Expert playing Duke Nukem 3D (MS-DOS, 1996)
090s Video Games, Episode 240
Expert playing Duke Nukem 3D (MS-DOS, 1996)
In this episode I let my good friend play Duke Nukem 3D!
Unlike me, he grew up with this game and knows a lot...
It was fun to watch him playing, so I decided to share this with you...
Beware, it's his first time over there years but he still nails it!
For those who did not know..
Duke Nukem 3D is a first-person shooter (FPS) released in 1996 by 3D Realms (formerly Apogee Software), and it remains one of the most influential and memorable titles in gaming history. Built on the Build Engine by Ken Silverman, it combined fast-paced, action-packed gameplay with a distinctively cheeky, satirical, and mature sense of humor that stood out from other FPS games of the time, such as Doom or Quake.
The game is set in a dystopian future where Earth has been invaded by aliens who are kidnapping women and wreaking havoc across the planet. Players take on the role of Duke Nukem, a hyper-masculine, wisecracking action hero, tasked with fighting off the alien hordes, rescuing Earth, and saving the human race. Duke’s character is inspired by the over-the-top action heroes of 1980s and 1990s action movies, and he is known for his catchphrases, many of which are lifted from films like They Live and Army of Darkness.
The game is set across various urban environments, including a Los Angeles devastated by the alien invasion. Players explore locales such as strip clubs, cinemas, factories, and space stations as they battle enemies and uncover secrets.
Duke Nukem 3D’s gameplay introduced a level of interactivity and environmental variety that was rare at the time. It featured interactive environments, with players able to destroy objects, flip light switches, operate security cameras, and even use urinals. This level of environmental interactivity made the game feel more immersive and alive compared to other shooters of the era.
The game also introduced verticality to level design, with players being able to jump, crouch, and fly using a jetpack, allowing them to access new areas and vantage points. The game’s non-linear level design encouraged exploration, as hidden rooms, secret passages, and Easter eggs were scattered throughout the levels.
The arsenal available to Duke was diverse and brutal. Players had access to weapons such as pistols, shotguns, RPGs, and pipe bombs. A standout weapon was the shrink ray, which allowed players to shrink enemies to a tiny size before stomping them to death.
Though built on the Build Engine, Duke Nukem 3D used 2.5D sprites rather than fully 3D models, similar to Doom. Despite this, the game’s graphics were considered impressive for the time, offering detailed textures and unique visual design in its environments. It also used sector-based lighting, allowing for dynamic changes in light intensity in different parts of the levels, further enhancing the atmosphere.
The sound design, including Duke’s iconic one-liners, added to the game's personality. Jon St. John provided Duke’s voice, delivering memorable lines like, “It’s time to kick ass and chew bubblegum, and I’m all out of gum.” The music, composed by Lee Jackson and Bobby Prince, blended rock and techno styles, fitting the game’s rebellious, high-octane attitude.
Duke Nukem 3D was also infamous for its mature content, including violence, nudity, and crude humor. The game was controversial for its depiction of women and its irreverent tone, sparking debates about violence and sexism in video games. Despite, or perhaps because of, the controversy, the game became a massive hit.
The game’s success cemented Duke Nukem as an iconic video game character, leading to the development of multiple ports, expansions, and sequels. A notable follow-up, Duke Nukem Forever, was infamous for its extended development period, taking nearly 15 years to release and ultimately failing to live up to expectations.
Duke Nukem 3D is remembered for pushing the boundaries of what was possible in FPS games. Its focus on interactivity, complex level design, and humor set it apart from its contemporaries. It also played a key role in establishing the foundation for multiplayer deathmatches in the FPS genre.
The game's influence can be seen in later titles, particularly in how it blended humor and action in ways that would inspire developers for years to come. Games like Serious Sam, Postal, and even parts of Bulletstorm borrow from the irreverence and high-octane action of Duke Nukem 3D.
Duke Nukem 3D left a significant impact on the FPS genre and pop culture, introducing new mechanics, expanding the possibilities of interactivity, and offering a memorable blend of action and comedy. It remains a beloved, if controversial, game that helped shape the future of video games.
Enjoy!
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