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1997 -> 2011 is 14 years, not “more than 15”. |
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*Brian Hook}}
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*Kristen Haglund
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| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
| series = ''[[Duke Nukem]]''
| engine = [[Unreal Engine]] (heavily modified)<ref>{{cite web |title=Spiele mit Unreal Engine - Von 1998 bis heute |url=https://www.gamestar.de/galerien/spiele_mit_unreal_engine,98204.html |website=www.gamestar.de |language=de-DE}}</ref>
| platforms = {{unbulleted list|[[Windows]]|[[PlayStation 3]]|[[Xbox 360]]|[[Mac OS X]]}}
| released = {{ubl|'''Windows''', '''PS3''', '''Xbox 360'''{{vgrelease|
}}
'''''Duke Nukem Forever''''' is a 2011 [[first-person shooter]] [[Video game|game]] developed by [[Gearbox Software]] and published by [[2K (company)|2K]] for [[Windows]], [[PlayStation
''Duke Nukem Forever'' began development under [[3D Realms]] and underwent
''Duke Nukem Forever'' was released on June 14, 2011, and received mostly unfavorable reviews, with criticism for its graphics, dated humor and story, simplistic mechanics, and unpolished performance and design. It did not meet sales expectations but was deemed profitable by [[Take-Two Interactive]], the owner of 2K Games. An additional episode, ''The Doctor Who Cloned Me'', was released as [[downloadable content]] later in the year. Early versions of ''Duke Nukem Forever'' were leaked in 2022.
==Gameplay==
''Duke Nukem Forever'' is a [[first-person shooter]] that combines combat, exploration and puzzle-solving.<ref name=":2" /> The game also switches to a [[Third-person (video games)|third-person view]] when in vehicle use. Players control [[Duke Nukem (character)|Duke Nukem]], a 1980s-style action hero, as he battles alien invaders<ref name="IGN" /> through three main locations: Las Vegas, a highway and [[Hoover Dam]].<ref name=":2" /> Some areas feature [[boss fights]], [[Fetch quest|fetch quests]] and driving sequences;<ref name=":2" /> in one sequence, Duke is shrunk to a miniature size and drives a toy car.<ref name="IGN" /> Minigames include [[air hockey]], [[Whac-A-Mole|whack-a-mole]] and [[pinball]].<ref name="IGN" />
''Forever'' is slower than previous ''Duke Nukem'' games. As in the ''[[Halo (franchise)|Halo]]'' series, players can only carry two weapons at a time, and Duke's [[Health (game terminology)|health]] regenerates automatically.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="IGN" /> The weapons include a shotgun, trip mines, a [[shrink ray]] (which shrinks enemies so Duke can stomp on them) and a freeze ray (which freezes enemies so Duke can shatter them).<ref name="IGN" /> Like ''[[Duke Nukem 3D]], Forever'' includes pop culture references, [[Toilet humour|toilet humor]] and adult content, such as strip clubs and the ability to urinate.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=McDougall |first=Jaz |date=2010-10-05 |title=''Duke Nukem Forever'' includes real-time peeing |language=en |work=[[PC Gamer]] |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/duke-nukem-forever-includes-real-time-peeing/ |access-date=2022-05-31 |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531165946/https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/duke-nukem-forever-includes-real-time-peeing/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In the [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] mode, players compete in games such as [[Deathmatch (video games)|deathmatch]], [[capture the flag]] and [[King of the Hill (game)|king of the hill]].<ref name=":2" /><ref name="IGN" />
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==Development==
{{main|Development of Duke Nukem Forever}}
In 1996, 3D Realms released ''[[Duke Nukem 3D]]''. Set apart from other first-person shooter games by its adult humor and interactive world, it received positive reviews and sold around 3.5 million copies.<ref name=":0">{{Cite magazine |last=Thompson |first=Clive |date=1 December 2009 |title=Learn to let go: how success klilled Duke Nukem |language=en-US |volume=18 |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |issue=1 |url=https://www.wired.com/2009/12/fail-duke-nukem/ |access-date=2022-02-26 |issn=1059-1028}}</ref> 3D Realms co-founder [[George Broussard]] announced the sequel, ''Duke Nukem Forever'', on April 27, 1997,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Liang |first=Lu-Hai |date=2022-08-09 |title=Duke Nukem Forever Had More Advanced Graphics Until It Launched, Modders Discover |url=https://www.thegamer.com/duke-nukem-forever-once-had-more-advanced-graphics/ |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=TheGamer |language=en-US |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815203114/https://www.thegamer.com/duke-nukem-forever-once-had-more-advanced-graphics/ |url-status=live }}</ref> which he expected to be released by Christmas 1998. The game was widely anticipated.