Key Takeaways
1. New Content: The Anniversary Edition features a new fifth episode and introduces new enemies and weapons, including the Incinerator flamethrower.
2. Enhanced Audio and Visuals: The game has improved audio with new music and voice lines, and its visuals have been upgraded from 2.5D to real 3D, maintaining the original charm.
3. Thrilling Storyline: Players follow Duke Nukem as he fights aliens invading Los Angeles, with fast-paced action and open-level design, while modernized controls enhance gameplay.
4. Positive Reception: The game has received praise for its fun gameplay, level design, and humor, with a good score of 72 on Metacritic and positive reviews on Steam.
5. Points of Improvement: Critics noted flaws like a less refined new episode, simplistic enemy AI, and the absence of local split-screen play, affecting some fans’ satisfaction.
To mark its 20th anniversary, one of the most memorable first-person shooters from the 90s made a return in 2016 – Duke Nukem 3D. The Anniversary Edition is more than just a trip down memory lane; it introduces a variety of new content that should excite both old fans and newcomers. At its heart is a completely new fifth episode, designed by the original creators Allen Blum III and Richard “Levelord” Gray. Players will also encounter new foes, including the annoying Fireflies, and a powerful weapon: the Incinerator, a flamethrower that delivers a heavy blow.
Enhanced Audio and Visuals
The sound experience has been improved as well: composer Lee Jackson is back with fresh tunes, and Jon St. John, the iconic voice of Duke, offers new one-liners. Visually, the game has received a significant upgrade – its classic “2.5D” style has been transformed into real 3D, keeping the charm of the original engine intact. Modern features enhance the experience, including Steam achievements, trading cards, Workshop support, and full compatibility with the Steam Deck.
The Thrilling Storyline
The plot is simple yet effective: aliens have invaded Los Angeles, and their favorite hobby appears to be abducting women. Duke Nukem, a tough lone wolf with sunglasses and a massive ego, is not going to let this happen – he’s ready to unleash everything that shoots, burns, or explodes. In the new fifth episode of the Anniversary Edition, Duke embarks on a worldwide rampage, from Amsterdam to Egypt, always on the lookout for the next alien to eliminate. The gameplay remains faithful to the original: fast-paced action, open level design, and a vast array of weapons provide classic run-and-gun excitement. The controls have been slightly modernized for today’s players while still keeping that retro vibe. Fans of multiplayer can join online matches with up to eight players for some wild fun.
Positive Reception and Criticism
In their review, 4Players highlighted that Duke Nukem 3D continues to offer a high level of fun, even many years after its debut. They praised the game’s varied level design, filled with hidden spots and interactive features, along with its crude humor and numerous pop culture references. The testers were also impressed by the eclectic mix of quirky weapons and gadgets. Optional developer commentaries were well-received too, providing interesting insights into the level design process. The gaming magazine WayTooManyGames took it a step further, calling Duke Nukem 3D “one of the most enjoyable and well-crafted first-person shooters in history.”
Points of Improvement
Though the game was lauded for its entertainment value, reviewers pointed out a few flaws. The new episode was seen as less refined than the original chapters and somewhat lacking in depth. The simplistic enemy AI and a lack of tactical challenge were also considered drawbacks. Furthermore, some fans were unhappy about missing content found in previous versions like the Megaton Edition, and the absence of local split-screen play was another disappointment. 4Players rated the game a commendable 7 out of 10. On Metacritic, critics awarded it a score of 72, while users rated it at 7.2. On Steam, the Anniversary Edition has garnered about 4,600 reviews, with 85% being positive.
Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary World Tour typically retails for about $20 on Steam, but until May 26, it is being offered at a huge 90% discount, reducing the price to just $2. As per SteamDB, the game has fallen to this price multiple times before – most recently in early April – but has never been available at a better discount.
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