Duke Nukem: Total Meltdown is a classic first-person shooter initially released for the PlayStation in 1997. Developed by 3D Realms and Aardvark Software and published by Virgin Interactive, the game takes you on an action-packed journey through four episodes of alien-slaying goodness.
- Developer: 3D Realms, Aardvark Software
- Publisher: Virgin Interactive
- Released: 1997
Level Design
In each level, your objective is to collect key cards that unlock doors and allow you to progress to the next area. Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of aliens, each with their own unique abilities and attack patterns.
Fortunately, you have an extensive arsenal of weapons at your disposal, including a shotgun, rocket launcher, and more. You can also equip yourself with a Jetpack and Scuba Gear, allowing you to traverse certain game areas that would otherwise be inaccessible.
The level design in Duke Nukem: Total Meltdown is generally good, with each episode featuring unique locations and memorable battles.
The L.A. Meltdown episode, for example, takes you through an adult cinema and Death Row, while the Shrapnel City episode has you fighting through a bank, movie set, subway, and hotel. The Lunar Apocalypse episode, with its futuristic theme, is reminiscent of Perfect Dark for the N64.
Technical Issues
However, despite the game’s strengths, severe technical issues make it difficult to recommend this port over the Sega Saturn version.
For one, the frame rate is terrible, with the graphics being much darker and the draw distance reduced. The control schemes are also uncomfortable, making it challenging to aim accurately.
The action is faster than the Sega Saturn version, but the game engine can’t keep up, resulting in a slight delay until the screen refreshes.
The exclusive Plug ‘N’ Pray episode is also a mixed bag. While it has a cool Wipeout-inspired level, the rest of the episode suffers from a frame rate that can dip into single digits, making it practically unplayable.
The game is at its best when it sticks to straight-up shooting and exploring.
The game is at its best when it sticks to straight-up shooting and exploring, where the trial and error gameplay can be mitigated by using the Quick Save option, which is a real blessing to lower any frustration.
Gameplay Mechanics
Duke Nukem: Total Meltdown is a mixed bag in terms of gameplay mechanics. The game shines when it sticks to its core strengths of shooting and exploration, but it falters when it throws in gimmicky abilities like the Jet Pack and Scuba Gear.
These abilities can be fiddly to use, and the platforming can be confusing and frustrating. The game’s difficulty is also quite high, which can lead to lots of trial-and-error gameplay. However, the Quick Save option makes it easier to progress through the game, even if it can sometimes feel like cheating.
Overall, Duke Nukem: Total Meltdown is a decent first-person shooter that has aged reasonably well. The level design and variety of weapons make it a fun game to play, and the exclusive content is a nice touch.
The technical issues plaguing most of the game make it difficult to recommend this version over the Sega Saturn one.
However, the technical issues plaguing most of the game make it difficult to recommend this version over the Sega Saturn one. The uncomfortable control schemes, terrible frame rate, and weak platforming detract from what could have been a great game.
If you’re a die-hard Duke Nukem fan, then this game is worth checking out. Still, if you’re looking for a classic first-person shooter to play, there are better options out there. While Duke Nukem: Total Meltdown may have been a great game in its time, it has not aged well, and its technical issues make it challenging to recommend.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Duke Nukem: Total Meltdown is a classic first-person shooter with some strengths but is held back by severe technical issues. The game’s level design and variety of weapons are fun to play, but the uncomfortable control schemes and weak platforming make it a challenging game to get into. If you’re a die-hard Duke Nukem fan, then this game is worth checking out. However, if you’re looking for a classic first-person shooter to play, there are better options out there that have aged better than this one.
Summary
Duke Nukem: Total Meltdown is a classic first-person shooter that has been around since 1997. This game, developed by 3D Realms and Aardvark Software and published by Virgin Interactive, has four episodes and an arsenal of weapons to help you take down alien invaders. In each level, you’ll collect key cards to unlock doors and reach the exit. While the level design is good and some episodes have memorable battles, this game has severe technical issues that affect the majority of the gameplay. This review takes a closer look at these issues, along with the gameplay mechanics and exclusive content, to determine if it’s worth revisiting.
