Reviewed on : Xbox 360 (Also on PS3 and PC)
Release Date: June 14th, 2011
There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the Gearbox takeover of the Duke franchise, but after almost 15 years in development, DNF should be GoTY potential, right? After reading some initial reviews, people HAAAATE this game. Some will say that the only ones to really get into this game are diehard Duke fans, but still, some critics are taking this game too seriously.
You know, it's weird, if you were to ask me back in 1996 if I thought I'd have to wait 14 years to play the sequel, I would've gone apeshit. But ever since hearing about it's return from the grave back in 2007, my hopes were burning stronger than ever. When people said in 2008 that it'd never happen the and the vaporware jokes kicked in high gear, I said "Bet on Duke." and 3 years later, I held a copy in my hand. I feel like I got to the end of a very long road. So, how did Duke spend his time during his hiatus?
Seems that Duke's popularity after saving the world in 3D has skyrocketed him to basically "Man of the Millennium", giving him a huge 69 floor mansion, and a following of billions. That's when the aliens attack again, and against the President's orders, he goes off to save the world from annihilation. Story doesn't really have a place, nor does it really need to in this game, it is after all, Duke.
Driving parts are rare, but feels nice while it lasts. The Mighty Boot runs out of gas too often, though.
On the surface, DNF isn't quite what I thought it would be. The graphics feel dated, the physics are kinda low-end, and the game is kinda short, especially compared to it's predecessor. Of all the guns we used to have, a few of them are missing, (The Railgun replaced the Microwave Gun) but all the good ones are there, like the Ripper and the Freeze Ray, as well as a few new ones. Level design is a nice part of it, never really staying in the same place twice, but the levels are kinda skimpy as far as design goes. But lets get right into it:
WHAT I DID LIKE:
This is Duke, all the way down to the Nukem logo on his belt. Jon St. John reprises his role as the infamous Duke Nukem, and he sounds better than ever. Every giggle and every one-liner is performed with perfection with a nice mix of classic lines mixed with some potent new ones. I liked the whole point of the game was to make you feel nostalgic, and the game does just that. Almost to the point where huge Duke fans might completely overlook the game's flaws.
Of the game's 23 levels, Duke travels down Las Vegas, through an alien hive, across the wasteland, and to the Hoover Dam. While the game's plot veers off to set locales every once in a while, the endgame is simple: defeat the emperor. While this is basic stuff, I'll say it again: This is DUKE NUKEM. An elaborate plot would make this game too serious. And a Duke game is all about the dick, poop and boob jokes. I loved the fact that everyone, man or woman wanted Duke's chiseled body. Duke actually felt like a physical person with everyone talking to him. He was like a celebrity, and being asked to play air hockey at the strip club felt like Duke was more than a gun in front of the camera. He was a person people adored.
DNF pokes fun at some big name titles like Halo, Dead Space and even Borderlands
There's more to do than pump pigcops full of lead, as there's mini-games galore to extend your Ego bar, which is your regenerated health bar. Interacting with porno mags, shooting hoops, pumping iron and dozens other hidden gems give you more life and add to the frenzy. Finding beers give you a temporary health boost and steroids boost your melee.
I also liked the fact that I just got lost in his mansion. I spend a good few hours flipping every switch and playing with everything that I could. Playing pool harkened back to the Red Light District level where I pocketed all the billiard balls and then went to go look at tits. And although a mundane detail, I'm also glad Randy Pitchford and some of the old guys from 3D Realms made this all possible. While some people will not be able to stand the sub-par gameplay, others will relish the nostalgic gameplay we all waited a decade and a half for.
Multiplayer is loads of fun as well, giving you basic King of the Hill, CTF and Deathmatch modes with a little reward. As you move up the levels, you unlock items for your online mansion and clothing for when you're fragging online. Not big things here, but an incentive to move up the ranks.
THINGS I DIDN'T REALLY LIKE:
Shooting is kinda simplistic, there's no recoil or hit detection. Just shoot and hope it kills them. The AI isn't super smart either. Pig Cops will charge to their death, and bosses will stand there, and take damage.
The game looks grossly unpolished, and feels like a 2005-2006 dated game. Although some low-budget games aren't always bad, (see my Deadly Premonition review) much like WWE or sports games, DNF might be for a target audience, and not just any Monday gamer. Simplistic gameplay mixed in with dirty jokes and bare boobs might only keep those who waited for so long interested. Load times are atrocious, and dying could mean that you'll be stuck on loading screens for hours. Also some levels are completely devoid of music, meaning a boring and somewhat lonely ride.
Humor is the focus of the game. Go ahead, draw a penis in that kid's book.
The game also muddles it's difficulty, seeming easy in some areas, and then out-manning and out-gunning you without a moment's notice. And although the flow seems nice, checkpoints are far and few between, meaning a death results in a load time and catch-up being played.
TL;DR
Gameplay: It's a fast paced, ammo spitting, titty jiggling good time that has the occasional lull, but there's enough to do to keep your attention.
Presentation: Somewhat so-so. Models look nice, and scenery looks plentiful, but load times and lack of polish brings down the mood a bit.
Value: Kinda short single-player with a decent replay value, mixed in with that online MP that will make you miss Quake makes for a decent value, not 100% sure it's worth 60 bucks though. If you can find it for 40, this is a good price to grab it at.
Is it fun?: Duke fans will find a bunch to do. CoD-nuts will be bored with the lackluster gun-play and dumbed down online rewards.
BOTTOM LINE:
I had a lot of fun with Duke. Although I beat the campaign in about 8-9 hours, multiplayer will keep me around until the DLC comes out, promising new guns and maps. If you're a Duke fan, you owe it to yourself to check it out at least, but unless you just can't get enough of Duke, I warrant it a rent at least. The SP will have you taking back your purchase in a week, but if you get addicted to MP, like I did, you'll want to keep it. The ending opens it up for another Duke sequel, but hopefully we won't have to wait another 15 years for it.
FINAL SCORE:
78%/100%
