(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.