Duke Nukem Forever
Producer: 3D Realms/Gearbox Software
Release Date: June 14, 2011
Platform: Xbox 360, PS3, Windows PC
Rating: Mature
Genre: First-person shooter
Beer, Girls and Guns!
Written by Heather Spears
Duke Nukem is back and ready to kill aliens in order to save the world. Sounds clichéd when you say it, doesn’t it? However Duke Nukem Forever is far from what you would see in your ordinary first-person shooter. With sexual content, drugs, alcohol abuse and intense violence, it’s pretty safe to say this action hero has lived through his fair share of taboo topics. Duke has waited twelve years for the release of his new game so there’s no doubt he’s going to come in with a bang.
You start this shooter as Duke Nukem playing as himself in a video game. When he puts down the controller you are met by his twin school girl lovers. They tell Duke that they need him to leave so they could get ready for a party. Next, you take control of Duke in signing autographs and watching all your screaming fans adore you. All seems well until a flash and boom signaling the arrival of the hostel aliens. Despite presidential orders Duke takes the matter into his own hands and takes on the alien force almost completely on his own.
Needless to say this first-person shooter isn’t like the rest in the crowded genre. The objective of the game isn’t just shooting aliens to save the world. Weather you’re drinking a beer or driving an action figure-sized Duke around in an RC car, the game is sure to set you up with surprises. Duke Nukem Forever provides the player with strategic additions to the game, such as taking control of a crane to knock down a barrier or using significant objects to get where you need to go. These options set the game apart from its competitors. Where first person shooter fans are used to running through a level killing all in their path, Duke Nukem combines gameplay with a bit of strategy. Who doesn’t love a challenge?
The game is handled liked a basic first-person shooter, with regard to minor adjustments which are easy to get used to. Graphics are unrealistic but not bad – it’s almost like playing a live cartoon. Aside from long loading times, I think gamers will have fun with Duke Nukem Forever.
Duke Nukem is compared to games like Doom, and some of the levels remind me of stages I’ve seen on Halo and Gears of War. There are multiple varieties of enemies but your choice in gun seems rather limited. The game is simple and humorous to those who understand dirty humor.
Overall, I think Duke Nukem is a masculine game which most men would probably find some enjoyment in. The game is definitely not for children and you might want to keep it out of reach from your wife or girlfriend. Duke Nukem Forever will give you a unique experience and no matter how cocky, dirty, and just plain ridiculous Duke is; you will learn to love him. If you’ve been a fan of the series I would say it’s a good buy, but if you’re skeptical about the game you may want to consider renting it. Dirty humor, naked ladies and alcohol can only mean one thing – keep Duke Nukem Forever your own guilty pleasure.