Before delving into the review, I'd like to use this prologue to discuss the nature of gaming conversions. Recent discussion on agvtg-c has made it obvious that folks have vastly different expectations for Com adaptations, with part of the problem being the fact that there are different valid expectations, dependant upon the type of game to be converted. The first example would be Arcade Classics - with its selection of older, low-end titles, its reasonable to count upon a near-perfect conversion. Mortal Kombat Trilogy, while a higher-end game, is of a genre where one can strip away many features and still have a recognizable MK title. On the flipside, other genres simply will not translate as well, with only minor changes drastically altering the game. Myst is a good theoretical example - the "hunt the pixel" interface might work amazingly well with the Com's touchscreen, but the core of the title was a demonstration of the PC's graphical power. IMO, Myst would be an total failure as a conversion. What does this have to do with Duke Nukem for the Com? Well, keep in mind that 3D shooters might not make for the best conversions. In fact, given the amount of computational power it takes to run a good Duke-style game, and how the removal of even minor elements can result in drastic differences, it appears that this genre is one of the last that should be considered for translation. Just remember that "different" does not necessarily mean "inferior", in that the title could still be very viable on its own merits. On with the review...
"Duke Nukem 3D" the game is called, and the "3D" appellation is correct, altho not in the same style as we're used to currently thinking of 3D games. This particular form of 3D is more reminiscent of older RPG dungeon crawls, such as the Eye of the Beholder series, in which movement is indeed within a 3D world, but with increments of 10 foot "movement blocks". This works surprisingly well for the Duke conversion to the Com, ultimately removing little from the feel of the original. Perhaps the killing flaw of the title is found within the specifics of movement. Instead of being able to turn left or right 90 degrees, you are kept facing the same direction constantly, with left/right on the gamepad performing strafes not turns (actually, there is a form of turn, in which your avatar encounters a bend in a hallway and automatically peforms the motion for you. Thats it). The title could have even given us both movement options, but 2 of the buttons are taken up with secondary and tertiary firing options at 45 degree angles. The fire left/right buttons are inelegant fixes to the lack of turning motion, which results in Duke Nukem being a good Com title instead of an excellent one.
The game retains the fundemental properties of Duke Nukem - shoot everything that moves, gather powerups, explore your 3d world, and make it to the next level in one piece. There are plenty of opponents to keep one busy, with 4 of the original Duke monsters (Assault Troops, Pig Cops, Enforcers, and Octabrains) making the transition to the Com. Luckily, 4 of the original weapons (Mighty Boot, Pistol, Shotgun, and RPG) also made the journey, and you'll find the latter two become your constant companions thru the game. Its unfortunate that more of the monsters and weapons don't make appearances, but those present do rather nicely. Powerups are limited to healthpacks and armor, and even on the medium difficulty setting ("Let's Rock!") they are precious commodities. If the struggle becomes overwhelming and your incarnation of Duke fails, a password option exists that lets you continue from there on. There isn't as much of an exploratory factor in the Com version of Duke as there is an emphasis upon simply surviving to the exit. Generally, one needs to find a keycard that opens the door to the exitroom before proceeding onward to the next level - sometimes the key can be difficult to locate, especially if found within one of the larger rooms. Duke Nukem 3D does not support multiplayer in any form, either thru the compete.com cable or a hypothetical internet connection about which many fans had raised a question. This is unfortunate, as even this altered form of Duke could have been an exciting multiplayer experience.
Duke Nukem is a visually appealing title. Much time has obviously been spent in recreating the original look of the game, and this work paid off. The various monsters appear almost identical to their PC cousins, with even their movement animations being right on target. While the 3D environment is somewhat drab and repetitive, you'll spend more time looking at the visually satisfying creatures you're shooting at anyway. Duke Nukem 3D also features some very well done stillshots between levels, finely detailed. The audio recreation of Duke is near-perfect. Players of the PC Duke will experience an auditory treat listening to this game, from Duke's constant barrage of commentary & cursing, to the familiar grunts of pain from both Duke and the monsters as they suffer damage. The only notable distraction is at the very start of the game, when Duke comments on his ride being shot down once again, the audio crackles considerably - whether this is a flaw in the title or the system bogging down from doing too much at once is unknown. Besides this minor flaw, the sound quality is a much appreciated addition to the game. As long as you don't enter this game with visions of the PC Duke flashing before your eyes, the Com adaptation is an enjoyable game. Lack of multiplayer support and the limited range of movement damage this title's ratings, altho the superb audio/visual presense keep its head above water. Shelve your preconceived notions and give this title a tryout - you might just find yourself having a good time.
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