Duke Nukem Forever

 Xbox 360
User Score
4.5

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 492 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 120 out of 492
  2. Mixed: 131 out of 492
  3. Negative: 241 out of 492
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  1. BigManReviewer
    Apr 27, 2023
    8
    Why do people hate this game? The shooting is good along with stellar melee and finishing moves, aswell as that it's pretty funny. Also the minigames rule
  2. Katieterk2002
    Feb 10, 2022
    8
    One of the funniest games I have ever played with it humor and jokes and I also love it gameplay and I also like boss fights too and this game is amazing and people say it’s disappointing because it took like 15 years to make it had mixed reviews and this is a great fps game no one know what people say about it I will always enjoy it
  3. Spaceacer2012
    Jun 19, 2018
    10
    Ok Randy Pitchford, please make this game, along with Alien Colonial Marines, available as Xbox One Backwards Compatible games. Per Major Nelson, it's up to you guys to make this happen.

    I gave both games a 10, because I really enjoyed them, despite some flaws. The DLC for both games are actually even better than the base games. So Randy, I'm waiting.... Sign those forms... Backwards    Ok Randy Pitchford, please make this game, along with Alien Colonial Marines, available as Xbox One Backwards Compatible games. Per Major Nelson, it's up to you guys to make this happen.

    I gave both games a 10, because I really enjoyed them, despite some flaws. The DLC for both games are actually even better than the base games.

    So Randy, I'm waiting.... Sign those forms... Backwards compatible please. Thank you    … Expand
  4. osprey
    Aug 5, 2016
    8
    There is nothing wrong with this game in my opinion. I liked the story and the game play and found everything worked well. The controls and weapons were good and I thought the game was funny and lots of fun to play. The load times are a bit slow but that is my only small complaint. I don't understand why this game is getting so much hate. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
  5. Dangg
    Mar 10, 2016
    10
    This game is lit af. Like it is the best choice of any game ever. Don't listen to haters they just blow at the game. Just remember this game is lit af fam.
  6. ThyRavenWings
    Feb 20, 2014
    10
    Ill say this down right. I'm only giving this a 10 out of spite for the people that hate this game because it's NOT call of duty. This game was a step in the right direction for the it's genre that could have pulled FPS games out of the creative black hole it been stuck in since CoD was thing.
  7. 69sexmaster69
    May 6, 2013
    10
    dovaahken is super awsome in this gaem i mastred the thum of juggle psychics dragon combat am grate buy gmae know the maylay combat are very good yay
  8. gorelequint
    Apr 19, 2013
    10
    I'm not too sure what to say about this game,

    At first when I turned it on, I saw that intro-movie & I thought it was absolutely amazing & a complete blast from the past. I'm an avid Duke Nukem fan & really did love Duke Nukem 64/3D to bits. This game unfortunately turned into a modern day shooter & the graphics & physics aren't too impressive. As some people have said, quite like    I'm not too sure what to say about this game,

    At first when I turned it on, I saw that intro-movie & I thought it was absolutely amazing & a complete blast from the past.

    I'm an avid Duke Nukem fan & really did love Duke Nukem 64/3D to bits.

    This game unfortunately turned into a modern day shooter & the graphics & physics aren't too impressive. As some people have said, quite like Playstation 2.

    Regardless of that, after 12 long years of being manhandled by developers I'd expect this game was merely rushed to get it out & finished.

    After all that, this game really pleased me, maybe it was re-living some past times & living as my hero once again! The little things like "Ego Awards" where you earn a bonus to interacting with your environment (such as make some popcorn) was a great little idea.

    The game is very challenging, I did complete it on both Piece of Cake (very easy) and Damn I'm Good (insane). Piece of Cake was a good idea, go through the game, interact with the whole environment & really sap up the enjoyment in the game & learn what's what. Damn I'm Good was a pure game-rush. I played to get the game finished, prattling around would only make it a lot harder and boy IT WAS HARD!!

    I don't know if I can recommend this game to anyone else, you really do have to be a Duke Fan to appreciate this game.

    Give it a chance & enjoy what's there, don't think what it should of been!

