i was expecting a doom clone with funny dialogue but i got something way more fleshed out than i anticipated. the level design isn't nearly as tight and engaging as doom, but there's a super cinematic feeling to it and it does a really good job of pulling off spectacle and variety for an fps in 1996. awesome game that's more than just a doom comparison.
Basically a longer, more open DOOM (1993), although it is easier to get lost and stuck without a guide, so that brings it down a point. Still a great shooter, though.
Honestly, this game is mostly about what comes out of Duke’s mouth.
Luckily, it has some really good levels to back that up. With excellent deathmatches.
“Those alien bastards are going to pay for shootin’ up my ride!”
Luckily, it has some really good levels to back that up. With excellent deathmatches.
“Those alien bastards are going to pay for shootin’ up my ride!”
Coming from playing Doom this was hard, but after a while trying to learn how to use all my arsenal properly, it was a bit easier.
The monsters design and weapons were one of my favorite things of this game.
Good game, and a bit challenging one for me.
The monsters design and weapons were one of my favorite things of this game.
Good game, and a bit challenging one for me.
Ah, to be a juvenile young lad playing this Duke Nukem game. Always made me laugh, and the gameplay was good enough even if I preferred Doom by a lot.
"Yeah, piece of cake"
Used to be pretty harsh on this game. Always recognized it's innovation, and importance. But its always been outclassed by Shadow Warrior, Blood, and Powerslave for me.
Ive come around on it in recent years though, enjoyable experience even if it only has a singular good episode
Ive come around on it in recent years though, enjoyable experience even if it only has a singular good episode
meio merda pra falar a real...
One of the best FPS's from the 90's! I truly feel like an 80's action hero while playing this!
(I played this on the Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary World Tour)
There are few boomer shooter protagonists as remembered as Duke Nukem. You could say Doom guy, but tell me what’s his best quote. Duke Nukem 3D wasn’t the first Duke Nukem game, but it was the one that made it popular. It used the new Build engine to make a level with complexity and interactivity that hadn’t been seen before. While today, it may seem primitive, at the time it was cutting edge. Would I recommend It? If you want to experience the past of gaming, sure go ahead, but in regard to its core gameplay there are just better modern titles.
Story
You can probably guess that this is not a story focused game. There are cutscenes that provide context and humour. However, throughout most of the game you will just be going through loosely connected levels and any plot it has is on par to a 90s action B-movie. The only part worth talking about is the protagonist, Duke Nukem. He is heavily inspired by the action film protagonist of the 90s like the Terminator, Commando and others. He is a big buff guy who only talks in one-liners, loves women and hates aliens (the extraterrestrial kind). Some people might be put off by the reputation he acquired from the later games, I assure you Duke Nukem 3D doesn’t use sexism for jokes. It does put women in peril, but that is mainly to give the protagonist a reason that more closely aligns with his archetype.
Mechanics and gameplay
If you ever played a boomer shooter than you already know the core gameplay. Movement in the build engine takes some getting used to, but overall, it’s alright. You get the regular amount of gun – 10, and they have some variety between them. There is the standard pistol, shotgun, rocket launcher and MG, but there are more original weapons like shrinkinator, freeze ray and devastator. I have to note the lack of tracers and projectile weapons being hard to aim. The game gives you just enough ammo to kill everything, but not enough to only use the most powerful weapons. Enemy variety is lacking. You will mostly be fighting the same few foes thought the whole game, and most of them are hitscanners. Bosses aren’t worth talking about. Level design is good. They have a surprising amount of interactivity for an old game. Another part of what makes them so memorable is their variety. Cinemas, amusement parks, the moon – Duke Nukem takes you to many places, but it always keeps the same feel. I did get lost a few times, but I think that’s on me.
Graphics and artstyle
2D enemies, low quality textures and chunky environments. Yeah, back in the day it was the peak, now even Unity asset flips have better graphics. At least the game doesn’t look “ugly”.
Atmosphere
Duke Nukem 3D gives off a very specific atmosphere. You are the stereotypical thought guy who says cool one-liners, will kick the alien’s ass, and all the hot chicks love him. Very reminiscent of 90s action films.
Soundtrack and sound effects
SFX is okay, it didn’t make an impression on me. OST is excellent. Every level has its own soundtrack, and they all feel unique. Those midi composers knew what they were doing. My favourite part is “Aliens, Say Your Prayers!”.
Final Thoughts
I am here to chew bubblegum and kick ass, and I am all out of ass.
