Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Duke Nukum: Episode 1 – Shrapnel City delivers a fast‐paced side‐scrolling shooter experience that keeps your trigger finger busy from start to finish. Using the same engine as Crystal Caves, the game merges classic run-and-gun action with light platforming, requiring precise jumps and well-timed shots to clear obstacles. Every level is filled with Techbots and environmental hazards, encouraging you to keep moving while conserving ammunition and health.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Destructible environments add a layer of interactivity rarely seen in shooters of its era. You can blast through walls, crates, and security cameras to carve new paths or uncover hidden power-ups. This freedom of approach rewards exploration, especially when you discover secret alcoves that hold weapon upgrades or health boosts, giving you a tangible advantage against the tougher boss encounters.

Combat scenarios are varied: swarms of smaller robots will flank you one moment, while hulking mechanical sentries demand strategic positioning and timing the perfect reload. Power-ups and inventory items—ranging from rapid-fire gun mods to one-time-use bombs—keep the gameplay dynamic. The bonus point system at the end of each level, tied to achievements like destroying all security cameras or completing objectives under a time limit, adds replay value for completionists.

Graphics

Visually, Shrapnel City embraces a late-’90s pixel art style that feels both nostalgic and crisp. The ruined Los Angeles backdrop is rendered with surprising detail: crumbling skyscrapers, flickering neon signs, and smog-choked alleyways set a gritty atmosphere. Sprite animations for Duke are smooth, with a satisfying recoil when firing and an expressive victory pose when you clear a stage.

Techbots come in a variety of designs—from small, spider-like scouts to towering bipedal tanks—each animated with mechanical precision. The contrast between the hero’s bright color palette and the muted, industrial tones of the environment helps enemies pop off the screen, ensuring you never lose track of the action even when the chaos ramps up.

Lighting effects may seem rudimentary by today’s standards, but the occasional muzzle flash and explosion particle bursts feel impactful. Destructible scenery reacts convincingly to your shots, with debris scattering realistically. These small touches reinforce the idea that you’re tearing through an enemy stronghold rather than merely progressing from left to right.

Story

At its core, Duke Nukum: Shrapnel City offers a straightforward yet entertaining storyline: in 1997, the deranged Dr. Proton unleashes an army of mechanical Techbots on Earth, and only Duke Nukum—with his larger-than-life attitude and arsenal of weapons—can stop him. The narrative is delivered primarily through brief level intros and tongue-in-cheek text, capturing the irreverent spirit Duke is known for.

While the plot doesn’t break new ground, it provides just enough context to justify your march through war-torn streets and laboratories. Dr. Proton’s mad scientist persona shines through snippets of dialogue and the occasional in-game bulletin, giving you a clear villain to rail against as you dismantle his robotic minions.

The episodic structure leaves cliffhangers at the end of Shrapnel City, teasing encounters yet to come in subsequent episodes. This serial approach builds anticipation and invites players to follow Duke’s global rampage across devastated urban battlegrounds, creating a sense of momentum that carries you eagerly into Episode 2.

Overall Experience

Duke Nukum: Episode 1 – Shrapnel City nails that old-school shooter thrill while offering enough modern conveniences—like checkpoints and adjustable difficulty—to make it approachable for newcomers. The sense of progression through weapon upgrades and inventory finds keeps each level feeling fresh, and the occasional hidden area encourages thorough exploration.

Audio design complements the gameplay perfectly: punchy sound effects make every shot and explosion feel weighty, while a driving soundtrack underscores the urgency of your mission. Voice quips from Duke himself add personality, turning routine enemy encounters into memorable moments.

Though its graphics and mechanics may not match today’s AAA blockbusters, Shrapnel City stands as a testament to tight design and pure fun. If you’re a fan of nostalgic platform shooters or looking for a solid retro-style challenge with plenty of unlockables and secrets, Duke Nukum: Episode 1 is a worthy addition to your library—and a promising start to a trilogy of explosive action.

Retro Replay Score

6.9/10