Nuclear Blaze | PS4 Review

Just as a small burning ember can set a whole forest on fire so goes the inferno that you are chasing to it's source within "Nuclear Blaze". As circumstances would have it, it is this very blaze that leads the lead character into some sort of military compound or secretive nuclear test facility hidden from plain sight. Starting off as a residential fire the battle at hand quickly escalates into a threat of nuclear proportions as things unfold. 

As the fire engulfs the surrounding location a nameless firefighter ventures forward from his troupe only to discover an underground complex that seems to be the source of the fiery carnage. Not stopping there he continues onward through gated access, and points of peril where mortal danger makes itself known time and time again. Utilizing the on person firefighter equipment to put out flames, and stopping by conveniently placed refill stations to refill his tanks as he ventures forth into the fray. Ultimately facing a problem that isn't as clear cut as it might seem. Something that is only made known through notes left behind.

As the playable on scene firefighter you begin with a limited forward facing water hose and attached water tank. Using this tool you initially start by putting out patches of flames that are blocking pathways to key items, valves, and circuit breakers. This undertaking becomes more heavy handed as you collect new abilities like a water shield, armor, a ladder that allows for shooting water while on the ladder, and an upwards spray for putting out ceiling fires. 

Progress, itself, is a single mission ordeal that is actually sub-divided by stages or individual puzzle solving sections wherein putting out fires completely is the end goal. Leaving the side goal to rescue all 16 hiding felines who are caught up in the fiasco. Making the the game a linear experience with precision platforming and puzzle solving via applied mechanics being the main schtick. 

When it comes to difficulty there are three base difficulty settings to choose from, initially. This includes Easy, Normal, and Hard. To offset the challenge though players have immediate access to menu cheats that can be toggled to give better water functions, infinite armor, and non-spreading flames. Something that back peddles the current difficulty setting to an easier state. 

Once you beat the game, no matter how, you will unlock "Hold My Beer" mode. This is the arranged version of the main classic mode, and features different upgrade locations as well as enemy turrets, and other threats not initially available in the first playthrough. Additionally new routes open up offering up more perplexing puzzles. As with classic mode you can also toggle the cheats, and still be able to complete the game. Something, that in my opinion, defeats the whole purpose of the mode as it renders it easy.

The Verdict ...

Surprisingly this game was made by some of the Deadcell devs, and it shows. While the design is more minimalistic it still has features like the upgrade icons that look like they were ripped from Deadcells. By comparison though this linear experience that is ,"Nuclear Blaze" is more of a tame one with less replay value. It's very linear, and has a story to be told through hidden memos and messages. There's even a surprise at the end that most won't see coming. No spoilers here though. 

As far as gameplay goes it is fast and fluid for a 2D Metroidvania style action platformer. The firefighting gimmick really fits in with the environmental set pieces, and the puzzles that involve finding what needs to be found or doing what needs to be done in order to fully put out the fire adds some intensity to the ordeal. 

As with a true fire situation certain things are kept realistic. Like the need to cut power off at the breakers or to turn on sprinkler systems to aid in the extinguishing of flames. There's even backdrafts that pose a threat as well as falling debris. It is these touches of realism added with the fantastical nature of the situation that makes the game so enjoyable. Mind you it's a game that can be completed in one sitting, and requires only some thinking as the respawn system is forgiving. 

For me I find this to be a worthwhile purchase for those looking to see what else the Deadcell devs can do with their talents, and creativity. The game definitely has personality. It's presentation, overall, is complimentary to the theme. It even features an atmospheric electronic/synth soundtrack that heightens the tension with each escalating threat. Though it's somewhat short lived it's fun enough for a playthrough or two, especially for those looking to 100% the game, and earn all trophies.