Duke Nukem says, "Come get some."
THE GOOD
-Excellent graphics and sound
-Great supply of cool weapons and equipment
-Fun online play
-Good controls
-Great map editor feature
THE BAD
-Bosses are annoyingly difficult
OVERVIEW
Duke Nukem 3D is an awesome first person shooter for the PC. Your main character, Duke Nukem, is a crazy gun wielding, cigar smoking, ladies man that is out to save the world from aliens. Yes, aliens have come to Earth and right from the start you find out that they are not only trying to take over the world but they are trying to take away all the babes too! This makes it personal for Duke now. So, yeah the story is a little cheesy but this game makes up for it with awesome gameplay. You'll play through 28 levels in three chapters as Duke tries to stop the alien invasion.
GAMEPLAY
The gameplay is just like a normal FPS and Duke 3D delivers and then some. From the first person view you can see basically everything that Duke sees. Duke has the ability to jump, strafe, shoot weapons and perform other tasks. The controls are pretty solid for this game. You have a nice selection of normal weapons like the handgun, shotgun and RPG but also a nice selection of abnormal weapons like the Freezer, Shrinker, and Devastator. Along with primary weapons at your disposal, Duke can find other support items like Med-kits, Steroids (increases speed) and the ever popular Jet Pack. Incorporating these additions really makes the gameplay fresh and exciting.
Now you have the option to play the story mode and the online multiplayer mode. In the story mode you'll maneuver Duke through 28 different levels trying the either find the exit or kill a boss. Each of the 28 levels are jam packed with weapons, equipment, monsters and of course babes. At the end of each chapter you square off against a boss. Now you may have breezed through the other levels with ease but you're skills will be tested with the boss fights. Unfortunately, the boss fights are designed to be annoyingly difficult. 3D Realms really did an excellent job with the level design. Sometimes you'll be outside in a futurist Los Angeles, swimming underwater, or duking it out with a boss on a football stadium. Also, there are some cut-scenes to enhance the story throughout the game. One thing about Duke Nukem 3D that makes it stand out among other first person shooters is the funny and like-able main character. Duke has the best phrases that will make you laugh every time and some of the cut scenes are hilarious.
The single player (story mode) is extremely fun but imagine taking all the fun levels from the story and playing against other people online. Duke Nukem 3D lets you play, via the internet, against friends or random people in a good old fashioned deathmatch. All the same weapons and equipment are here which really increases the replay value for this game. Also, if you get bored playing all 28 levels then just make your own! Duke 3D has a map editing system that lets you create your own levels or download other people's creations. The possibilities are endless.
GRAPHICS & SOUND
The 3D graphics are amazing in-game and cut scene. Along with excellent level design, Duke 3D is a game that is incredible in the visual department.
Sound effects greatly enhance the gameplay of any first person shooter and this game also delivers here. From the gun fire to the explosions, this creates an even more realistic feel. Plus the cool heavy metal music gives the game a nice edgy feel.
CONCLUSION
Duke Nukem 3D is fun game that will be around for a long time. I would recommend this game to anyone that is looking for some fun, "in your face" action.