Gaming Target - Game Boy: Duke Nukem Advance

Written by Matt Swider on September 03, 2002

Review: An Army of One just got a little more arrogant!

A little less than three years ago, Torus Games made its first attempt at brining Duke Nukem to the portable Nintendo system of Game Boy Color. Though it was largely successful in delivering an enjoyable experience, the 2D game stood as a step backward in design for the series. Instead of offering 3D shooting action from the first person perspective that Duke fans became accustomed to, a side scrolling adventure compensated for the limited capability of the handheld unit. Since the release of Game Boy Advance however, we've been able to partake in a number of first person shooters. While the lineup of Game Boy Advance shooters is now extensive and fairly competitive, the return of Torus Games for a second outing with the gun-totting rebel kicks some serious butt and marks Duke Nukem in his finest hour.

Set to release last year but deemed inappropriately timed following the attacks of September 11th, Duke Nukem has received ample development time and now boasts additional features in its final form. Being based off the PC version of Duke Nukem 3D, things may look, feel, and even sound the same. However, the portable counterpart conveys fresh missions surrounded by a brand new storyline. With an alien invasion set to take over the world, it's your job as Duke to take them on single handedly and save the earth. After picking from one of five difficulty levels ranging from СPiece of Cake' to СDamn I'm Good,' players are confronted by mission objectives and learn plot details from General Graves. Thankfully you won't be sent on any elaborate searches and be given many comprehensive tasks. Most of the goals have been kept simple, allowing the game to retain the killing spree action that long time fans and newcomers will revel in.

To survive against the significant AI possessed by the alien forces in Duke Nukem Advance, players will need to collect a variety of pick-ups strewn about the nineteen missions. Critical items to the gameplay include gaining of health, suiting up in armor, gathering key cards, and amassing tons of ammo. Upon completing every level, gamers will be exposed to a variety of ten weapon types. Starting out requires simple firearms such as a pistol or shotgun, which is seen in just about every shooter. Later in the game is where the more extravagant and unique firepower comes into play. This arsenal consists of a freeze gun, rocket launcher, shrink ray, and even the occasional use of pipe bombs that sum up Duke as a total blast.

Taking aim at enemies is the primary intent here, yet attention has also been placed on the surrounding environment with great visual effect. A single bullet can alter any given aspect within a level area from destroying fire hydrants and alien chambers to trash cans and toilets. Unlike Doom, it's possible to see Duke Nukem Advance with more ease thanks to the use of a lighter color pallet. Though it's a problem when climbing steps that aren't defined in any sort of outline, everything else remains quite visually appealing. Other attributes to the visual department include a speedy frame rate and the ability to look at ones surroundings. Using the shoulder buttons and directional pad allows you to take a 360 degree view of a level, something that has been missing from previous shooters for the system. All of these fine touches amount to a very solid design that assists Duke Nukem Advance in becoming the best-looking GBA shooter on the market thus far.

Some of the trademark sounds bits that make Duke Nukem the man he is are back with vengeance. Alien scum not only get toasted by Duke's guns, but also receive a beating from some of the quips he randomly comes out with. Though they occasionally seem distorted, the music keeps playing without interruption by the sound effects. Like we mention with other Game Boy Advance games we are fond of sound wise, everything can be fully enjoyed with a pair of headphones to receive the complete package.

Although limited control options will always keep the Game Boy Advance from functioning the same way as a PC, Torus does a wonderful job converting the scheme. Moving around, shooting, and jumping about is done in a simple fashion, plus strafing from side to side is easy and useful to pull off as well. Scrolling through weapons is done with a unique setup by using select along with the shoulder buttons to scroll among the lineup. It's not often we actually use the select button for anything other than the menus, but the developer decided to put it to work and reduce the number of combinations. The interface is trouble-free and won't discourage any new players. With this in mind, it should be no problem for those looking for a fast multiplayer experience with friends.

Since no first person shooter is complete without a multiplayer feature these days, Duke Nukem Advance includes some of the best in its deathmatch and tag modes. The fest can support up to four players, but can't be complete without each having their own a copy of the game. Though this may complicate things for some, it's all worth the effort and shouldn't be avoided. Just give them a taste of the solo missions and they should be sold.