Nuclear Throne

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Games Master UK
    Feb 26, 2016
    91
    A frantic roguelike that looks, sounds and feels fantastic. An essential addition to the genre. [Feb 2016, p.82]
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  2. Push Square
    Jan 8, 2016
    90
    If you are a fan of rogue-likes or simply want an outstanding game to play, then we suggest that you let Vlambeer's latest rule over your PlayStation lands, 'cause it's definitely ruling over ours.
  3. PlayStation Universe
    Dec 21, 2015
    90
    Multi-layered in its sophistication while being drenched in aesthetic bombast and effortlessly entertaining, Nuclear Throne isn't just Vlambeer's finest work to date, it also happens to be the best twin-stick shooter since Helldivers; even in light of its relatively minor transgressions.
  5. Vandal
    Dec 10, 2015
    90
    Nuclear Throne is one of the best games we've played in the last few months, thanks to a formula that gets pretty close to perfection. It's one of those games you could always play "just one more time".
  6. Power Unlimited
    Jan 27, 2016
    88
    Nuclear Throne sparks the same addiction Spelunky did a few years ago, and does so with big guns, cool secrets and a perfect difficulty. An ideal game for on the go - on the PS Vita. [feb. 2016 / page 064]
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  7. Atomix
    Dec 29, 2015
    85
    Nuclear Throne is simple, chaotic, addictive, challenging and fun; a game that you can take for a pair of minutes or many hours trying to beat its difficult random levels. A very good design of weapons, characters, enemies and abilities give us a very good game that the hardcore gamers could enjoy.
  8. Gamer.nl
    Dec 20, 2015
    85
    Nuclear Throne works you until you finally climb that throne. The chaotic shooting action and the many many mutations combined with a random build up in levels make sure every experience feels anew.
  9. Play UK
    Feb 24, 2016
    80
    Cruel and unforgiving yet wonderfully satisfying when it comes together, Nuclear Throne is an accomplished roguelike capable of challenging even the most skilled players. [Issue#266, p.72]
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  10. Edge Magazine
    Feb 16, 2016
    80
    Nuclear Throne's hook is disarmingly simple but blisteringly effective. In short, it gets a move on. [Feb 2016, p.112]
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  11. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Feb 10, 2016
    80
    A disastrously addictive 'rogue-ilke' time sink that clearly benefits from more than two years of PC Early Access tweaking. Don't argue - just get it. Now. [Feb 2016, p.88]
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  12. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Feb 2, 2016
    80
    Yes, it’s punishing. But it’s the good, sexy kind of punishment. [February 2015, p74]
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  13. Hardcore Gamer
    Dec 27, 2015
    80
    Nuclear Throne is impeccably presented and tightly designed. There is enough variety in characters, upgrades and weapons to ensure that playthroughs never get repetitive and its visceral combat is a joy in itself. Its frustrating unfairness, however, holds it back and may alienate even hardcore roguelike fans.
  14. Destructoid
    Dec 16, 2015
    80
    I have come to love and loathe Nuclear Throne. It's one of the hardest, most rewarding games I've ever played. But as satisfying as it can eventually become, I think it is far too demanding for its own good. With additional polish and balancing, this could be a masterpiece in the genre. It's not quite there yet, but it's close.
  15. Game Informer
    Dec 17, 2015
    75
    Nuclear Throne somehow manages to be both fun and frustrating at the same time, making for an interesting roguelike shooter that will keep you coming back for more.

Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Best PS4 Game of 2015

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 49 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 49
  3. Negative: 14 out of 49
  1. Stludwig
    Feb 17, 2016
    1
    I'm here to confirm Alecj's issues with Nuclear Throne. I want to play this game, but I don't want to waste my time with all the crashes thatI'm here to confirm Alecj's issues with Nuclear Throne. I want to play this game, but I don't want to waste my time with all the crashes that happen in the later levels. It's frustrating that a company can get away with releasing such a broken game.

    Oh, and the pause menu is horribly designed. The cursor automatically selects main menu, AND R2 functions as the X button. I've picked up my controller so many times and have nudged R2 and was sent back to the main menu. Please fix your game. Please.    … Full Review »
  2. Alecj
    Feb 9, 2016
    3
    Great Potential!
    Terrible port.
    Nuclear throne has the addictive game play and charm to keep you playing for days or weeks. A run may only    Great Potential!
    Terrible port.

    Nuclear throne has the addictive game play and charm to keep you playing for days or weeks. A run may only take 5 minutes with its punishing difficulty, but as you improve and get closer to the fabled "Nuclear Throne", it only pushes you to try again.

    With multiple characters to try and unlock, a plethora of weapons to discover and manage....not to mention the trove of secrets hinted at in the game and whispered about online.....there is plenty to keep things fresh while you build your skill towards reaching and surpassing the Nuclear Throne itself.

    A great game just a tick below the level of a Binding of Isaac, but more action packed and possibly more fun depending on your preferences.

    So why the low score?

    Its completely broken on PS4.

    Ive owned the game for months now and it still continually crashes.

    The "Daily Challenge" is worthless due to the error messages you will be blasted with, before learning your results. Same with the "Monthly Challenge".

    Any time you proceed past world 5, a crash could happen at any point. Take heavy damage....the game crashes. Unlock a new character by passing a new, personal best level....too bad, the game will undoubtedly crash before your results are saved.

    Its frustrating and unacceptable.

    Its one thing for an Indie game to have bugs or run a bit wonky. This game is broken and you cannot progress past certain points because of continued crashing issues.

    I heard the developers know of the problem but have no plans to fix it in the near future. Maybe that info is inaccurate, but they sure havent made an effort to let players know the situation, proactively.

    I like the game quite a bit, but refuse to sink time into it while it remains broken.

    If nothing else, i want to warn others before they spend their money on Nuclear Throne. See if these issues have been resolved before buying this game.

    As of todays date. Its in a condition i find unacceptable.    … Full Review »
  3. Ikenda
    Dec 6, 2015
    10
    Awesome indie! Fast pace rogue action and great characters and weapons. I didn't expect it to be that good but it certainly delivered. MustAwesome indie! Fast pace rogue action and great characters and weapons. I didn't expect it to be that good but it certainly delivered. Must buy for me!… Full Review »
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