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Duke Nukem Forever – Review (PS3, 360) – Better Late Than Never!

gazzara — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 19:16:28 +0000

I was initially thinking of publishing this review 12 years down line as an ode to the Duke Nukem game that has finally emerged.

This, as you can appreciate, would probably not appease 2K Games or Gearbox although I hope that they would find the humour in it. The real reason, however, is to really sit back and take stock of what has happened to a game that had so much promise, but from what has been written in the initial reviews has delivered so little.

I didn’t want to be hell bent on destroying a game that has so much history both behind itself and the franchise as others have done. After all, no matter how long DNF has taken to rear its somewhat ugly head, it needs to be treated with a little respect.

We all know about the problems that have arisen from Duke Nukem Forever. The unforgivably bad graphics in places and a translation of code that is stuck between the rooting, tooting, six shooting, ass booting male chauvinistic gun fest past that made the originals so successful and the formula that makes the Call Of Duty franchise a yearly wankfest amongst pre pubescent teens (as well as a few of us too – right!).

The nativity of being able to add so much sexual inuendo into a game without the fear of persecution from any media form that is willing to side with a politician to proclaim that the game was the main cause for a rape in court is long gone. What you see now is a game that needs to shock in order to feel complete which is not the case at all. Unfortunately, so much has gone into interpreting what 3D Realms was looking for that the guts of the game has literally got Lost In Translation. If a game has ever deserved to be the equivalent of Terry Gilliam’s Lost In La Mancha then Duke Nukem Forever is it.

Please don’t get me wrong. The way I am writing this may seem to come across as another hack following suit and ripping this game a new ass hole but in some kind of sadistic way, I have quite enjoyed the experience, despite its many flaws. The aliens themselves have become a lot more intelligent, ducking and driving their way through various levels with great aplomb which will gain respect as you look for the next bit of cover to stop Duke, the man, myth and legend getting a thorough work over. The multiplayer, as well, is fun and brings me back to the basics of online play, despite its updated versions of capture the flag, sorry babe amongst other game types. The simplicity of the move, kill a shit load of aliens, pick some stuff up and move again style of play will appeal more to a 40 year old arthritic OG (original gamer) than the present day youngster that is full of mouthy bollocks, but having reflexes like a frigging fox. Maybe it is because I am reaching 40 and have experienced Duke the way that few of the younger crowd may have experienced him in the past. Perhaps, for me, it is more about re-living my younger days, laughing out loud and every one liner that Duke spilled out, although those one liners seem to come a lot faster and often (no pun intended!) I think, for me, it may well be about nostalgia rather than the overall quality of the title and the older guys around us may well feel that way too.

There’s a lot to be said for the comedy and bravado that Duke Nukem games provided but unfortunately Gearbox have missed the boat on Duke Nukem Forever aiming to shock in a 90′s way rather than bring Duke into the present day or keep him for the break glass in case of a shitty gaming year emergency that may happen sooner or later. One thing is for sure though. When Gearbox acquired the Duke franchise from the dead, rigomortised hands of 3D realms when the rights were bought they should have buried any resemblance of what 3D Realms had created and started from scratch using their present day skills that were beautifully shown in Borderlands as well as understood what made Duke the icon he is today rather than try to translate what 3D Realms had already taken a ridiculous amount of years to try to produce which in the end killed their studio.

The good news though is that the Duke is back but unfortunately has lost a lot of the franchise’s charm due to modern day mechanics like only carrying to guns at a time, an attempt at a deep and evolving storyline plus new style health bars and Ego point recharges that only add to Duke looking weak. The simplicity in Duke’s past of having rediculous guns that kill anything in its sights plus an invincible feeling Duke minus a serious storyline in Duke 3D only added to it’s charm and taking those things away somewhat alienates Duke Nukem Forever into the what if bin.

For those of you that are Duke fans you will find this pleasurable, if not slightly frustrating, and will be worth completing the Duke collection, after all you’ve waited long enough. For those that have never experienced the franchise then it will be perhaps worth a rental before deciding whether to make a full purchase.

One thing is for sure though. Duke deserves another chance to make things right and I really think that Gearbox can do it given some time and starting from scratch. If that happens remains to be seen but I really hope that it happens – after Borderlands 2 that is!

