Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project

Whenever the world is in over its head and needs a hero to solve its trouble, Duke is there to take on the task, as smug and confident as ever. This time, New York is attacked by a horde of mutants, as well as a radioactive green slime called GLOPP, which is in fact the source of all the mutations going on around town. Thus, by avoiding the slime and killing the bad guys, Duke fights his way through the city and finds the one responsible.

Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project is a classic platformer that takes you through the testosterone-fueled adventures of the mighty Duke, who is once again on call for saving the planet from evil. Naturally, the levels are filled with enemies that attack you on sight, as well as various traps that must be avoided by being aware of your surroundings. Although platformers are linear by nature, you can explore some additional chambers as you make your way through the stages, as well as make your way back sometimes, after you find a specific key or activate some kind of mechanism.

The basic mechanics have remained unchanged, since Duke is able to jump, shoot and duck, as well as perform various special actions from time to time. The boot kick is present as well, being one of the most recognizable trademarks of the series. You do, however, need to make use of the available weapons if you want to have a chance against the horde. These include a pistol, shotgun, rocket launcher and, obviously, pipe bombs, all of which can be employed in different scenarios.

Most of the enemies that cross your path throughout the game are basically mutant animals, such as huge alligators wielding sub-machine guns, the classic pig cops, as well as female robot mutants. Every foe has a specific fighting style or ability that it employs in order to stop you from advancing and you must approach each of them differently to stand a chance of survival.

Several other elements have remained unchanged over the years when it comes to the series, such as Duke's witty one-liners or sarcastic remarks, as well as the general humorous approach used throughout the plot. The levels, however, are very detailed and well-made, depicting locations like Chinatown, a factory and a metro station, all of which come with their own set of challenges.

In the end, Duke Nuken: Manhattan Project keeps the spirit of the franchise intact, complete with hilarious monsters and Duke's unforgettable humor. Moreover, the game maintains its difficulty level, especially as advance further and further into the game and more powerful enemies start to appear.