Review: Duke Nukem Forever

Platform: PS3 (Also on Xbox 360/PC)

Developer(s): Gearbox/Piranha/Tryptych/3D Realms


# of Players 1 (online 2-)


Rating: M (Mature)


Official Site


Score: B-

With an on and off development cycle lasting over a decade through a few different studios, when all is said and done it's pretty much the Duke Nukem sequel many die-hard fans were expecting. On the other hand, In terms of gameplay it's also so intentionally nostalgic that its more vocal critics will feel it really should have been in stores over a decade ago. If you're in the proper frame of mind with a decently twisted sense of humor, it's both a backhanded compliment as well as a recommendation. At the end of the day, your full enjoyment of Duke Nukem Forever revolves VERY highly on whether or not you've played and enjoyed Duke Nukem 3D and can set your expectations to hover around a reasonable enough level. Pretend it's been a year or two later and not fourteen and the game will be a decent amout of fun. On the other hand, if you're expecting DNF to be some sort of benchmark for gameplay, visuals and storytelling, you'll more likely than not be pretty disappointed.Read more »

Binary Domain Story Trailer: Nothing "New", But That’s Just Fine…

Holy cats, it’s summer already. Here’s a look at a story trailer from Sega’s upcoming sci-fi shooter. Sure, it’s a bit generic, but at the end of the day, it’s all about the game, the gameplay and whether both are fun to dive into. Speaking of, yes, the Duke review is late – I’m just about to complete the game for the third time just to prove a point. It’s a lot better than the reviews say, but it seems not a lot of today’s gamers (and sadly, some critics) have bothered to go back and play Duke Nukem 3D so they could see what was intended. Don’t worry Duke, I’m coming to save your ass!

Dungeon Siege III TV Ad Might Be Accidentally Meta…

I’m older than the hills, so hearing the music in this ad zapped me back to my childhood when I’d occasionally plop in front of the TV and be baffled by The Courtship of Eddie’s Father. OK, not too baffled, as I was enough of a clever kid to “get” most of the show. Anyway, I’m not sure if Square Enix’ PR department planned this, but the ad is a bit meta if you know your TV and film history. As for the game itself, it looks mighty darn good and I’m hoping that Obsidian has hit the nail on the head in single player or co-op modes, as I just LOVE a well-made dungeon hack. DS3 arrives on June 21, 2011 for PS, PS3 and Xbox 360…

Duke Nukem Forever Shows Up, Hell Does Not Freeze Over (Details at 11)…

Of course, I was away when UPS dropped my PS3 copy off. Twice last week. Oops. Fortunately, I did get back in time today to grab it and will finally get some quality time with the man himself shortly. As I’m in the process of still winding down from E3 and need to pick up my prescription, I’m not settling down with the game ’til later when I can set up everything I need, ignore the phone and other distractions and dive in. Based on the notes from a few fellow editor-types who’ve already played a chunk of the single player (and my own hands-on time with earlier builds), I can already predict this one’s going to be a total blast, old-school warts and all… back in a bit with a review.

E3 2011: Mass Effect 3 Is One Of My Games of the Show (Or, Yup, It’s All That)

As solid as the previous installments were, it looks as if Bioware is pulling out all the stops even further for the third installment. Refined, faster combat and a slicker visual upgrade should give the game even more appeal to the action gamer crowd and of course, that character interaction Bioware is famous for is in full effect. While ME3 was one of the games of the show for me (sequel division) I’m hoping the strangely addictive mining mini-game makes a return (with a few tweaks to make it easier to hop into for newbies) and we get more side missions that add depth to the overall plot. The fight to (hopefully) save Earth begins on the PC. PS3 and Xbox 360 March 6, 2012.

E3 2011: Deep Black Trailer

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/44GPhpAakuU?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0

I’d been looking at a few screens from this underwater action game for a while and this cool video is making me want tho start taking swimming lessons. I’m hoping the game manages to do something different other than just be a great-looking twist on the usual run ‘n gun game. So far, I’m definitely not complaining at all…

Nintendo @E3 2011: Day 2 and 3 Wrap-Ups

Bang and POW! Here are Nintendo’s own E3 videos featuring a ton of cool games and info. I’ll also be posting all of the 3DS and Wii trailers starting next week in case you missed them. Wii U videos as as well are coming. As for the stock drop as a result of the Wii U announcement… Hell, am I the ONLY one who got that darn presentation? Analysts are dopes ESPECIALLY if they’re not game developers or gamers. All I’ll say is this sort of inane speculation that drives stock prices down is ridiculous.

E3 2011: Capcom Booth Tour

Always a hit with gamers and journalist-types, Capcom’s E3 booth was PACKED with great upcoming titles this year. Check out the amazing amount of fun stuff coming your way games (and see some of the people who make them possible). BTW, Asura’s Wrath, Dragon’s Dogma and Street Fighter X Tekken are my three most-wanted games, but I’ll gladly take them all. No Monster Hunter in sight in this video, but give it time, folks. I’m sure Capcom hasn’t forgotten you loyal guys and gals…

E3 2011: Dark Souls Producer Interview

OK, I lied (well, not really) – I’m actually waiting for a call before my travel plans, so I figured I’d post a few more things I liked. Here’s a peek at Dark Souls, thanks to Namco Bandai’s crack interview team. This one is going to be big, that’s for sure and finally, Xbox 360 owners can see what PS3 users who snapped up Demon’s Souls have been raving about.

Back In a Bit… Post-E3 Version

Yes, I’m exhausted and taking the weekend off – I’ll be compiling a ton of notes on the way back and will be running updates and trailers all next week along with a few reviews I started before the show. Expect some game of the show picks (Arkham City, Skyrim, Wii U, some indie stuff, Vita, blah, blah blah…)