Borderlands 2: Teaser Trailer

gazzara — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 20:16:40 +0000

You know you are all desperate for it, Pandora will be upon us again next year as Gearbox get over the headache of Duke Nukem and bring back one of their greatest new franchises.

As you are aware, Borderlands 2 will be playable at GamesCom and to celebrate, Gearbox have released a cheeky little teaser trailer. Check out the missing headwear!

Borderlands 2 finally confirmed

gazzara — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 17:15:29 +0000

2K Games and Gearbox Software announced today that the sequel to the extravasplosive breakout hit, Borderlands™, is currently in development at world-renowned developer Gearbox Software.

Coming to the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Windows PC during Take-Two’s fiscal year 2013 beginning on April 1, 2012, Borderlands 2 is the epic sequel to the ultimate four-player Role-Playing Shooter loot fest. Combining invention and evolution, Borderlands 2 features all new characters, skills, environments, enemies, weapons and equipment, which come together in an ambitiously crafted story. Players will reveal secrets, and escalate mysteries of theBorderlands universe as they adventure across the unexplored new areas of Pandora.

2K Games and Gearbox Software are taking this show on the road, and fans and media will be able to get their first look at the game at Gamescom 2011 from August 17 – August 21, and at PAX Prime (Booth #3417) from August 26 – August 28.

Duke Nukem fans to get free DLC

gazzara — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 17:03:22 +0000

Gearbox Software and 2K Games have today announced that fans of the Duke Nukem Forever game will be receiving the first multiplayer DLC free of charge as a thank you for supporting the title.

There is a catch, however, and that is that you would have needed to be a member of the First Access Club which has signed up as of today. Codes were being given out recently at The Gadget Show Live event as well as being part of your Duke Nukem Forever pre-order or a thank you for buying the Borderlands Game Of The Year Edition.

Here is what Gearbox had to say in an e-mail sent to every First Access Club member.

“Hello First Access Member,

As the launch date for Duke Nukem Forever approaches, we would like to offer a heartfelt thanks to you, the true believers who have already placed your bet on Duke with your pre-order, or Borderlands Game of the Year purchase. As a sign of our appreciation, Gearbox Software and 2K Games are thrilled to present every First Access Club member who has registered as of today the very first Duke Nukem Forever multiplayer downloadable add-on for free!* Surprise! Thank you again for all of your support. We’re almost there.

Hail to the King, Baby!

Gearbox Software and 2K Games”

Duke Nukem Forever has gone gold, is really, really here and will be in stores on June 10th for EU and 14th in America.

Aliens: Colonial Marines finally dated for Spring 2012

gazzara — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 18:39:40 +0000

SEGA today announced that the highly-anticipated first-person shooter, Aliens: Colonial Marines, will be launching in spring 2012 on PC, PS3 and the Xbox 360.

In partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products and developed by critically acclaimed studio Gearbox Software, Aliens: Colonial Marines will bring new levels of bone-chilling suspense and adrenaline-filled action to the renowned franchise. The game pits players against the universe’s ultimate alien killing machines, the Xenomorphs, in claustrophobic environments guaranteed to produce blood curdling thrills that the movie is renowned for. A first look of the game is presented in the South Hall at SEGA’s booth #2023, at this week’s E3 in Los Angeles.

“To Gearbox Software and its peers throughout the industry, ALIENS is one of the most influential science fiction properties of all time,” said Randy Pitchford, President of Gearbox Software. “Aliens: Colonial Marines, designed as an interactive successor to the landmark films from Twentieth Century Fox, is a dream project about which our studio is deeply committed and passionate.”

“Aliens: Colonial Marines will be THE definitive ALIENS gaming experience,” said Gary Knight, Senior Vice President of Marketing at SEGA Europe and SEGA of America. “Gearbox Software are doing a brilliant job translating the thrill and horror that ALIENS stands for into an action-packed shooter experience with co-operative gameplay at its core.”

Gary Rosenfeld, Senior Vice President of New Media for Fox Consumer Products added, “It’s no easy task to take on one of the most influential films of all-time, but SEGA and Gearbox are not going to disappoint. This game will be a must-have for fans of the ALIENS franchise and gamers around the globe.”