There are few boomer shooter protagonists as remembered as Duke Nukem. You could say Doom guy, but tell me what’s his best quote. Duke Nukem 3D wasn’t the first Duke Nukem game, but it was the one that made it popular. It used the new Build engine to make a level with complexity and interactivity that hadn’t been seen before. While today, it may seem primitive, at the time it was cutting edge. Would I recommend It? If you want to experience the past of gaming, sure go ahead, but in regard to its core gameplay there are just better modern titles.
Story
You can probably guess that this is not a story focused game. There are cutscenes that provide context and humour. However, throughout most of the game you will just be going through loosely connected levels and any plot it has is on par to a 90s action B-movie. The only part worth talking about is the protagonist, Duke Nukem. He is heavily inspired by the action film protagonist of the 90s like the Terminator, Commando and others. He is a big buff guy who only talks in one-liners, loves women and hates aliens (the extraterrestrial kind). Some people might be put off by the reputation he acquired from the later games, I assure you Duke Nukem 3D doesn’t use sexism for jokes. It does put women in peril, but that is mainly to give the protagonist a reason that more closely aligns with his archetype.
Mechanics and gameplay
If you ever played a boomer shooter than you already know the core gameplay. Movement in the build engine takes some getting used to, but overall, it’s alright. You get the regular amount of gun – 10, and they have some variety between them. There is the standard pistol, shotgun, rocket launcher and MG, but there are more original weapons like shrinkinator, freeze ray and devastator. I have to note the lack of tracers and projectile weapons being hard to aim. The game gives you just enough ammo to kill everything, but not enough to only use the most powerful weapons. Enemy variety is lacking. You will mostly be fighting the same few foes thought the whole game, and most of them are hitscanners. Bosses aren’t worth talking about. Level design is good. They have a surprising amount of interactivity for an old game. Another part of what makes them so memorable is their variety. Cinemas, amusement parks, the moon – Duke Nukem takes you to many places, but it always keeps the same feel. I did get lost a few times, but I think that’s on me.
Graphics and artstyle
2D enemies, low quality textures and chunky environments. Yeah, back in the day it was the peak, now even Unity asset flips have better graphics. At least the game doesn’t look “ugly”.
Atmosphere
Duke Nukem 3D gives off a very specific atmosphere. You are the stereotypical thought guy who says cool one-liners, will kick the alien’s ass, and all the hot chicks love him. Very reminiscent of 90s action films.
Soundtrack and sound effects
SFX is okay, it didn’t make an impression on me. OST is excellent. Every level has its own soundtrack, and they all feel unique. Those midi composers knew what they were doing. My favourite part is “Aliens, Say Your Prayers!”.
Final Thoughts
I am here to chew bubblegum and kick ass, and I am all out of ass.
One of my Top 5 best games I have ever played. The fact that a game from 1996 has more interactivity than any other AAA game from the last 20 years is insane to me.
Really love this classic, really fun levels and of course duke himself is always fun to listen to. It has a great soundtrack with it too, easily one of my favorite fps games ever.
My only real complaint is higher difficulties are not fun, too much hitscan enemies.
My only real complaint is higher difficulties are not fun, too much hitscan enemies.
not for me
If I'm gonna be Build Engine Gaming, sorry Duke but I'm hanging out with Caleb.
Didn't leave an impression like doom, but the interactive set pieces and pop culture easter eggs and a character that has some of the best lines of all time in gaming. It really ranks up there in terms of doing something different than other doom clones.
Hail to the King, baby.
~fps retrospective 7~
Wow he really shat down that guys neck. In all seriousness its a good shooter and imo the start of fps protags having a personality to them and its such a fun personality Duke has. Also the level of interactivity in this game compared to past games like is revolutionary.
Wow he really shat down that guys neck. In all seriousness its a good shooter and imo the start of fps protags having a personality to them and its such a fun personality Duke has. Also the level of interactivity in this game compared to past games like is revolutionary.
Clássico é clássico. Sem mais.
Frenético, simples e divertido. Pegou tudo que Doom fez e aperfeiçoou.
Frenético, simples e divertido. Pegou tudo que Doom fez e aperfeiçoou.
Classic shooter
Pros: Personality, tons of it. Yeah, the humor hasn't aged well, but Duke's vanilla smooth voice sure has! It's a decent FPS of the day, the kind where you're navigating mazes, looking for key cards, to open doors, which, I actually appreciate quite a bit. The game is fine! Lots to look at, lots to laugh at, it's amateurish, sure, but a solid game!... Damn, this game is good.