<ref name=":0" /> [[Scott Miller (entrepreneur)|Scott Miller]], 3D Realms' co-founder, felt the ''Duke Nukem'' franchise would last for decades across many iterations, like ''[[James Bond]]'' or ''[[Mario (franchise)|Mario]]''.<ref name=":0" /> Broussard and Miller funded ''Duke Nukem Forever'' using the profits from ''Duke Nukem 3D'' and other games. They gave the marketing and publishing rights to [[GT Interactive]], taking only a $400,000 advance.<ref name=":0" /> 3D Realms also began developing a 2D version of ''Duke Nukem'' ''Forever,'' which was canceled due to the rising popularity of 3D games.<ref name="atdec27">{{cite web |author=Cunningham |first=Andrew |date=December 27, 2022 |title=Leaker posts an early, canceled 2D version of the infamous ''Duke Nukem Forever'' |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2022/12/leaker-posts-an-early-canceled-2d-version-of-the-infamous-duke-nukem-forever/ |accessdate=December 27, 2022 |work=[[Ars Technica]] |archive-date=December 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227183119/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2022/12/leaker-posts-an-early-canceled-2d-version-of-the-infamous-duke-nukem-forever/ |url-status=live }}</ref>▼
=== Announcement ===
Rather than create a new [[game engine]], 3D Realms began development using Id Software's [[Quake II engine|''Quake II'' engine]].<ref name=":0" /> They demonstrated the first ''Duke Nukem Forever'' trailer at the [[E3]] convention in May 1998. Critics were impressed by its cinematic presentation and action scenes, with combat on a moving truck.<ref name=":0" /> According to staff, Broussard became obsessed with incorporating new technology and features from competing games and could not bear for ''Duke Nukem Forever'' to be perceived as outdated.<ref name=":0" /> Weeks after E3, he announced that 3D Realms had switched to [[Unreal Engine]], a new engine with better rendering capabilities for large spaces, requiring a reboot of the project.<ref name=":0" /> In 1999, they switched engines again, to a newer version of Unreal Engine.<ref name=":0" />▼
▲In 1996, 3D Realms released ''[[Duke Nukem 3D]]''. Set apart from other first-person shooter games by its adult humor and interactive world, it received
=== Engine changes and delays ===
▲Rather than create a new [[game engine]], 3D Realms began development using
By 2000, ''Duke Nukem Forever'' was still far from complete. A developer who joined that year described it as a series of chaotic [[Tech demo|tech demos]], and the staff felt that Broussard had no fixed idea of what the final game would be.<ref name=":0" /> As the success of ''Duke Nukem 3D'' meant that 3D Realms did not require external funding, they lacked deadlines or financial pressure that could have driven the project. Broussard became defiant in response to questions from fans and journalists, saying it would be released "when it's done".<ref name=":0" /> In December 2000, the rights to publish ''Duke Nukem Forever'' were purchased by [[Take-Two Interactive]], which hoped to release it the following year.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2000-12-06 |title=Duke Nukem Eventually |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/12/06/duke-nukem-eventually |access-date=2022-06-12 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en |archive-date=June 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220612110332/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/12/06/duke-nukem-eventually |url-status=live }}</ref> By 2001, ''Duke Nukem Forever'' was being cited as a high-profile case of [[vaporware]], and ''[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]'' gave it the "vaporware of the year" award.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Kohler |first=Chris |date=4 June 2011 |title=Duke Nukem ends 12-year reign as vaporware king |language=en-US |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |url=https://www.wired.com/2011/06/duke-nukem-vaporware/ |access-date=2022-02-27 |issn=1059-1028}}</ref>
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At E3 2001, 3D Realms released another trailer, the first public view of ''Duke Nukem Forever'' in three years. It received a positive response, and the team was elated, feeling that they were ahead of their competitors. However, Broussard still failed to present a vision for a final product. One employee felt that Miller and Broussard were developing "with a 1995 mentality", with a team much smaller than other major games of the time. By 2003, only 18 people were working on ''Duke Nukem Forever'' full time.<ref name=":0" /> In a 2006 presentation, Broussard told a journalist the team had "fucked up" and had restarted development.<ref name=":0" /> By August 2006, around half the team had left, frustrated by the lack of progress.<ref name=":0" />
