Duke Nukem 3D
The game that popularized first-person shooters with risqué humor and interactive environments.
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, which were published by Apogee Software, not 3D Realms.
Quick Facts
- 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 features the adventures of the titular Duke Nukem, voiced by Jon St. John, who fights against an alien invasion on Earth. The story picks up after Duke Nukem II, with Duke returning to Earth and his ship shot down. He fights through Los Angeles, space stations, and the Moon, ultimately defeating the Cycloid Emperor. The Atomic Edition adds a fourth episode where Duke kills the Alien Queen. The 20th Anniversary World Tour adds a fifth episode where Duke defeats the Cycloid Incinerator.
Reader's Guide
As a first-person shooter, gameplay involves moving through levels from Duke'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, Devastator rocket launcher, and in the Atomic Edition the Expander, and in the 20th Anniversary World Tour the Incinerator. Items include medkit, steroids, night vision goggles, HoloDuke, protective boots, aqua-lung, and jet pack. Enemies include Pig Cops and various aliens and bosses.
Did You Know?
- The shareware version was released on January 29, 1996, and the full version on April 19, 1996.
- The Plutonium PAK expansion was released on October 21, 1996, adding a fourth eleven-level episode.
- The Atomic Edition was released on December 11, 1996, including the Plutonium PAK content and updating to version 1.5.
- 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 to 13 people.
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.
More in World & Locations
Elsewhere in Duke Nukem
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