Review: Duke Nukem Forever

Platform: PS3 (Also on Xbox 360/PC)

Developer(s): Gearbox/Piranha/Tryptych/3D Realms

# of Players 1 (online 2-)

Rating: M (Mature)

Official Site

Score: B-


With an on and off development cycle lasting over a decade through a few different studios, when all is said and done it's pretty much the Duke Nukem sequel many die-hard fans were expecting. On the other hand, In terms of gameplay it's also so intentionally nostalgic that its more vocal critics will feel it really should have been in stores over a decade ago. If you're in the proper frame of mind with a decently twisted sense of humor, it's both a backhanded compliment as well as a recommendation. At the end of the day, your full enjoyment of Duke Nukem Forever revolves VERY highly on whether or not you've played and enjoyed Duke Nukem 3D and can set your expectations to hover around a reasonable enough level. Pretend it's been a year or two later and not fourteen and the game will be a decent amout of fun. On the other hand, if you're expecting DNF to be some sort of benchmark for gameplay, visuals and storytelling, you'll more likely than not be pretty disappointed.

Duke Nukem Forever Shows Up, Hell Does Not Freeze Over (Details at 11)...

Of course, I was away when UPS dropped my PS3 copy off. Twice last week. Oops. Fortunately, I did get back in time today to grab it and will finally get some quality time with the man himself shortly. As I'm in the process of still winding down from E3 and need to pick up my prescription, I'm not settling down with the game 'til later when I can set up everything I need, ignore the phone and other distractions and dive in. Based on the notes from a few fellow editor-types who've already played a chunk of the single player (and my own hands-on time with earlier builds), I can already predict this one's going to be a total blast, old-school warts and all... back in a bit with a review.

Duke Nukem Forever Trailer (Broadcast Version)

Nice... I want a dozen to go, hold the cheese (as they're plenty here to choke a horse twice). The uncensored one is going up on the other blog later.

Duke Nukem Forever "Balls Of Steel" Edition Revealed

Yikes. 2K Games is rolling out The Man Himself in style with a big ol' "Balls of Steel" limited edition that's ONLY going to be available at GameStop and Amazon. I'm usually not to crazy about some of these premium packs, but this one has some pretty cool stuff that's worth a look (and a read, in the case of that hardcover book). Daddy want. Pore over that pic above (click to make it grow!) and scope out the contents list below.

* Collectible bust of the greatest alien ass-kicker of all-time
* Numbered, limited-edition certificate of authenticity
* 100-page hardcover book: The History, Legacy & Legend: Duke Nukem Forever - Art from the Vault
* Duke Nukem Forever postcard series
* Duke Nukem Forever radioactive emblem sticker
* Duke Nukem Forever collectible comic book
* Duke Nukem Forever foldable paper craft
* Duke Nukem Forever poker chips
* Duke Nukem Forever mini-card deck
* Duke Nukem Forever radioactive emblem dice

The release date is May 3rd, by the way... To paraphrase Sir Duke: "Go Get some..."

Duke Nukem Forever Gets May 3rd Release Date, Hell Freezes Over Again (Well, It IS Winter...)

So much for the few remaining skeptics out there, huh? 2K and Gearbox are finally getting the news out that The Man Himself will be landing in retail stores for PS3, PC and Xbox 360 on May 3, 2011 in North America and May 6 everywhere else those alien bastards are trying to take over (as in the rest of the world). Groovy, I say. Time to go stock up on bubble gum and dig out the old combat boots once more. What, the store's all out of bubble gum? Well, there's only one thing to do then, right?

Full press release below the jump because I'm too damn lazy to cut 'n paste excerpts (Well, I'm writing two reviews at the moment, too!)...

Duke Nukem Forever Hands-On

I knew it was going to be good, but the Duke Nukem Forever demo (short as it was) had me nearly falling out of my chair laughing at the in-jokes and wild Duke humor while feeling immediately comforted that the King is soon to be back on top where he belongs (Er, take that any way you wish). 2K rolled into NYC with the infamous PAX demo in tow and since I didn't get me ass to Boston this year, you'd better believe I made time for The Man Himself as soon as the invite landed in my inbox. I wasn't at all disappointed, by the way. In fact, if the demo is any indication of the final build, the King is Back... Long Live The King, Baby!

2K Games CONFIRMS Duke Nukem (Is No Longer Taking) Forever, PAX 2010 Audience Sees Playable Version, Flying Pigs, Hell Freeze Over Simultaneously

Holy "it's about flippin' time!" ladies and gents. Ever since the game was announced back in 1996 I've been having dreams where "Damn, those alien bastards destroyed my ride!" kicked things off and until now, all my hopes of Duke-ing it out with hordes of space pigs, floating heads and other uglies while hoping I've enough dollar bills to see digitized naughty bits have been smashed (smashed, I say!) by all sorts of obstacles for a few PC and console generations.

PAX attendees, however, are getting one of the gaming shocks of this century (so far) as 2K Games has not only confirmed DUKE NUKEM FOREVER exists, it's PLAYABLE (well, to those over 17, that is).

*Oink!* (flapflapflapflapflap!)

Yup, that was a pig. Flying. Shocking indeed. But Gearbox rocks (and they can make a damn good FPS) , so I'm happy as a pig in.. well, you know... Press release below, by the way.

Hail To The King, Baby!!!

In the words of the great philosophers... OH. HELL YEAH.

That image is all you need to know (well, 'til I download the stuff in the email I got from 2K at 3:37 PM). Damn, I wish I was at PAX. Ah well, I'll wait 'til the man himself hits NYC in demo form. Er, 2K... you ARE bringing Duke to NYC, right? RIGHT?

More later when I recover from the news. 2011 can't come soon enough. Note to 2K Games and Gearbox Software: Consider the ground you walk on kissed.