According to Miller, the Canadian studio [[Digital Extremes]] was willing to take over the project in 2004, but the proposal was rejected by others at 3D Realms. Miller later described this as a "fatal suicide shot".<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |author1=Wilde |first=Tyler |date=2022-05-11 |title=Former 3D Realms owners clash over Duke Nukem Forever blame |language=en |work=PC Gamer |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/former-3d-realms-owners-blame-each-other-for-losing-duke-nukem-forever/ |access-date=2022-05-12 |archive-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511163144/https://www.pcgamer.com/former-3d-realms-owners-blame-each-other-for-losing-duke-nukem-forever/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2007, 3D Realms hired Raphael van Lierop as the new creative director. He was impressed by the game and felt it could be finished within a year, but Broussard disagreed.<ref name=":0" /> 3D Realms hired aggressively to expand the team to about 35 people. Brian Hook, the new creative lead, became the first employee to push back against Broussard.<ref name=":0" />
=== Layoffs and Gearbox takeover === In 2009, with 3D Realms having exhausted its capital, Miller and Broussard asked Take-Two for $6 million to finish the game.<ref name=":0" /> After no agreement was reached, Broussard and Miller laid off the team and ceased development.<ref name=":0" /> In September 2010, [[Gearbox Software]] announced that it had bought the ''Duke Nukem'' intellectual property from 3D Realms and would continue development of ''Duke Nukem Forever.''<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=7 September 2010 |title=Gearbox acquires ''Duke Nukem'' IP |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gearbox-acquires-duke-nukem-ip/1100-6275307/ |access-date=2022-02-26 |website=[[GameSpot]] |language=en-US |archive-date=February 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205115531/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gearbox-acquires-duke-nukem-ip/1100-6275307/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Gearbox team included several members of the 3D Realms team, but not Broussard.<ref name=":1" /> On May 24, 2011, Gearbox announced that ''Duke Nukem Forever'' had "[[Golden master|gone gold]]" after 15 years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Purchese |first=Robert |date=2011-05-24 |title=''Duke Nukem Forever'' goes gold |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-05-24-duke-nukem-forever-goes-gold |access-date=2022-02-27 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |language=en |archive-date=February 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227125831/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-05-24-duke-nukem-forever-goes-gold |url-status=live }}</ref> It holds the [[Guinness world record]] for the longest development for a video game, at 14 years and 44 days,<ref>{{cite web |title=Longest development period for a videogame |url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/most-protracted-game-development |access-date=5 May 2018 |website=[[Guinness World Records]] |date=June 10, 2011 |archive-date=May 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506041248/http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/most-protracted-game-development |url-status=live }}</ref><!--This is not the same Guinness world record as the one held by Clockwork Aquario, which was not in continuous development--> though this period was exceeded in 2022 by ''[[Beyond Good and Evil 2]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wolens |first=Joshua |date=2022-10-03 |title=''Beyond Good and Evil 2'' has broken ''Duke Nukem Forever'''s record for longest game development time |language=en |work=[[PC Gamer]] |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/beyond-good-and-evil-2-has-broken-duke-nukem-forevers-record-for-longest-game-development-time/ |access-date=2022-10-04 |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004183755/https://www.pcgamer.com/beyond-good-and-evil-2-has-broken-duke-nukem-forevers-record-for-longest-game-development-time/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2022, Miller released a blog post on the Apogee website about 3D Realms' failure to complete ''Duke Nukem Forever''. He attributed it to
==Marketing and release==
