Duke Nukem Forever
Summary
Duke Nukem Forever is a first-person shooter that finally arrived after a notoriously long development cycle. Players take on the role of Duke Nukem, the crass, macho action hero known for his one-liners and over-the-top antics. The game aims to blend old-school shooting with more modern gameplay elements, though the results are mixed.
The core shooting mechanics are solid enough, with Duke able to blast away aliens using an arsenal of weapons like shotguns, shrink rays, and freeze guns. There are some fun environmental interactions and physics-based puzzles to break up the action. The multiplayer offers fast-paced deathmatch-style modes that capture a bit of that classic Duke feel.
Where Duke Nukem Forever stumbles is in its dated humour, uneven pacing, and technical issues. The crude jokes and sexist attitudes feel out of touch rather than edgy. Tedious vehicle sections and platforming segments drag down the single-player campaign. Visually, the game looks behind the times, with long load times on consoles.
For better or worse, Duke Nukem Forever is a relic of a bygone era in gaming. Die-hard fans may find some nostalgic enjoyment, but most players will likely be left wondering what took so long.
