“Nuclear Blaze” is not a new game. After all, it was initially released on PC in 2021. However, the 2D action-adventure game arrived on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 in April of 2023, marking the first time it has been available on consoles. Developed by Deepnight Games, the title puts players into the shoes of a lone firefighter investigating a series of fires at a secret military base. Using a hose to tackle the flames he comes across, the game plays like a side-scrolling Metroidvania game as players extinguish fires and dodge potential threats.
Managing the constantly expanding flames is a major element of “Nuclear Blaze,” as allowing the fire to get out of control will make progressing through the level almost impossible. But players also have to carefully manage their water supply, which can only be refilled at specific points. This causes a dilemma you have to consider every move you make to stay safe.
Where “Nuclear Blaze” really excels, though, is with its story. The exact nature of the military base and the source of the fire are slowly revealed as you progress further into the facility. Rescuing survivors and discovering notes reveals exactly what went on. With a relatively short playtime, a great soundtrack, and plenty of difficulty options, “Nuclear Blaze” is a game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages.
