Nuclear Blaze is an action platformer for Nintendo Switch. In this firefighting adventure, you’ll make your way through a burning facility, putting out fires and uncovering dangerous mysteries along the way. Sounds fun. is!
The game begins with an explosion that is quickly joined by a team of firefighters. You play the role of him one of these heroic people who is a little more adventurous than others. Investigation leads to a seemingly abandoned facility filled with redacted notes and other lost messages alluding to the failed experiment. The more you go underground, the more the mystery will be solved.
Most of the gameplay involves navigating this particular building and putting out those pesky fires. Move the little hero and aim the hose with the control stick. You can also jump and (eventually) roll, along with other unlockable moves. Keeping things simple in this regard allows other design features to stand out.
For example, suppose you have a limited water supply. Useful tanks are scattered throughout the facility, but you’ll need to time your movements so you don’t get stuck. Some fires are counted down in front of you and you have to extinguish them within the time limit. If unsuccessful, the room will explode, killing you and forcing you to try again. This stressful factor keeps the adrenaline pumping. Some flames are caused by electrical faults. That means water is useless. In fact, soaking in these flames will hurt you or even kill you. There are also locked doors and other blockades that add to the puzzle element of the game.
Graphics are great. I like the retro aesthetic, with pixelated characters and dark buildings accentuating the flames. The sound effects and audio all work together to capture the stressful environment of Hell. Visual cues also help, such as a bright bluish tint when you clear an area. Before you go any further, take it easy, even just for a second.
Another great feature of Nuclear Blaze is its accessibility. There is a kid-friendly mode ready to roll out in advance. You can fine-tune many of the main mode settings simply by accessing the in-game menu. Factors include how much water you can hold, how far you can spray, and how quickly the fire spreads. By adjusting these, you can lower the difficulty. It’s not insanely difficult, but it’s not a walk in the park by default. Thankfully, your heroic little firefighter respawns right at the final checkpoint. These checkpoints are deployed periodically to minimize frustration when playing.
I also love being in radio contact with my team during the trip. Not only does this communication sound authentic, it helps create a sense of urgency. It also evokes feelings of isolation by highlighting the fact that the team cannot reach you.
Honestly, the only downside to the Nuclear Blaze is its relatively short length. There are incentives to replay, but it’s done within hours. First, there’s the unlockable “Have a Beer” mode, which offers additional challenges after the credits roll. Then there are achievements to conquer using a handy list available from the title screen. Finally, the rescued kittens are her 16. The first pass only found six of him, so another attack on the flaming building was warranted to save the rest.
Overall, Nuclear Blaze is an absolute blast. The 2D platforming is complemented by unique fire-based puzzles that keep you on your toes as you uncover the mystery behind this abandoned facility. There’s something satisfying about clearing out flames in a room, not to mention saving a cute kitten.
