latest being Take 2 Interactive's Duke Nukem Advance.
Gameplay
Duke Nukem Advance controls remarkably well. The L and R buttons are put to great use, allowing you to strafe left and right to avoid enemy fire. The directional pad is very responsive, giving gamers with some skill the power they need to nuke the enemy before "it" gets you. Of course, if you're a gamer with skills that are still in development, Duke Nukem Advance has an easier level difficulty called "Piece of Cake." No, it's not a piece of cake, but everyone will be able to conquer it, that's for sure.
All of the levels are designed really well. The layout was very well thought out. It's hard to describe them with words, so please take a look at the pictures and you'll see what I mean. Really though, pictures are not enough to reveal the depth of each level. I doubt a QuickTime movie would be enough either. As you explore each area, you'll find a wide variety of structures, portals, and hidden passages. No other game captures the essence of an FPS quite like this one.
Graphics
Graphically, Duke Nukem Advance shines with bright backgrounds that are easy to see, decent explosions, detailed, sprite-based characters and intricate level design. The framerate is really smooth. You can move in and out of the corridors without having any technical problems whatsoever. The walls/buildings have really good textures, adding even more visual appeal to the game. As if that wasn't enough, the weapons look fantastic! And all of the enemies have great animation. When you shoot them, or a monitor, or any other destructible object, you'll be amazed by the graphical detail that follow. This is really and truly one of the best-looking Game Boy Advance games ever made.
Fun Factor
Is Duke Nukem Advance a nuclear blast? You bet your atomic bomb it is! Waiting is a drag, whether you're at the airport, on a car trip to Aunt Edna's or standing in line to see the next Star Wars movie. But the wait doesn't have to be boring. In fact, you can make the time fly by much quicker simply by playing Duke Nukem Advance. The action is great, and the hidden key/door switch locations will keep you busy for hours. And if you really want to be entertained, then tell your friends to get a copy of Duke Nukem Advance, grab some link cables and get ready for the ultimate four-player deathmatch! There are other multiplayer first-person shooters on the GBA, but none of them are as exciting as Duke Nukem Advance. Hail to the king!
Overall
There are a lot of good first-person shooters out there, but make no mistake: this one is by far the best. As I said before, the colors are bright, so you won't have to squint to see the screen. Speed freaks should not be concerned with the framerate, as Duke Nukem Advance moves very, very smooth. It's actually faster than some of the first-person shooters on Nintendo 64!
Obviously though, speed isn't everything. There is much more to this game than that. All of the levels are good, action-packed fun. The multiplayer mode is terrific, and the controls are great. I never once had trouble aiming, thanks to the game's intuitive control scheme. This is one of the best games you'll ever find on the GBA, so don't let it pass you by.
- Gameplay
9.0 - Graphics
9.0 - Fun Factor
9.0 - Overall
9.0
