Duke Nukem 3D
The king is back. And he's pissed.
Duke Nukem 3D is a 1996 first-person shooter game developed by 3D Realms and published by FormGen for MS-DOS. It is a sequel to the platform games Duke Nukem and Duke Nukem II, published by 3D Realms.
- Character
- Duke Nukem
- Role
- Protagonist
- Affiliation
- Independent (Earth's defender)
- First appears
- Duke Nukem 3D (1996)
- Status
- Alive (as of the game's conclusion)
Lore & Background
The game is set on Earth 'sometime in the early 21st century'. Duke returns to Earth after the events of Duke Nukem II, but his ship is shot down over Los Angeles. He learns that aliens are attacking and have mutated the LAPD. Duke fights through Los Angeles, space stations, and the Moon, eventually killing the Cycloid Emperor. The Atomic Edition adds an episode where Duke kills the Alien Queen. The 20th Anniversary World Tour adds an episode where Duke defeats the Cycloid Incinerator.
In Their Own Story
The sky over Los Angeles turned green as alien ships descended, their beams slicing through skyscrapers. Duke Nukem, fresh from a movie premiere, grabbed his shotgun and stepped into the chaos. 'Nobody steals our women and gets away with it,' he muttered, as he blasted through a horde of pig cops in a ruined strip club. The city burned around him, but Duke was already planning his next move: a one-way trip to the alien mothership.
Reader's Guide
As a first-person shooter similar to Doom, gameplay involves moving through levels from the protagonist's point of view, shooting enemies. Environments are highly destructible and interactive. Levels are non-linear, with air ducts, back doors, and sewers. Duke's arsenal includes the Mighty Foot, pistol, shotgun, chain gun, RPG, pipe bombs, freezethrower, shrink ray, laser land mines, and Devastator rocket launcher. The Atomic Edition adds an Expander. The 20th Anniversary World Tour adds an Incinerator. Items include medkit, steroids, night vision goggles, HoloDuke, protective boots, aqua-lung, and jet pack. Tipping strippers provokes a quote from Duke and a reveal from the dancer, and automatically grants health.
Did You Know?
- The shareware version was released on January 29, 1996, and the full version on April 19, 1996.
- The Plutonium PAK, an expansion pack, was released on October 21, 1996, adding a fourth eleven-level episode.
- The Atomic Edition, a standalone version with the Plutonium PAK content, was released on December 11, 1996.
- A fifth episode was released on October 11, 2016, with 20th Anniversary World Tour published by Gearbox Software.
- The game was developed on a budget of roughly $300,000 by a team of 8 people, increasing to 12 or 13 near the end.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of game world is Duke Nukem 3D?
This title represents a first-person shooter environment released in 1996 by developer 3D Realms. Players navigate through interactive levels filled with enemies and destructible objects while saving the planet.
Who serves as the main hero in this setting?
The protagonist is Duke Nukem, an independent action figure who defends Earth from extraterrestrial threats. He relies on heavy firearms and his signature catchphrases to overcome obstacles throughout the campaign.
What locations can players explore during gameplay?
Missions take place across diverse settings such as Las Vegas streets, a beach resort, and deep underground alien bases. Each area is designed with hidden secrets and dynamic elements that encourage thorough exploration by the player.
How does the narrative conclude for Duke Nukem?
The story ends with Duke destroying the alien Queen and escaping before the facility collapses completely. He survives the final battle, remaining alive to continue his role as humanity's protector in future entries.
Why is this specific game world so important historically?
It is widely regarded as a landmark title that revolutionized interactive environments within the shooter genre. Its blend of adult humor and technical innovation established a lasting legacy among gaming enthusiasts worldwide.
More in World & Locations
Elsewhere in the Duke Nukem universe
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