Jun 2020
They say that time flies and nothing ages quite like a 90s classic, unless your name is Duke Nukem. With Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary World Tour re-released on the Nintendo Switch, it's time for our beloved alien-slaying, one-liner-spouting hero to take a nostalgic leap (or maybe a kick) into modern gaming. Buckle up, it's about to get clunky yet glorious.
First off, let's talk gameplay. Fans of first-person shooters will feel right at home, with Duke trotting around various delightful (read: utterly chaotic) environments blowing away alien scum. Movement is fluid, and the interactivity of environments is so rich you might just find yourself trying to destroy everything in sight. Want to shoot a fire hydrant? Go ahead. Want to kick a stripper? Yep, that too. Duke's adventures take him through levels packed with secrets, hidden passages, and obtrusive one-liners that would make any action movie addict giggle. You get a full arsenal to play with: from the trusty pistol to a freeze ray and everything in between; each weapon brings its unique flair. Watch out though! Enemies range from the ridiculous to the grotesque. Oh, did I mention the Pig Cops? Yeah, they're a thing. It's like the designers ran out of ideas and started throwing together the wildest concoctions imaginable. And that includes balancing the line between absurdity and humor like a tightrope walker on a caffeine high.
Now, let's address the pixelated elephant in the room-graphics. While the original Duke Nukem 3D's graphics haven't aged like fine wine, they still have their charm. The Switch version shines(but by "shine" I mean has that lovely nostalgic sheen to them). Sure, you'll see those jagged edges, but hey, who doesn't love a bit of retro flair? What's impressively modern is how well it runs on the Switch; everything feels smooth, and the selection of locales to blast through-from movie theaters to the Moon-are well-designed for both gameplay and the environmental mayhem that Duke loves to create.
In conclusion, Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary World Tour on the Nintendo Switch is an exhilarating, albeit schlocky return to the days of 90s shooters. It's a perfect blend of nostalgia and modernity, allowing both newcomers and veterans to experience Duke's signature bravado and unrivaled combat. Whether you're looking to relive your childhood or kick some alien butt while on the go (preferably not while doing math in class, okay?), Duke is still the king. Just remember: it's time to kick ass and chew bubble gum... and you're all outta gum! Overall, it's deserving of an 8.5 out of 10, a delightful nod to the past while still being a blast in the present.
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