![XBLA horror game Deadlight "is NOT a zombie shooter," says dev](http://www.oxmonline.com/files/imagecache/featured_content/deadlight-feature-300.jpg "XBLA horror game Deadlight "is NOT a zombie shooter," says dev")
Duke Nukem 3D
Like Doom before it, Duke Nukem 3D was a juggernaut in the adolescence of the first-person shooter. And also like Doom, it still stands tall as a fantastic FPS on a system full of great shooters — despite the fact that it’s over a decade old.
The Arcade release of Duke is arguably the ultimate version. Besides the original three-episode arc that takes the cocky movie-star-turned- planet-savior from Hollywood to outer space and back as he rescues Earth’s ladies from alien abduction, this Duke also includes the Atomic Edition’s awesome fourth episode, which offers such memorable levels as the Duke Burger restaurant. We also dug the new features like online co-op play and the TiVo death system, where your playthrough is recorded, allowing you to go back one second or all the way to the level’s start when you die.
In all, Duke packs its 40-or-so levels with pop-culture references both subtle and obvious, ranging from Terminator to Indiana Jones to its biggest competitors at the time — Doom and Quake. In fact, veterans of Doom will feel right at home with the Duke, as both come from the same era of lightning-quick avatars, hordes of monsters, and, in Duke’s case, stupid puzzles. Yes, the only part of Duke’s gameplay that fails the 2008 test is its reliance on annoying three-and- four-switch puzzles you must “solve” to proceed. Do you flip switches 1 and 2? 3 and 4? 2 and 4? Argh!
And while the Arcade version of Duke controls well enough overall, the gamepad does generate occasional frustration. The bumpers are the only way to cycle through weapons, so in the heat of the moment you can and will take damage while feverishly clicking through to what you want. Also, the Use key (X button) is often finicky, requiring a click in the exact right spot — not good when you’re scrambling around underwater and about to drown.
Nevertheless, these niggles don’t keep Duke from greatness. The one-liners and parodies are still funny, the level design is outstanding (including secrets-aplenty on each map), the inventory items are genius (here’s looking at you, jetpack and HoloDuke), and the weapon stash — notably the pipebombs and Shrinker — remains one of the genre’s most unique and fun to wield…
…Especially in the eight-player “Dukematch” mode, which is as addictive as ever and is bolstered by a fleshed-out lobby system that keeps you and your pals together after each match ends. So if you’ve been itching to kick ass and chew bubblegum, we’ve got some good news: we’re no longer all outta bubblegum.
On Xbox Live Arcade
+ Rich, co-op–enabled campaign that's still funny.
+ Eight-player multiplayer holds up remarkably well.
- Minor control issues cause occasional frustration.
? How about giving this treatment to Blood next?
8.5
Related
More like this:
reopod
March 22, 2011 at 12:27am
However, the games really broke out of the shareware niche and into the mainstream gamer audience with Duke Nukem 3D, which also brought the series to the forefront of video game controversy. The game, like others such as Star Wars: Dark Forces, was one of the first titles considered to match Doom in quality. The Build engine used in 3D has also become one of the most popular engines ever, in terms of games using it. Duke Nukem 3D was controversial because of its depictions of sexuality, pornography, obscenities, graphic violence, drug use, and other taboo topics. This caused the game to be banned in Brazil and in other countries the sale of the game was strictly regulated against purchase by minors. Despite this, Duke Nukem 3D was a commercial and critical success for Realms.moving boxes
jonmacy
March 21, 2011 at 4:10am
Weapons include the "Mighty Boot" (a basic kick attack), a pistol, a shotgun, a chain gun (similar in design to the Nordenfelt gun), a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, pipe bombs, freeze- and shrink-rays, laser trip mines, and rapid fire rocket launchers called the "Devastator".Other items can be picked up during play. A portable medkit allows players to heal Duke whenever they choose to. Steroids speed up Duke's movement, as well as instantly reversing the effects of the shrinker. Nightvision goggles allow players to see enemies in the dark. The "HoloDuke" device projects a hologram of Duke that can be used to distract enemies. Protective boots allow Duke to cross dangerously hot or toxic terrain. Where progress requires more aquatic legwork, scuba gear (an aqua-lung) allows Duke to take longer trips away from air. Duke's jetpack allows the player to move vertically.aircraft insurance
jonmacy
March 21, 2011 at 4:07am
Traditional Japanese sculptures mainly consisted of Buddhist images, such as Tathagata, Bodhisattva and Myō-ō. The oldest sculpture in Japan is a wooden statue of Amitābha at the Zenkō-ji temple. In the Nara period, Buddhist statues were made by the national government to boost its prestige. These examples are seen in present-day Nara and Kyoto, most notably a colossal bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana in the Tōdai-ji temple.Wood has traditionally been used as the chief material in Japan, along with the traditional Japanese architectures. Statues are often lacquered, gilded, or brightly painted, although there are little traces on the surfaces. Bronze and other metals are also used. Other materials, such as stone and pottery, have had extremely important roles in the plebeian beliefs.aircraft insurance
ironhorseblues
September 30, 2008 at 2:09pm
love Duke Nukem 3D, but I wish they would have polished the graphics like they did Bionic Commando. . .
provoker310
September 28, 2008 at 9:55am
Great game on xbla.i would have to say a MUST to have for your 36o.brings back old school feel.
proffrink
September 27, 2008 at 6:12am
Yes, yes, YES to Blood on XBLA! That game kicked so much booty but was sadly neglected. Better than Duke even!
chukky1728
September 25, 2008 at 6:58am
When will this become available to download on LIVE? It wasn't fully operational as of last night. I'm feeling the need to "get some".
Connect with OXM Online
Featured Content
Take-Two offers no assurances that the company will renew its expiring deal with...
Bungie's contract with Activision includes four sci-fi shooters, a year of Xbox...
Failed Kinect integration proves that you can't teach an old serpent new tricks.
This month's issue
Features
Crysis 3 announced!
Reviews
Trials Evolution, Devil May Cry HD Collection, South Park XBLA
Previews
Assassin's Creed III, Halo 4, Deadlight, and more!
OXM Twitter Feed
- OXM: 2K may not have BioShock to rock October, but it has another top franchise on tap, with XCOM: Enemy Unknown on 10/9 http://t.co/QLyswSRB12 hours 31 min ago
- OXM: Lego Batman 2 pre-order DLC lets you choose from heroes like Captain Marvel & Nightwing or villains like Bizarro. http://t.co/XxhkAskd14 hours 59 min ago
- OXM: Ghost Recon: Future Soldier is here...and it's amazing! Don't miss our red-hot review: http://t.co/yRZ8GMtt @GhostRecon @Ubisoft @RedStorm16 hours 32 min ago