    Hopefully there will be another instalment to the Duke franchise but I know for a fact this next one will be much better. This was just a stepping stone that had to be done & I'm glad they finally got it out of the way. I did enjoy it none the less.    … Expand
  9. Jackthebrit
    Dec 3, 2012
    8
    I really don't see the problem with this game, I can see the worst part of the game is the graphics but as I am not much of a graphics whore I don't mind the graphics, with fun weapons and a longer story than most of the FPS' out there I really don't see why this game has got terrible reviews. The reason for it is probably that it has taken 12-13 years to make and people thought it wouldI really don't see the problem with this game, I can see the worst part of the game is the graphics but as I am not much of a graphics whore I don't mind the graphics, with fun weapons and a longer story than most of the FPS' out there I really don't see why this game has got terrible reviews. The reason for it is probably that it has taken 12-13 years to make and people thought it would be brilliant, but as I haven't played any of the other duke nukem games I find this unique, most FPS' don't give you much interactivity apart from shooting and this is quite new to me, it is not a perfect game by any means but a good one at that. 8/10… Expand
  10. TheOriginalFan
    Jun 29, 2012
    8
    I very much enjoyed DNF. I played the original Duke to the most recent one and thought that DNF was pretty close to what Duke was made out to be in Duke 3D, a joke about modern(time of release) games. DNF was rated horribly mainly because of the 14 year hype train, and I know that very few if any sequels could survive that. As someone who got into Duke Nukem games when this was announced,I very much enjoyed DNF. I played the original Duke to the most recent one and thought that DNF was pretty close to what Duke was made out to be in Duke 3D, a joke about modern(time of release) games. DNF was rated horribly mainly because of the 14 year hype train, and I know that very few if any sequels could survive that. As someone who got into Duke Nukem games when this was announced, I thought it was a higher than average game. No, the graphics aren't perfect, the gameplay isn't the greatest of all time, the story didn't blow anyone away, but that wasn't what Duke Nukem was about. This game doesn't deserve the **** reviews it gets, its a modern day shooter poking fun at the other Modern day shooters, which is what I believe the Duke was all about since Duke 3D.

    At $20 or less, this game is definitely worth it.    … Expand
  11. DWlubu1998
    May 30, 2012
    9
    i originally wrote a review for this last year when it first came out and like everyone was not very happy about it. Me and im sure alot of other people were focusing to much on the negatives and wernt even paying attention to the positives. Originally i have DNF a 6/10. almost a year later i decided to buy the balls of steel addition. (i mainly bought it for the stuff inside not thei originally wrote a review for this last year when it first came out and like everyone was not very happy about it. Me and im sure alot of other people were focusing to much on the negatives and wernt even paying attention to the positives. Originally i have DNF a 6/10. almost a year later i decided to buy the balls of steel addition. (i mainly bought it for the stuff inside not the game) i checked out the stuff and put the game in my xbox. I started playing again and was startled by how much fun i was having i actually was able to see all of the positive things and didnt pay attention to the negatives and had a blast. i played through the story and then hoped on multiplayer and had a ton of fun. long story short i was EXTREMELY wrong about this game and truly deserves alot more credit than it did. Hail to the king baby… Expand
  12. Old_Biff
    May 17, 2012
    8
    I really don't understand the reviews for this game. I'm a big Duke Nukem fan and have been waiting on this for a while now and was not let down one bit. Sure it has some problems including glitches and graphics that could be better but it has a ton of personality and fits in well in the DN series. You can't compare it to other recent shooters like Halo or COD and to due so is not fare toI really don't understand the reviews for this game. I'm a big Duke Nukem fan and have been waiting on this for a while now and was not let down one bit. Sure it has some problems including glitches and graphics that could be better but it has a ton of personality and fits in well in the DN series. You can't compare it to other recent shooters like Halo or COD and to due so is not fare to the game or creators. This game was in development for a long time and that needs to be taken into consideration. If you like games that are fun and have personality and can over look some problems here and there then you will enjoy it. The online though is awful so I say skip that.… Expand
  13. dEaD_cHicKEn83
    Apr 16, 2012
    9
    Forever a long time coming, baby! So I've played this game in it's entirety; do i have more right than most to post a review? Let me begin by saying that i'd never pay more than $25 on a good day for a console game. I did once pay $50 for Fallout3 Collectors Edition (well worth the shell out, mind you). I've also played and finished the original Dukem Nukem series and Duke Nukem 3D. I getForever a long time coming, baby! So I've played this game in it's entirety; do i have more right than most to post a review? Let me begin by saying that i'd never pay more than $25 on a good day for a console game. I did once pay $50 for Fallout3 Collectors Edition (well worth the shell out, mind you). I've also played and finished the original Dukem Nukem series and Duke Nukem 3D. I get right into any game I play, essentially becoming the character whilst playing the game. I explore every inch and climb to the top of every invisible barrier. I play on nightmare mode and take my sweet time. Pay real money for a game so I want a complete experience. Games that don't fulfill my immersion needs are traded or shelved. Duke Nukem Forever is, well, both. It's a great-looking parody game full of bloody action, dirty jokes, changing gameplay that keeps you interested and wanting more. But the ending sucked Balls of Fail.

