Nuclear Throne is a 2D top-down post-apocalyptic difficult bullet hell game...

And it can get completely mental in a heartbeat. In this game you play as one of the survivors in a nuclear post apocalypse. Humanity died out, but life on Earth was changed. Robots, plants, and people all were converted into monsters and creatures. Fighting broke out every day, to survive was a struggle and you either dealt accepted each passing day or sought for change. The mutants must fight their way to reach the Nuclear Throne, for it is said once sat on the world will stabilise. Ever level comes with groups of unpredictable and strong enemies to defeat, level up and pick mutations to make you stronger, utilise the hundred guns to your advantage and learn from your deaths.

Gameplay

The gameplay is always tough but there are few controls, so predominantly timing and aim are essential in staying alive. Enemies can kill you in 1 to 3 hits so death comes easily. It can take many hours to grasp the flow of the game and reach the end, and the relief is brilliant once that happens but the struggle is real. Dodging and shooting has to be done at the same time so multitasking is essential. Mutations can be powerful so pick them wisely, but being greedy for rads can cause premature failure. Shooting feels ok but guns aren't always accurate so it may feel like a shot should land but it doesn't. I would say the difficulty retracts from the fun much of the time and a high level of concentration is needed to avoid all the projectiles flying on screen. Getting past the hurdle of the enemies grants satisfaction and can be invigorating.

Audio Visual

The game does look aged blocky characters but each mob and mutant has a variety of animations that bring more liveliness and sophistication to the game. The frame rate is locked to 30 fps where all the game's maths and mechanics are tied to, this makes the game look lower budget and stuttery a bit. Another visual design choice was the 4:3 aspect ratio for the game which was surprising at first, but was done to focus the player view more equally between the vertical and horizontal axes as enemies come from all directions. The soundtrack is styled and cool with the harmonica, it can get repetitive as you replay the levels but the theme is distinct and fitting for each. There isn't a campaign but snippets of tips and character information are provided in the level loading screens which describes the world.

Pros

• Lots of weapons
• Replay value
• Variety of characters and mutations

Cons

• Questionably difficult
• No other gamemodes
• Basic art and effects

Conclusion

Nuclear Throne is a challenging game that entices the player to save the wasteland. I score it 7/10.

Information

• Release date: 2015
• Developer: Vlambeer
• Platforms: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch