Duke Nukem 3D, arguably one of the finest first person shooters ever made. Now a port of the game comes to the iPhone with a unique control scheme to compensate for the lack of a mouse and keyboard. The question though is does it deliver the experience we all remember and love.
The game offers two control schemes and both have their problems. The analog setup features two control sticks down the bottom of the screen (one to move, one to shoot), while the digital setup breaks the sticks up into sets of up/down and left/right buttons. Changing weapons, shooting, jumping, using objects and crouching are achieved by buttons or tapping areas on screen, and the game allows you to rearrange these to your liking. The problem arises in that the controls are clunky at their best. Trying to move, look around and shoot is a chore and it breaks all sense of fluidity while playing.
As for visuals and sound, this is a near perfect port. The game runs at a smooth framerate and the levels and secret areas are just as you remember them if you played this game when it first came out.
Having a portable port of Duke Nukem 3D should be a great addition to the iPhone games library. Unfortunately the problematic controls ruin the experience. Fans of Duke might be able to overlook this, but for everyone else, it's probably best to wait till the developers can work these issues out.
Description
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V1.4 is here! Now supports "Drag to look" controls as well as dual stick!
THE ORIGINAL KING OF ACTION RETURNS!
With dozens of Game of the Year awards under his belt, Duke remains the King of Action. Larger than life action is what Duke is all about, mixed with humor and innovative explosive action in this 20+ hour game.
Los Angeles. Under attack by aliens intent on stealing our chicks for breeding. Duke Nukem springs into action dealing damage like only he can, making his "insightful" comments along the way. If you've never played a Duke game, this is your chance to see why he's been a fan favorite since 1991, with over 18 original Duke Nukem games since that time. Duke Nukem is not the typical faceless hero -- he's an in-your-face hero who has a personality that doesn't quit. Yes, it's a B-movie plot, but that's what makes it fun!
THE PRESS HAS ITS SAY!
Metacritic Player Rating: 9.4 of 10.
"It's the ultimate game for unleashing all your pent-up aggression. It is the most astonishing game we've laid our eyes on for ages! In fact, it makes pretty much every PC game we've ever seen - "Doom" included - like slightly dull. Honestly!" -- PC Gamer
"It's more inventive, and more entertaining, than "Doom." I know they've had long enough to get it right (but so have many others, who've tried and failed)." -- Computer and Video Games
"It's rare when a game comes along that really kicks your ass. With its free-flowing 3D action, over-the-top weapons, and ruthlessly attitudinal protagonist, Duke Nukem will have PC gamers worldwide rubbing their rumps with spine-tingling glee." -- Gamespot
"I couldn't stop laughing while playing this extremely enjoyable trip through what unfolds like a 1950's science fiction B-movie: Space Aliens Invade Earth for Women!...Duke Nukem has what most first-person shooters don't - character!" -- PC Gameworld
If you like Duke Nukem 3D, also be sure to check out Prey Invasion, based on the award-winning game by the makers of Duke Nukem.
Duke Nukem 3D (c)2009 3D Realms, Inc. All rights reserved. Developed by MachineWorks Northwest LLC.
NOTE:
You can get to the Controls and the Control Layout in-game by tapping the two icons in the upper right corner. Control Layout allows you to move the buttons and stick anywhere on the screen.
What's New in Version 1.4
Misc bugs and fixes