Global Meltdown is for version 1.4/1.5. It has 6 levels and the file is 470KB in size. The file name is globemelt.zip. It was released on July 21, 1997. Note: it needs the art, voc, and midi files from The Gate TC's grp file. The Global Meltdown text doc has 2 different ways to load this TC. I just extracted the needed files from the gate.grp using the Xgroup/Xextract program and copied them to the folder I had Global Meltdown in, clicked on the duke3d.exe, and it loaded fine. Also the M16.VOC file was missing (The sound for the chaingun). I just renamed the chaingun.voc from The Gate to M16.VOC.

Global Meltdown has a new health amount and some new ammo amounts plus some new enemies. Don't be fooled by the new health amount though, two good blasts up close from a pigcop shotgun will put you down no matter how much health you have. The aliens also get kicked backwards every time you shoot them. So do you when they shoot you. Level 1 has a cruise ship anchored at a beach. There is a lot of good stuff to find on the beach, be sure to check it all out. It took me a few minutes to figure out how to get on the ship. Once on the ship it becomes the usual key search till you find the exit to the level. Level 2 starts out in a lighthouse. Then you need to search a resort for the keys to finish the level. Level 3 starts out at the top of Mt. Everest. Watch out for earthquakes/avalanches at the beginning of this level. Then you need to pass through some caverns to reach a temple. On the way a plane crashes almost right in front of you. I liked this level a lot. Level 4 you have been transported to canyon like area with underground caverns to explore and a hidden base with a rocket at the end. Level 5 starts off inside the rocket/spaceship. After you figure out how to reach the exit there is a surprise waiting for you. The next thing you know you are in the courtyard of an apartment complex. After fighting you way to the top floor you get transported again to a boss fight. Level 6 starts out in a sub stuck in the arctic it seems. You make your way to a portal that takes you to an Egyptian temple then on to the final boss fight. I rate this TC as good with 3 out of 5 stars.