Review of Duke Nukem 3D for XBLA by Protomario
14Duke Nukem 3D is a first-person shooter computer game developed by 3D Realms and published by GT Interactive Software. It was released on January 29, 1996 for the PC. It is a sequel to the platform games Duke Nukem and Duke Nukem II published by Apogee. An expansion pack, Plutonium Pak, was released in November 1996.
Duke Nukem 3D features the adventures of the titular macho Duke Nukem (voiced by Jon St. John), who fights back an alien invasion on Earth.
Reception of Duke Nukem 3D has been largely positive. Reviewers praised the interactivity of the environment and the humor within the game. However, the game's erotic elements and portrayal of women have incited controversy.
As a first-person shooter, the gameplay of Duke Nukem 3D involves moving through levels presented from the protagonist's point of view, shooting enemies on the way.
The environment of Duke Nukem 3D is highly destructible; most props can be destroyed by the player.[1][2]
[edit] Level design
Levels were designed in a fairly non-linear manner such that players can advantageously use air ducts, back doors and sewers to avoid enemies or find hidden secrets. These locations are also filled with objects with which the player can interact, that either benefit the player in some form (light switches make it easier to see, while water fountains and broken hydrants provide some health points) or simply provide diversion (tipping strippers provokes a humorous quote from Duke and sometimes a provocative reveal from the dancer).
[edit] Weapons and equipment
Weapons include the "Mighty Boot", a basic kick attack, a pistol, a shotgun, a chain gun (similar in design to the Nordenfelt gun), a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, pipe bombs, freeze- and shrink-rays, laser trip mines, and rapid fire rocket launchers (one each hand) called the "Devastator".
Other items can be picked up during play. A portable medkit allows players to heal Duke whenever they choose to. Steroids speed up Duke's movement, as well as instantly reversing the effects of the shrinker. Nightvision goggles allow players to see enemies in the dark. The "HoloDuke" device projects a hologram of Duke that can be used to distract enemies. Protective boots allow Duke to cross dangerously hot or toxic terrain. Where progress requires more aquatic legwork, scuba gear (an aqua-lung) allows Duke to take longer trips away from air. Duke's jetpack allows the player to move vertically.