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One of the rarest CD-ROM adventure games of all time due to its limited
distribution, Duckman is a great game based on a popular TV cartoon of the same name
that aired on USA Network, which in turn was based on the underground comic created
by Everett Peck. The story begins with you, Duckman, taking a long-overdue break from
your TV show at a Hollywood spa. You soon learn that you have been replaced on the
show by the new Duckman, a macho replacement hired in your absence. Unfortunately for
you, he has become incredibly popular with the studio, the cast, and even the show's
fans. As the original Duckman, you must find a way back onto the show and reclaim
your star status. Along the way, you will find that your old enemy, King Chicken is
behind the whole thing and is planning on murdering your family for revenge.
Duckman is based on the improved engine last used in Beavis and Butthead in Virtual
Stupidity, i.e. traditional inventory-based point-and-click adventure. One of the
annoying things about the otherwise excellent Virtual Stupidity is the game's tendency
to pop in and out of a window for cutscenes. Thanks to full-screen Direct X support,
this does not happen in Duckman: the cutscenes happen right inside the gameworld,
thus maintaining the continuity and suspension of disbelief. True to the game's
pedigree, the dialog is very witty, and full of quips from the TV shows that fans
will recognize. On the downside, the game is shorter than average, and very easy.
Beginners should be able to finish it with little or no difficulty, while experienced
gamers will be able to finish it in a few sittings. Still, great humor and plot makes
Duckman a good game that's well worth a play through for everyone. |