Cons: It's so over the top, it's really hard to say something like "Duke is misogynistic" when... c'mon, this is just dumb satire. I can't imagine anyone seriously looking to him as a role model... Then again, he does kick ass and chew bubble gum, despite being all out of gum.
What it means to me: This was my first FPS game next to... Next to Super 3D Noah's Ark. I'm not even kidding. I played these two back to back, and they couldn't be more different! Haha! I had a lot of fun being a little kid laughing at all of the "mature" jokes in this one. I felt a little sneaky playing it when I knew I wasn't allowed to, heheh... It's a good memory for that alone.
Cons: It's so over the top, it's really hard to say something like "Duke is misogynistic" when... c'mon, this is just dumb satire. I can't imagine anyone seriously looking to him as a role model... Then again, he does kick ass and chew bubble gum, despite being all out of gum.
What it means to me: This was my first FPS game next to... Next to Super 3D Noah's Ark. I'm not even kidding. I played these two back to back, and they couldn't be more different! Haha! I had a lot of fun being a little kid laughing at all of the "mature" jokes in this one. I felt a little sneaky playing it when I knew I wasn't allowed to, heheh... It's a good memory for that alone.
to lembrando aquiiiii da minha infâââânciammm
ITs time to kick bubblegum and chew ass... & and im all outta ass - Dick Kickem
Never liked Duke to begin with
This review contains spoilers
Warning: spoilers
All time classic that never gets old.
Duke Nukem 3D was one of the first games I ever played, and what a game to start with. As a kid, I was not skilled enough to finish this epic game, but as an adult, I finally finished the game in 2017. It did not disappoint and it was a ride full of joy and nostalgia.
Duke Nukem 3D is a simple game with a simple story. Aliens invade the earth and are abducting all the woman, or “babes”. Duke is on vacation after the events of Duke Nukem I and II, but is called to earth via a distress signal.
You start in L.A. and see the devastation that has ravaged the city. You fight your way through the alien horde, desperately seeking and rescuing the women that have been abducted. Throughout the four episodes, you fight an Alien Battle lord, infiltrate an alien mothership to discover that the women are being “incubated” by the aliens. But then, you discover they were just a distraction to lure Duke away from earth, while the aliens launch a full invasion of the earth. This is a great example of the simple mind of a man. Lure him away with beer and/or titties and he will follow like a dog.
Anyway, you return to earth, fight the Cycloid Emperor and save the day, or so you think. However, in the next episode, you learn that one of the incubated women from the mother ship is used to “give birth” to the Alien Queen. You get your gun and go to work once again. You venture through “Babe Land”, a parody of Disneyland, Duke Burger, and even Area 51. You kill the Alien Queen but learn that there is another invasion that takes place all around the world. In the last episode, you liberate world capitols like Amsterdam, Paris, London, the pyramids of Giza, Rome and end your ass kicking back in Los Angles. You defeat the Cycloid Incinerator and stop the alien threat once and for all.
In terms of graphics, I still think Duke Nukem 3D looks great. Many items, furniture and walls are destructible, giving this game a realistic look, even back then. The many different areas, regions, unique buildings and settings makes this game stand out in comparison to Doom and Wolfenstein in my opinion.
Sound wise, Duke Nukem 3D is on par with Doom. Gunfire, enemy grunts and explosions all sound great. But of course, the best part of Duke Nukem, is its rocking soundtrack.
You can collect many different items in Duke Nukem 3D. New weapons, portable health kits, speed boosting steroids, holograms and many more. The inclusion of those items give this game an RPG feeling. Most of them are hidden away so exploring the levels thoroughly is a rewarding experience.
The humour and references to pop culture are hilarious. Many of them, I could not understand as a kid, but when growing up, many of these jokes and parodies are still as dark or funny as they were back then. When I found the corpse of the Doom Guy in one of the many secrets in the game, I could do nothing more than love the game even more.
The best part of Duke Nukem 3D, is the controversy that it spawned when it came out, something I did not understand as a kid, but which is somewhat hilarious in hindsight. The fact that you dope yourself up with steroids for extra boosts, the fact that Duke is actually a horny playboy/pimp that does not give a crap about people, except hot babes, and the foul jokes that I could finally understand when I grew up learned the English language.
Definitely recommend this gem.
All time classic that never gets old.