The ''Duke Nukem Forever'' launch trailer was released on June 2, 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zimmerman |first=Conrad |date=2011-06-02 |title=Against all odds, ''Duke Nukem Forever'' has a launch trailer |url=https://www.destructoid.com/against-all-odds-duke-nukem-forever-has-a-launch-trailer/ |access-date=2022-02-26 |website=[[Destructoid]] |language=en-CA |archive-date=February 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226154818/https://www.destructoid.com/against-all-odds-duke-nukem-forever-has-a-launch-trailer/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A playable demo was released on June 3, 2011.<ref>{{cite web |author=Chris |first=Pereira |title=Duke Nukem Forever Demo Coming on June 3 |url=http://www.1up.com/news/duke-nukem-forever-demo-coming-june-3 |publisher=1up.com |access-date=May 17, 2011 |archive-date=October 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020060141/http://www.1up.com/news/duke-nukem-forever-demo-coming-june-3 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Duke Nukem Forever'' was released in a special "Balls of Steel" edition, with items including a five-inch bust of Duke Nukem, a 100-page artbook, a comic, stickers and poker chips.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/107714-2K-Announces-Duke-Nukem-Forever-Balls-of-Steel-Edition |title=2K Announces Duke Nukem Forever Balls of Steel Edition |author=Andy Chalk |date=February 12, 2011 |publisher=The Escapist |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110214084437/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/107714-2K-Announces-Duke-Nukem-Forever-Balls-of-Steel-Edition |archive-date=February 14, 2011 }}</ref> Themes and avatars were also sold for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.2kgames.com/blog/deck-out-your-360-and-ps3-with-duke-nukem-forever-goodness |title=Deck out your 360 and PS3 with Duke Nukem Forever Goodness |author=Elizabeth Tobey |publisher=2K Games |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309012343/http://www.2kgames.com/blog/deck-out-your-360-and-ps3-with-duke-nukem-forever-goodness |archive-date=March 9, 2012 }}</ref>
2K Games launched a website titled "Boob Tube" to promote the game. On May 19, 2011, a [[Flash game]] was released on the website, ''Duke Nudem,'' whereby players shoot targets against a woman. If successful, her clothing is removed until she is topless.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5803009/shoot-targets-to-get-duke-nukem-girls-topless |title=Shoot Targets to Get Duke Nukem Girls Topless |publisher=Kotaku |date=May 18, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519232938/http://kotaku.com/5803009/shoot-targets-to-get-duke-nukem-girls-topless |archive-date=May 19, 2011 }}</ref> 2K released a ''Duke Nukem Forever'' [[Soundboard (computer program)|soundboard]] for [[iOS (Apple)|iOS]], including a number of Duke Nukem's phrases.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5806336/duke-nukem-had-eggs-for-breakfast-your-mom-had-sausage |title=Duke Nukem Had Eggs For Breakfast, Your Mom Had Sausage |publisher=Kotaku |first=Brian |last=Crecente |date=May 27, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805083338/http://kotaku.com/5806336/duke-nukem-had-eggs-for-breakfast-your-mom-had-sausage |archive-date=August 5, 2011 }}</ref> ''Duke Nukem Forever'' was made available a day early on June 9 from all retailers after the [[street date]] was broken.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kotaku.com.au/2011/06/duke-nukem-forever-breaks-street-date/ |title=Duke Nukem Forever Breaks Street Date |publisher=Kotaku |date=June 9, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612112957/http://www.kotaku.com.au/2011/06/duke-nukem-forever-breaks-street-date/ |archive-date=June 12, 2011 }}</ref> The game was released in Japan on March 29, 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |title=13年＋α！ 『デューク ニューケム フォーエバー』が3月29日に発売延期 |url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201202/15010015.html |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150105224132/http://www.famitsu.com/news/201202/15010015.html |archivedate=January 5, 2015 |website=ファミ通.com}}</ref>
==Downloadable content==
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| Edge = 3/10<ref name="edgereview">{{cite web|url=http://www.next-gen.biz/reviews/duke-nukem-forever-review |title=Duke Nukem Forever review – Edge Magazine |publisher=Next-gen.biz |access-date=July 13, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718021108/http://www.next-gen.biz/reviews/duke-nukem-forever-review |archive-date=July 18, 2011 }}</ref>
| EuroG = 3/10<ref name="EG">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-06-12-duke-nukem-forever-review?page=3#justposted |title=Duke Nukem Forever |publisher=[[Eurogamer]] |date=June 11, 2011 |access-date=June 11, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615041244/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-06-12-duke-nukem-forever-review?page=3 |archive-date=June 15, 2011 }}</ref>
| GI = 6.75/10<ref name="gameinformerreview">{{cite web|last=Reiner |first=Andrew |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/games/duke_nukem_forever/b/ps3/archive/2011/06/14/12-years-in-the-making.aspx |title=Duke Nukem Forever review: 12 Years In The Making.. |publisher=[[Game Informer]] |date=June 14, 2011 |access-date=June 17, 2011 |url-status=
| GamePro = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="gamepro">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/220392/review-duke-nukem-forever-360-ps3/ |title=Duke Nukem Forever Review from |publisher=GamePro |access-date=July 13, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111202203722/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/220392/review-duke-nukem-forever-360-ps3/ |archive-date=December 2, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
| GameRev = D+<ref name=GRevolutionReview/>
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}}
On the review aggregation site [[Metacritic]], ''Duke Nukem Forever'' has a range score
Many critics disliked the level design and shooting. Kevin VanOrd of ''[[GameSpot]]'' felt that the "joy" of the ''Duke Nukem 3D'' combat had been "flattened", with "little sense of impact", and found the design tedious. He called ''Duke Nukem Forever'' a "bad, boring, bargain bin kind of game".<ref name="GSPC"/> ''[[Eurogamer]]'' wrote that the locations lacked the "exploration and excitement that made ''Duke 3D'' such a memorable experience", and that the levels were too linear, with "huge chunks of the game are spent simply walking from one fight to another through uninspired corridors".<ref name="EG"/> ''[[IGN]]'' felt the shooting was "simple fun", but criticized the platforming sequences, which "make up an unnecessarily large percentage of the story mode".<ref name="IGN"/> ''[[GamesRadar]]'' concluded that the "world-record development time has produced an ugly, buggy shooter that veers back and forth between enjoyably average and outright boring, with occasional surges of greatness along the way".<ref name="gamesradarreview"/> ''[[GamePro]]'' felt that "unexpected moments ... are really the game's biggest strengths. But they're few and far between."<ref name="gamepro" />
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The use of the series' trademark humor received a mixed response. In one regard, some critics such as ''[[Team Xbox]]'' praised the voice work of [[Jon St. John]], who did an "excellent job as always with Duke's persona",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1922/Duke-Nukem-Forever/p1 |title=''Duke Nukem Forever'' Review (Xbox 360) |author=Sparky |publisher=[[Team Xbox]] |date=17 June 2011 |access-date=30 May 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110620180948/http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1922/Duke-Nukem-Forever/p1 |archive-date=June 20, 2011 }}</ref> while others such as [[Machinima.com]]<ref name=machinima>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-oIUnSyYMM |title=''Duke Nukem Forever'' Review |author=Rob Smith |publisher=[[Machinima.com]] |date=20 June 2011 |access-date=30 May 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316103135/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-oIUnSyYMM |archive-date=March 16, 2016 }}</ref> appreciated the comedic gameplay tips and pop culture references. However, the same critic also noted that "parts of the narrative and dialogue show clear evidence of the game's elongated development. Many pop culture references refer to media in the early 2000s, with one-liners co-opted from 'guy' movies like ''Old School'', ''Highlander'', and ''Commando'', which in itself could cause blank stares from most of the current potential audience."<ref name=machinima/> The Australian website ''PALGN'' felt the game was "saved only by its humor and nostalgic value".<ref name="PALGN" />
Several critics objected to the depiction of women; ''[[X-Play]]'' described it as "creepy" and hateful.<ref name="xplay" /> ''[[Joystiq]]'' wrote that the multiplayer mode "Capture the Babe", which involves [[spanking]] women, "really is as painful as it sounds".<ref name="joystiq-nelson review" /> The hive level, in which Duke encounters abducted women who have been forcibly impregnated with aliens, attracted particular criticism. The level and its inclusion of disembodied "wall boobs", which the player can slap, were listed in GamesRadar's "8 worst moments in ''Duke Nukem Forever''".<ref>{{cite web |last=Reparaz |first=Mikel |date=June 21, 2011 |title=The 8 worst moments in Duke Nukem Forever |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-8-worst-moments-in-duke-nukem-forever/?page=2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014091142/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-8-worst-moments-in-duke-nukem-forever/?page=2 |archive-date=October 14, 2012 |access-date=September 7, 2011}}</ref> Croshaw found that the level was "as jarring a shift of tone as you can get without splicing five minutes of ''[[The Human Centipede (First Sequence)|The Human Centipede]]'' into the middle of ''[[Mallrats]]''".<ref>{{cite web |last=Croshaw |first=Ben |date=June 22, 2011 |title=Zero Punctuation: Duke Nukem Forever (for real this time) |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/3581-Duke-Nukem-Forever-for-real-this-time |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902045751/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/3581-Duke-Nukem-Forever-for-real-this-time |archive-date=September 2, 2011 |access-date=September 6, 2011 |work=The Escapist |format=Video}}</ref> ''Destructoid'' wrote: "Duke does not come across as cool, witty or likeable in the least. He comes across as a vile, callous, thoroughly detestable psychopath ... According to Gearbox, seeing women tortured was funny enough."<ref name="destructoidreview" /> ''[[Official Xbox Magazine]]'' UK thought that the humor was not "so much offensive or misogynistic as just suffering from an adolescent fixation with boobs and crowbarred-in innuendo".{{Cn|date=June 2022}} The [[Kusoge]] of the Year Wiki named ''Duke Nukem Forever'' one of the worst games of 2012.{{efn|''Duke Nukem Forever'' released in 2012 in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Surprise: Japan doesn't like Duke Nukem Forever either – Destructoid |url=https://www.destructoid.com/surprise-japan-doesnt-like-duke-nukem-forever-either/ |access-date=2022-05-10 |website=Destructoid |date=April 11, 2013 |language=en-us |archive-date=May 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510064404/https://www.destructoid.com/surprise-japan-doesnt-like-duke-nukem-forever-either/ |url-status=live }}</ref>}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Japanese Gamers' Worst Game of 2012 Is... |url=https://kotaku.com/heres-japanese-gamers-worst-game-of-2012-472389737 |access-date=2022-05-10 |website=Kotaku |date=April 11, 2013 |language=en-us |archive-date=May 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510064404/https://kotaku.com/heres-japanese-gamers-worst-game-of-2012-472389737 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Critics cited the long development time as a factor in the finished product. In a positive review ''[[PC Gamer]]'' noted that "years of anticipation will spoil ''Duke Nukem Forever'' for some", adding, "There’s no reinvention of the genre here, no real attempt at grandeur... Check unrealistic expectations at the door and forget the ancient, hyperbolic promises of self-deluded developers", and concluded, "Don’t expect a miracle. Duke is still the hero we love, but struggles to keep up with modern times."<ref name="PCG" /> ''[[Game Informer]]'', while disappointed in the game, concluded "I'm glad Gearbox stepped up and finished this game, but after hearing about it for 12 years, I have no desire to relive any of it again. I’m now satisfied in my knowledge of what ''Duke Nukem Forever'' is and ready to never talk about it again. Welcome back, Duke. I hope your next game (which is teased after the credits) goes off without a hitch."<ref name="gameinformerreview"/> ''[[Giant Bomb]]'' concluded that for those "part of that faction that finds yourself so fascinated by this whole project that you need to know how it ends, I recommend you play ''Duke Nukem Forever'' for yourself. But I'd practically insist that you do so on the PC and try to wait for a sale. If you're not willing to play a sloppy, cobbled together first-person shooter just because it has some kind of weird historical meaning, though, just forget this ever happened and move on."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.giantbomb.com/duke-nukem-forever/61-20721/reviews |title=Review: Duke Nukem Forever |date=June 14, 2011 |publisher=GiantBomb |access-date=December 12, 2011 |archive-date=December 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111219172326/http://www.giantbomb.com/duke-nukem-forever/61-20721/reviews/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Jake Denton of ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' wrote that parts of the game were fun to play and listed it as one of the "5 most underrated games of 2011", while admitting the game's overall faulty structure.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/329718/features/5-most-underrated-games-of-2011/?page=4 |title=5 most underrated games of 2011: Hidden gems from the last year... |last=Denton |first=Jake |date=December 16, 2011 |access-date=March 16, 2012 |publisher=[[ComputerAndVideoGames.com]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225212918/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/329718/features/5-most-underrated-games-of-2011/?page=4 |archive-date=February 25, 2012 }}</ref> Joseph Milne of ''FPSguru.com'' featured the game on his list of "Top 5 underrated games" at number 4 on the list.<ref>[http://www.fpsguru.com/article/77 The List: Top 5 Underrated Games] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205050754/http://www.fpsguru.com/article/77 |date=December 5, 2013 }}. Fpsguru.com (2011-08-11). Retrieved on 2013-07-31.</ref>
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== Legacy ==
In the years since its release, ''Duke Nukem Forever'' has been cited as one of the [[List of video games notable for negative reception|
In a retrospective, ''[[Destructoid]]'' stated that reactions at the time "ranged from negative to 'I guess it could have been worse,'" and that much of the failure was down to its imitation of the first-person shooter contemporaries at the time and that the game lacked "self-awareness".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-10 |title=Duke Nukem Forever proves the worst part of Duke Nukem is Duke Nukem |url=https://www.destructoid.com/duke-nukem-forever-proves-the-worst-part-of-duke-nukem/ |access-date=2022-05-10 |website=Destructoid |language=en-CA |archive-date=May 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510064405/https://www.destructoid.com/duke-nukem-forever-proves-the-worst-part-of-duke-nukem/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In another retrospective, ''[[Screen Rant]]'' attributed the negative reaction to the long development, rather than any specific aspect of the final game, with the series's sense of humour being more frowned on than in the eras of its previous entries.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-09-29 |title=Why Duke Nukem Didn't Reboot Successfully |url=https://screenrant.com/duke-nukem-forever-reboot-problems-bad-remake-series/ |access-date=2022-05-10 |website=ScreenRant |language=en-US |archive-date=May 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510064404/https://screenrant.com/duke-nukem-forever-reboot-problems-bad-remake-series/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
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=== Leaks ===
On May 9, 2022, an unfinished version of ''Duke Nukem Forever'' from 2001, including the level editor and the full source code, leaked online.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Zak |first=Robert |date=2022-05-09 |title=The leaked 2001 build of Duke Nukem Forever is actually real |language=en |work=PC Gamer |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-leaked-2001-build-of-duke-nukem-forever-is-actually-real/ |access-date=2022-05-10 |archive-date=May 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510064405/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-leaked-2001-build-of-duke-nukem-forever-is-actually-real/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Broussard confirmed its authenticity on [[Twitter]], stating that he did not know who had leaked it and that "there is no real game to play".<ref>{{Cite tweet |last=Broussard |first=George |title=Yes, the leak looks real. No, I'm not really interested in talking about it or retreading a painful past. You should heavily temper expectations. There is no real game to play. Just a smattering of barely populated test levels. I have no knowledge who leaked this.|user=georgebsocial|number=1523602422437842944 |access-date=July 17, 2022|date=May 9, 2022}}</ref> Miller, in a post on the [[Apogee Entertainment|Apogee]] website, wrote that "anyone expecting much of a playable game will be disappointed".<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Scott |date=2022-05-10 |title=The Truth About Duke Nukem Forever |url=https://www.apogeeent.com/devblog/dnf-truth |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511053544/https://www.apogeeent.com/devblog/dnf-truth |archive-date=2022-05-11 |access-date=2022-05-11 |website=Apogee Entertainment |language=en-US}}</ref> The leak includes a version of ''Duke Nukem 3D''{{'s}} first level that ends with a sequence taken from the television series ''[[Twin Peaks]]''. Writing for ''[[Ars Technica]]'', Sam Machkovech found that the gunfights were "surprisingly solid", with "punchy sound design and powerful weapons", and resembled the ''[[Soldier of Fortune (video game)|Soldier of Fortune]]'' series. He wrote that the leak included large environments, such as casinos, built to a realistic scale, and "play out like a confused team coming to grips with brand-new engine technology, simply building out larger-than-usual levels without yet getting to the crucial stages of balancing".