Aliens: Colonial Marines begins with an ostensibly abandoned ship, the U.S.S. Sulaco, recovered in orbit around LV-426. Players lead a group of highly trained United States Colonial Marines as they board the deserted craft to uncover the fate of the crew. They will have to fight to survive unspeakable horrors and their own anxieties as they chase down the truth behind a galaxy-spanning deception that places humanity at the mercy of the most murderous and deadly species in the universe. Aliens: Colonial Marines features authentic environments, such as the surface of LV-426 and Hadley’s Hope, weapons inspired by the film series and is designed to provide an exhilarating and engaging new chapter in the Aliens universe.

Aliens: Colonial Marines will be available spring 2012 on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC.

Duke Nukem Forever demo is dated

gazzara — Mon, 16 May 2011 23:23:32 +0000

News has just come in that Gearbox and 2k games have announced the release date for the Duke Nukem Forever demo.

The demo date is precisely one week from launch of the much anticipated title and will be available only to members of the First Access Club.

The e-mail states:-

“Where were you the first time you played Duke Nukem Forever?

You’ll have your answer on June 3 when the Duke Nukem Forever demo is released exclusively through the First Access Club.

Only First Access Club members like yourself will get to sample the most legendary shooter of all time before the long-awaited game is released on June 10 (International) and June 14 (North America).

Get ready. It’s almost here.”

Well, we’ve already had a chance to complete a couple of levels in a hands on event and our findings can be seen here.

Spend a night with Gearbox’s Randy Pitchford

gazzara — Thu, 05 May 2011 10:20:50 +0000

Randy Pitchford, CEO of Gearbox Software and saviour of Duke Nukem, will be taking part in a question and answer session at BAFTA HQ on Wednesday 11^th May.

Hosted by GameSpot UK’s Johnny Chiodini, questions will focus on Duke Nukem, his resurrection and the story behind the rise, fall and re-birth of the self proclaimed ‘King of Shooters’.

BAFTA will also host the unveiling of Duke Nukem’s official portrait. Painstakingly crafted by portrait artist Frank Frid, the 35” by 23” oil painting took 350 man hours to create. Limited-edition prints, signed by Randy Pitchford, will be available on the evening.

Tickets for the evening can be purchased via this link –
http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/user/?region=gb_london&query=detail&event=445170&interface=bafta

Randy Pitchford is one of three owners and founders of Gearbox software and under his guidance as President and CEO, Gearbox has grown from an idea into a leading independent game development studio with titles that have sold over 20 million units worldwide earning over $500 million.

Venue: BAFTA, 195 Piccadilly, London W1J 9LN
Public tickets £5 (includes a complimentary drink) – please note that this event is for over-18s only.

Duke Nukem sits for official portrait to celebrate royal wedding

gazzara — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:29:49 +0000

2K Games and Duke Nukem proudly present the portrait ‘Untitled: I’m So Awesome, I Don’t Even Need To Name It’, an oil-on-board portrait celebrating the forthcoming release of Duke Nukem Forever (and the Royal Wedding).

The specially commissioned piece was painstakingly crafted by renowned portrait artist Frank Frid and took a record 350 man hours to create. It was painted in a single sitting.

The portrait will be unveiled to the public prior to the Royal Wedding before moving to a more permanent exhibition space as part of the Duke Nukem Forever launch celebrations. 2K Games is also creating a limited run of 200 signed prints that will be partly used to raise money for charity.

Gallery

“As usual, I look awesome,” said Duke of the 35” x 23” masterpiece. “I’m clearly the Royal story everyone should be talking about this week.”

Duke Nukem Forever will be released in the UK on June 10^th. For more information on Duke Nukem Forever, please visit www.dukenukemforever.com.

Duke Nukem Accolades trailer rolls into town

gazzara — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 09:48:54 +0000

In a surprise little twist today, Gearbox have released an accolades trailer for Duke Nukem Forever that is uncensored and full of glorious gameplay.

We all love a bit of Duke and I’m sure you will too when it releases in June. We managed to get some hands on time with it at the Gadget Show Live event. Here’s what we had to say!

Duke Nukem Forever screenshot explosion

gazzara — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 09:03:56 +0000

2K Games have released another 10 mouth watering screenshots to feast your eyes on.

Taken from some of the new trailers that are out you can see why Duke Nukem Forever is one of the most anticipated games this year!