Genesis

Dynamite Duke

A similar style of play to the Master System version, but the Megadrive game is a bit tougher, giving more of a challenge. The graphics are almost coin-op perfect, and there are some really nice audio touches. However, overall, Dynamite Duke fails to really enthrall because it becomes very reptitive after a couple of days, and pretty darn difficult if you're not used to playing games like this. Fans of the original arcade machine will certainly enjoy this, but even then, not for long.

Schau an, ein Vertreter der "Operation Sowieso"-Spezies. Bei Dynamite Duke steuert man man allerdings neben dem Fadenkreuz auch die dazugehörende Spielfigur über den Bildschirm. Das schlicht wirkende Dauerballer-Spielprinzip wurde hier sehr geschickt umgesetzt. Die fair gestalteten Levels und vor allem die vielen sinnvollen Extras kurbeln den Motivationsausstoß gewaltig an. Das Modul ist aber nur Actionfans mit starken Nerven zu empfehlen, denn das Umschießen von Soldaten dürfte so manchem gegen den Strich gehen. Dem Moralmalus zum Trotz: spielerisch wird gehobene Action-Kost geboten.

Dynamite Duke may not have the most detailed graphics in the world, but I'll give it props for having some HUGE sprites. I also like how you can blow up much of the scenery, revealing weapons and power-ups. While most of your time is spent dodging missiles and spraying bullets, the end-of-stage bosses provide the opportunity for some hand-to-hand action. By far, the bosses are the most difficult aspect of the game. You'll routinely roll through a whole stage without breaking a sweat, and then blow through all three continues on one boss. In close combat, Duke's punches look pretty cool, but his kicks look pathetic! If you like short, action-packed arcade games, Dynamite Duke is a fair way to pass the time.

So for all my extensive research (translation: I looked at some arcade screenshots), the Genesis port remains my only experience with Dynamite Duke. And it would have remained a great experience forever if not for my friends who did their best to ruin my innocent fun. SNES-loving friends. Friends who pointed out that the sticks of dynamite strongly resemble ketchup bottles, and the big red bombs hurled by grenadiers look more like Christmas ornaments than any kind of incendiary device. I don't know about you, but I have a hard time taking a military action game seriously when enemy soldiers attack with ketchup and holiday decorations. Dynamite Duke is fun, but it's far from classic.

Dynamite Duke was a dismal value when it dropped on the Genesis, but the game is something of a breezy goof now. You can likely find it for a fraction of the original price, and having that atrocious box art on your shelf is kinda funny. Just don't expect anything more than 30 minutes of play value.

It all basically boils down to what you're looking for. If you want a quick shooter that's fun in short bursts, then Dynamite Duke may be worth a quick trip to eBay. If you want more depth and variety, then stick to other Menacer-equipped games like T2: The Arcade Game and the underrated Body Count. The problem is that there are so few titles on the Genesis like Duke that ultimately, you're left with little choice but to give it a chance.