<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Machkovech |first=Sam |date=2022-05-12 |title=We have played the lost Duke Nukem Forever build from 2001 |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2022/05/we-have-played-the-lost-duke-nukem-forever-build-from-2001/ |access-date=June 19, 2022 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us |archive-date=June 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610171459/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2022/05/we-have-played-the-lost-duke-nukem-forever-build-from-2001/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A fan project, called the ''Duke Nukem Forever Restoration Project'', aims to bring the leaked version of the game to a more complete state.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heaton |first=Andrew |date=2022-09-01 |title=First Trailers For Duke Nukem Forever 2001 Restoration Project Drop |url=https://gamerant.com/duke-nukem-forever-2001-restoration-project-trailer/ |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=Game Rant |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Patrick Perrault |date=June 6, 2022 |title=Duke Nukem Forever 2001 Restoration Mod Project Announced |url=https://techraptor.net/gaming/news/duke-nukem-forever-2001-restoration-mod-project-announced |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625013822/https://techraptor.net/gaming/news/duke-nukem-forever-2001-restoration-mod-project-announced |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |accessdate=June 20, 2022 |work=TechRaptor}}</ref> The "first slice" of the work in progress [[Video game modding|mod]] was released in late December 2022.<ref>{{cite web |author=Andrew Heaton |date=December 22, 2022 |title=Duke Nukem Forever 2001 Fan Restoration Project Is Out Now |url=https://gamerant.com/duke-nukem-forever-2001-restoration-project-release/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102192429/https://gamerant.com/duke-nukem-forever-2001-restoration-project-release/ |archive-date=January 2, 2023 |accessdate=August 25, 2023 |work=[[Game Rant]]}}</ref>
A 1996 version of the canceled [[2D game|2D]] version of ''Duke Nukem Forever'' was leaked in December 2022.<ref name="atdec27" />
==Notes==
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{{Reflist|refs=
<!-- <ref name="shack100903">{{cite web | url=http://www.shacknews.com/chatty?id=23904881#item_23904881 | title=Duke Nukem Forever Hands-on Preview (comment from George Broussard) | date=September 3, 2010 |first1=George |last1=Broussard| author-link1=George Broussard |first2=Allen H., III |last2=Blum | quote=Triptych Games which continued the game for us through all of 2009 and into 2010 with Gearbox. Triptych is made up of 9 3DR employees who refused to let the game go and we found a way through the legal maze to keep them working on the game and to keep the game alive. They have been the development force for the last year that's made the game possible. What you see coming from PAX right now is what we originally made at 3DR with polish and additional work by Triptych and assistance from Gearbox |access-date=February 11, 2011}}</ref> -->
<ref name="gamein100903">{{cite web|last=Cork |first=Jeff |url=http://gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2010/09/03/duke-nukem-forever-hitting-in-2011.aspx |title=Duke Nukem Forever hitting in 2011 |quote=We now know that Gearbox started working on the game year ago |publisher=Gameinformer.com |date=September 3, 2010 |access-date=February 18, 2011 |url-status=
<!-- <ref name="ausgam110218">{{cite web|url=http://www.ausgamers.com/features/read/2972677 |title=Duke Nukem Forever Interview with Gearbox Software |publisher=AusGamers.com |access-date=February 18, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101021043925/http://www.ausgamers.com/features/read/2972677 |archive-date=October 21, 2010 }}</ref> -->
<ref name="dnpressrelease">{{cite web|url=http://www.dukenukem.com |title=Press Release: Duke Nukem Forever Set to Kick Ass and Chew Bubblegum |publisher=DukeNukem.com |date=January 21, 2011 |access-date=February 18, 2011 |quote=2K Games and Gearbox Software announced today what will be a landmark date in gaming history... |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070127063243/http://www.dukenukem.com/ |archive-date=January 27, 2007 }}</ref>
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[[Category:2K games]]
[[Category:3D Realms games]]
[[Category:
[[Category:Cancelled GameCube games]]
[[Category:Cancelled Dreamcast games]]
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[[Category:PlayStation 3 games]]
[[Category:Science fiction video games]]
[[Category:Unreal Engine 1 games]]
[[Category:Unreal Engine 2 games]]
[[Category:Unreal Engine games]]
[[Category:Video games about size change]]
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[[Category:Video games developed in Canada]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games set in the United States]]
[[Category:Video game controversies]]
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