Nuclear Throne Reviews

My favorite game of all time. I’ve probably got around 2500 hours across various platforms and physical releases and still find myself coming back to this game.

30fps judder makes this painful and unplayable. Edit: Indeed the 60fps beta changes everything.

An unforgiving but criminally under appreciated game. It's still getting updates after all these years, 90fps on steam deck is MAD sexy.

been playing this game off and on for years and i'm only just now starting to dig deep into its mechanics. love how arcadey it is

Nuclear Throne is a fast-paced, top-down roguelike shooter that delivers relentless action, challenging gameplay, and a rich sense of progression wrapped in a pixelated post-apocalyptic world. Developed by Vlambeer, this indie title has become a standout in the roguelike and bullet-hell genres thanks to its precise controls, punishing difficulty, and deep customization. At its core, the game is about fighting through hordes of mutated enemies and deadly environments in pursuit of the elusive Nuclear Throne, an ultimate prize that promises power and survival in a chaotic wasteland. From the moment you start a run in Nuclear Throne, the game demands quick reflexes and strategic thinking. Each level is procedurally generated, meaning no two runs feel exactly the same. Players choose from a cast of quirky mutants, each with their own unique abilities and starting weapons, which instantly adds variety to the gameplay. Whether you prefer the agile Rebel with her rapid-fire crossbow or the bulky Melting who explodes on death to clear enemies, your playstyle can dramatically shape how you approach each stage. The pacing is relentless, with enemies flooding the screen in waves, requiring constant movement, quick shooting, and smart use of cover and terrain. One of the game’s defining features is its weapon system. Nuclear Throne offers a vast array of guns and explosives, from basic pistols and machine guns to more exotic weapons like the energy bazooka or homing rocket launcher. Weapons can be found scattered throughout levels or earned as rewards, and you can carry two at a time, allowing for flexible combat strategies. The moment-to-moment gameplay is a thrilling dance of positioning, aiming, and weapon swapping, where your survival hinges on how effectively you utilize your firepower against increasingly tough enemies and unpredictable boss fights. The progression system is another layer of depth that keeps players engaged run after run. As you kill enemies, you collect experience points that allow you to unlock mutations—powerful perks that alter your character’s abilities in meaningful ways. These mutations can drastically change your approach, granting things like faster reload speeds, explosive ammunition, increased health, or unique passive effects. The combination of mutations you choose can synergize to create powerful builds or risky strategies, adding a level of RPG-like customization that rewards experimentation. However, the game balances this with its high difficulty, ensuring that no build feels overpowered enough to trivialize the core challenge. Visually, Nuclear Throne embraces a retro pixel-art aesthetic that perfectly fits its frantic gameplay. The art style is colorful but gritty, with a variety of post-apocalyptic environments that include irradiated wastelands, mutant-infested sewers, and industrial complexes. Despite the simplicity of the graphics, enemy designs are distinct and memorable, making it easy to identify threats quickly—a crucial feature in a bullet-hell shooter. Explosions, gunfire, and particle effects add to the chaotic atmosphere without overwhelming the player, thanks to thoughtful design choices that prioritize clarity and responsiveness. The soundtrack complements the gameplay brilliantly. With a synth-heavy, adrenaline-pumping score, the music fuels the intensity of each run, driving players forward even when the odds feel stacked against them. Sound effects are punchy and satisfying, from the crack of a shotgun blast to the explosive ricochet of grenades. Together, the audio and visuals create an immersive, high-energy experience that keeps players hooked despite the steep difficulty curve. Speaking of difficulty, Nuclear Throne is not a forgiving game. It embraces the roguelike ethos of trial, error, and learning through failure. Death is frequent and often sudden, but each attempt feels rewarding because you gain experience, unlock new characters, weapons, and mutations, and refine your skills. The game’s design encourages players to learn enemy patterns, map layouts, and effective weapon combinations, rewarding persistence and mastery. For many, this difficulty is the core appeal—it creates a tension-filled gameplay loop where every second counts, and success feels truly earned. Multiplayer is also available, offering a cooperative mode that lets two players team up locally. This mode adds another layer of fun and challenge, requiring coordination and strategy as you share weapons, mutations, and resources while trying to survive the onslaught together. Although local co-op is well-executed, the game lacks online multiplayer, which some players might miss, but the local experience remains highly enjoyable. Overall, Nuclear Throne is a masterclass in design for roguelike shooters. Its blend of tight controls, diverse characters, expansive weaponry, and meaningful progression systems creates an experience that is both accessible and deeply rewarding. It’s a game that can be picked up in short bursts or enjoyed in long marathon sessions, always offering fresh challenges and exciting moments. While its steep learning curve may deter casual players, those who invest time find a richly rewarding and exhilarating game that stands out in a crowded indie landscape. For fans of bullet-hell shooters and roguelikes, Nuclear Throne remains a must-play title that perfectly captures the thrill and chaos of survival in a post-apocalyptic world. Rating: 9/10

Like Gungeon but faster pace and quicker game cycles.

I've picked this up recently and I can't put it down. How good this remains to be even years after its initial release is a testament to how good this game is

gungeon is vapes, nuclear throne is unfiltered crack cocaine

dev's thought process while making y.v: ah yes make a character which can one hit the final boss great idea ah yes crystals should deal 200 contact damage good game pls buy

Hugely fun top-down rogueli*e shooter. Also: punishing. You can get one-shotted on the 2nd level or the 6th; the game doesn't mind which. The simple (but charming) visuals mask some great game design. The audio is choppy, but the music is both evocative and fun. The current beta version supports 60/120fps at long last. It's still not a smooth experience, but it's better than 30fps. Controls are good, though you'll probably get caught on a tile a few times. And will die for it. Highly recommended.