    The intro was awesome, with a rocking track to all the Duke's kills and spills and hilarious trash comedy! The game starts with the final boss battle from Duke Nukem3D. We played the PS3 version but Duke has a X360 controller, no drama tho, the send up of the Olsen Twins worked well except that his girlfriend remote didn't have a **** mute button! The following walk-through of his hotel was interesting and nostalgic however short-lived. There's even a "History of Duke" exhibit showing of all his games. I'm still laughing at stealing a turd from a toilet "what the **** Duke gave a different bewildered response every time. Classic.

    The Christian Bale punch out scene - no one likes a winger; TV show is cancelled, screaming girls asking to have Duke's babies, and Pigcops lining up at Duke Burger - hilarious. After the President told us not to get involved, i was wishing for the intimidate button, as in Duke3d, for a one-finger salute! It's full of game and movie references.

    The action is good and solid and fast, but the aiming was clunky for a console controller. Looking in the mirror was the first Ego boost, and we laughed at how the Duke's strafing and jumping animation mimicked Duke3D's animation. The first bad thing we noticed was the long loading time. A loading time of one minute if not more for an action game, really breaks the rhythm and mood of gameplay. Get over it. If you died from falling off a high ledge, it's probably your own fault! The graphics are up to modern standard, although saturated to show off the game's cartoonish aspect. I must admit the graphics are rather average for a 2011 release, but it's been in the making for like, forever! But don't even try to stare out into the blurry distance at the surrounding cityscape.
    The game is definitely not boring, as it changes with each level. Some of the driving segments can be a bit useless. Who wouldn't enjoy being shrunk down to Toy Story size and being told by a foxy lady "I know where I'd put him!" before blasting off in a toy RC car, man!

    You can play pool, pinball machine, workout, shoot hoops, play slots and poker in the casino, slap triple **** even microwave rats! The strip club was a dream level with no aliens. You can ask one stripper to shake it baby but only once and without tip. Gone are the times of throwing wads of cash at strippers and shooting them to make aliens appear. But I suppose some things (scratch that - a lot of things) got cut for this game to be released.

    Story is quite simple: defeat aliens and save world again. The action is thick and interesting, and turning aliens into chunks with the devastor or fists in a steroid induced 'roid rage is very satisfying. The two weapon limit makes badass Duke into a somewhat rations **** despite the plentiful ammo supplies. This may be a tactical edge the developers introduced to make the player think on their feet. We should've been allowed two weapons plus the golden gun because no one wants to drop it as 50 gamer points are up for grabs at the end of the game. Just make sure you're holding it before the bombs drop!

    DNF is great for Duke Nukem fans, but a disappointment for new comers. It would've been so much better had they included the original Dukem Nukem and Duke3D games, as was with Doom3: It had the original Doom, Doom2 & Final Doom. I'm disappointed with the final result of this one. The unlockable 2001 gameplay trailer is the game i wanted to have played instead, making it "Time to kick ass and chew bubble gum!" But 2011's Duke is all outta gum.    … Expand
  14. Connor_Monteith
    Jan 6, 2012
    9
    Duke Nukem Forever is a great game. Yes it has some flaws, but we shouldn't expect any game to be perfect. