Focus.de Review of "Duke Nukem Forever"

Duke is a blond musclehead and redneck who takes steroids, is narcissistic, and drinks a lot of beer. That was the case in the first part of the game series 20 years ago - and hasn't changed in "Duke Nukem Forever." These days, such an antihero seems a bit antiquated - and that goes for the graphics of the game as well. Still, it was 14 years ago that the game was first announced. Reportedly, there are over a million work hours in the development.

"Duke Nukem Forever" is not as technically spectacular as other games. Many levels have a strictly linear design, while others are missing detail. From a gameplay standpoint, the action game is little surprise: Duke shoots at everything with shotguns, ice canons, shrink rays, and rocket launchers. Ammo is in rich supply. It's essentially a no-frills shooter - just one of many.

But there are still some things that make "Duke Nukem Forever" an entertaining game: the gigantic, visually appealing bosses, the hero's huge ego, and finally, the humor. It's sexist and juvenile, politically incorrect and embarassing, but also self-deprecating with plenty of references to other games and movies. And the multiplayer mode is fun.

The end of the game is very abrupt - and actually quite brash. Perhaps an indication that the developer is working on a sequel.

Original found at http://www.focus.de/digital/games/game-kritik/duke-nukem-forever-macho-gegen-ausserirdische-schweine_aid_639179.html