Duke Nukem 3D was one of the first games I ever played, and what a game to start with. As a kid, I was not skilled enough to finish this epic game, but as an adult, I finally finished the game in 2017. It did not disappoint and it was a ride full of joy and nostalgia.
Duke Nukem 3D is a simple game with a simple story. Aliens invade the earth and are abducting all the woman, or “babes”. Duke is on vacation after the events of Duke Nukem I and II, but is called to earth via a distress signal.
You start in L.A. and see the devastation that has ravaged the city. You fight your way through the alien horde, desperately seeking and rescuing the women that have been abducted. Throughout the four episodes, you fight an Alien Battle lord, infiltrate an alien mothership to discover that the women are being “incubated” by the aliens. But then, you discover they were just a distraction to lure Duke away from earth, while the aliens launch a full invasion of the earth. This is a great example of the simple mind of a man. Lure him away with beer and/or titties and he will follow like a dog.
Anyway, you return to earth, fight the Cycloid Emperor and save the day, or so you think. However, in the next episode, you learn that one of the incubated women from the mother ship is used to “give birth” to the Alien Queen. You get your gun and go to work once again. You venture through “Babe Land”, a parody of Disneyland, Duke Burger, and even Area 51. You kill the Alien Queen but learn that there is another invasion that takes place all around the world. In the last episode, you liberate world capitols like Amsterdam, Paris, London, the pyramids of Giza, Rome and end your ass kicking back in Los Angles. You defeat the Cycloid Incinerator and stop the alien threat once and for all.
In terms of graphics, I still think Duke Nukem 3D looks great. Many items, furniture and walls are destructible, giving this game a realistic look, even back then. The many different areas, regions, unique buildings and settings makes this game stand out in comparison to Doom and Wolfenstein in my opinion.
Sound wise, Duke Nukem 3D is on par with Doom. Gunfire, enemy grunts and explosions all sound great. But of course, the best part of Duke Nukem, is its rocking soundtrack.
You can collect many different items in Duke Nukem 3D. New weapons, portable health kits, speed boosting steroids, holograms and many more. The inclusion of those items give this game an RPG feeling. Most of them are hidden away so exploring the levels thoroughly is a rewarding experience.
The humour and references to pop culture are hilarious. Many of them, I could not understand as a kid, but when growing up, many of these jokes and parodies are still as dark or funny as they were back then. When I found the corpse of the Doom Guy in one of the many secrets in the game, I could do nothing more than love the game even more.
The best part of Duke Nukem 3D, is the controversy that it spawned when it came out, something I did not understand as a kid, but which is somewhat hilarious in hindsight. The fact that you dope yourself up with steroids for extra boosts, the fact that Duke is actually a horny playboy/pimp that does not give a crap about people, except hot babes, and the foul jokes that I could finally understand when I grew up learned the English language.
Definitely recommend this gem.
I first played this on my iPod touch in 2009, I had to lie to my parents saying this wasn't a M rated game and I bought it by mistake.
This game is like taking the classic action hero of the 80s and 90s and placing them into a first-person shooter. Full of references to films, TV, and other cultural touchstones of that era, this is a roaring good time if you're a fan of that kind of stuff. It also stands out from other games of its type with the complete opposite of a silent protagonist, as Jon St. John rips one-liner after one-liner while gunning down aliens and hitting on chicks. Yes, some of the game has not aged well in our culture, but the gameplay is classic FPS action with some very cool levels to traverse if you can look past the dated stuff.
Played this at a friend's house when I was maybe 6 years old - all I remember was that you could use the urinal and that was peak comedy at the time.
HELL YEAH.
"suck it down"
"you wanna dance?"
"shake it baby!"
"you wanna dance?"
"shake it baby!"
It's a classic for a reason, even if it never was a personal favorite. Never even fully finished it until now, but i did play the first episode around 100 times and it remains the best one.
Really innovative for it's time, it is wonderfully charming in 80's/90's action movie kind of way. Less charming is the amount of bullshit it pulls, some enemies like the exploding drones and the minigun one are insanely frustrating and annoying. There are so many insta-death traps and unavoidable enemies.
As a shooter it is one of the weakest among it's peers, but the attitude and humor more than makes up for it.
Really innovative for it's time, it is wonderfully charming in 80's/90's action movie kind of way. Less charming is the amount of bullshit it pulls, some enemies like the exploding drones and the minigun one are insanely frustrating and annoying. There are so many insta-death traps and unavoidable enemies.
As a shooter it is one of the weakest among it's peers, but the attitude and humor more than makes up for it.