Game Reviews

Nuclear Blaze – Review

Our Score: 7/10

Nuclear Blaze is a unique 2D firefighting game from the creator of Dead Cells, with all the devastating backdrafts, exploding walls, and sprinklers you could expect. Fight your way through a mysterious facility and try to keep the blaze under control.

What is Nuclear Blaze

“The world is burning.

Well, not exactly, but the whole region is.

As a trained firefighter, you’re being air-dropped right in the middle of this hell blaze to investigate and look for survivors. But the unexpected presence of an unknown military facility might somewhat affect your plans.”

Nuclear Blaze Helicopter

Nuclear Blaze is a 2D firefighting game by Deepnight Games, previously known for creating Dead Cells. And this is probably the best firefighting game out there.  Unlike the creator’s previous game Dead Cells, this one isn’t a Roguelike, rougelite, or a Metroidvania-type game. It’s a simple Action-adventure game.

The game came into existence because of Ludum Dare’s game jam entry. It was created within 48h and well, was received quite well. The game is now a full-fledged game. The idea for the game came from the developer wanting to make a game for his 3-year-old son. His son loves Firefighters (I mean let’s be real here, who doesn’t) so he made a game about them.

Nuclear Blaze Descent

The game doesn’t have a difficulty setting but like Celeste, another indie masterpiece in the platforming genre, this game has accessibility settings. These settings allow you to change and fine-tune certain settings so that the game is more enjoyable and fun for you.

And since the game was originally developed with his son in mind, the game features a kid mode. This mode is aimed at younger children. There are specific levels made just for this mode that are easier to navigate and explore. You’re also invulnerable in this mode, have infinite water, have auto-aim, and a much simpler control scheme. And honestly, I’m a fan of this mode. Kids can get a taste of some great 2D action while also honing their mechanical skills.  Oh and this mode has tons of helicopters and trucks.

Look and Feel

Nuclear Blaze Entry

This is a 2D side-scrolling game with pixel graphics. If you’ve seen or played Dead Cells, the style of pixel graphics is similar here. It’s very clean-looking, vibrant, and detailed. From the fire effects to the water trails, everything looks great. The lighting also deserves a special mention here because it is outstanding, especially with all the neon and slight trail that follows your character.

Sadly one of my only gripes with this game is its length. It’s barely about 2 hours long. By the time you get into the rhythm of things and start feeling like it’s building up to something, it’s over. Some games outstay their welcome by dragging things but not here. This game gives you such a great taste for it and then it’s over. I’d really like it if the developer releases an expansion or something because this game is genuinely a ton of fun.

Final Verdict

Nuclear Blaze Hive

Nuclear Blaze is the best firefighting game that also happens to be a fantastic 2D action-adventure game with its only downfall being its short length. But with its low price tag, it’s a no-brainer to get and I can see a lot of people trying to speed run this game. However, I still do wish this game gets some sort of an update or expansion because I want more of it.

Leave a Reply