When a Duke is not a Duke

 

I’ve been playing Duke Nukem Forever and while I am maybe half way through the campaign I will share my impressions with you. Later I will give my final word after I beat the game. But first let us talk about Duke Nukem. Duke Nukem was first released in 1991 for PCs with a 286 processor. It was a sweet action/arcade game that pushed the limits of it’s time. Later we got Duke Nukem II in 1993. These first two games were mellow compared to the latest version that took ‘forever’ to be released. But they were fun and one of the biggest reasons I got into gaming.

Then 1996 rolled along and I found myself glued to the computer playing Duke Nukem 3D. It was the same Duke in a 3D blast. The only thing that was added was a mild to borderline sexuality and some language. It was enough to get thinking twice, but not enough to get you into hot water. In fact, it was to the point that teens could still play without too much parental guidance. I think the game was enjoyable to so many age groups was it’s core success.

 

And now with Duke Nukem Forever I can already see a few things even while I struggle to finish the game-I’m playing on hard. First the game play is an older feeling somewhat buggy and well it should be, minus the bugs. This game was mostly complete 10 plus years ago. The intro cinematic was very well done and I did enjoy that. I didn’t expect the game to play like Call of Duty or Bulletstorm. Secondly, they took the language and sexuality too far. To the point that you get uncomfortable playing through some levels. The adult situations didn’t need to be so blatant.

Bulletstorm was bad with the language, Duke Nukem Forever took that and added too much sexuality. Unfortunately, this will hurt the character. As far as the gameplay though it is fun and challenging. And then the goods that came with my Balls of Steel edition. Just Epic. First the comic book was spot on and many thanks to IDW for keeping Duke real and not taking the same stance as the game. The bust is very nice and looks good on my bookcase next to Jetfire and Ironhide. The dice and mini cards are what they are and the sticker is cool. I can’t complain. I just wish the game was not taken so far. But more to come when I complete the game.