Duke Nukem: Episode 1 – Shrapnel City is the 1991 DOS platformer by Apogee Software that introduced the titular action hero. Long before the series moved to 3D, Duke’s first outing tasked players with navigating large, maze-like levels to stop Dr. Proton’s robotic army. The game blends precise jumping with run-and-gun shooting, requiring you to hunt down colored keys to unlock matching doors, destroy security cameras, and collect floppy disks for points while blasting techbots.
How to play
Use the Arrow Keys to move and climb ladders, Alt to jump, and Ctrl to shoot your blaster. Your goal in each level is to find the exit door, which often requires locating specific access keys first. Keep an eye on your health bar (represented by blocks) and pick up soda cans or turkey to restore it.
Tips
- Shoot the turkey to cook it; eating raw turkey gives you fewer health points than a cooked one.
- Destroying security cameras not only gives you points but also sometimes triggers secret doors or moving platforms.
- Look for hidden wall blocks that can be shot to reveal secret areas containing health, weapon upgrades, and bonus items.
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