Monday, May 11, 2009

Duke Nukem Forever - gone forever?

For a very long time Duke Nukem held a title of "ultimate vaporware". I played all Duke Nukem games (including Balls of Steel) and all of them were heaps of fun. And then about 12 years ago 3D Realms announced they are making a brand new, shiny Duke Nukem Forever.

As expected it took some time (most of respectable game developer studios don't have fixed released date) until some news surfaced. It is using Unreal engine (it was original Unreal engine) and here are some screenshots posted on the net.

DNF01

 

DNF05

 

And then there was silence for a looooong time. Couple of new screenshots appeard on the net in 2008.

dnfshot_sep08_1_small

 

dnfshot_sep08_2_small

The biggest noise was release of brief gameplay footage on Jace Hill video show.


Don't ask me why on Jace Hill show but there it was - proof DNF is not vaporware! I have to say I was bit disappointed with the footage. It didn't seemed much different from other FPS (e.g. Doom III).

And now 3D Realms is yet another victim of the recession. If it is any consolation new screenshots of the DNF are on the net. I have to say I am really impressed with “latest” screenshots. Have a look for yourself.

DNF_Xmas08_1280x800

dnf_shot0001

dnf_base

dnf_shot0004

dnf_tunnels

Considering features from all Duke Nukem series of games I am sure DNF would be fun to play with great attention to details and great sense of humour.

Let’s hope there is a company out there that will pick up where 3D Realms have left and DNF will see the light of day.