The Duke is finally back, but should we hail the king or blow it out our asses?
Aaron checks out Duke Nukem Forever…
Alright, I admit it.
As the months and eventually years rolled on, this excitement started to wane.
After the fiasco of 3D Realms closure, the final nail was, seemingly, hammered into the coffin.
No, not really.
By that time I couldnt care less ifForeverever arrived.
Sad, but true.
In fact, it was more meh than yeah!
Still, if only for nostalgias sake, I had to play it, but I was hardly pumped.
I was a very happy chappy, and memories of 1996s frag fest soon drifted back.
Sadly, though, this feeling didnt last all that long.
Over the years, the project has seen several game engines, redesigns, staff changes and more.
You immediately notice that, visually,Duke Foreveris a bit of a mess.
Object modelling is often basic and notably rushed, and the overall feeling is very unpolished and disappointing.
Its just a shame that it looks so dated technically.
Unfortunately, this isnt quite the case.
Its full-on run, gun and kick, and nothing more, really.
Duke no longer has a health bar, but instead packs an Ego meter.
This functions like everybodys favourite Spartans shield, and as you take damage, its depleted.
Once its gone, take too many hits and youre dead.
Stay out of harms way and itll recharge.
Simple, if wholly unoriginal stuff, but welcome nonetheless.
you might even play a fully functional pinball table to earn more ego.
This time Duke can engage foes in hand-to-hand combat, and can perform executions on wounded enemies.
Theres also a few QTE-style button mashing events to open doors, finish off bosses and the like.
These may be very basic changes, granted, but every little helps.
Simply put, it shows its age.
Shake it, baby!
Then theres the humour.
Its all a little childish, really, but this is aDuke Nukemgame, so its to be expected.
It all adds to the fun, but is hardly a substitute for polished gameplay.
Hail to the king?
Heres hoping that the nextDukeouting fares better.
Duke Nukem Foreveris out now andavailable from the Den Of Geek Store.
Rating:
3 out of 5
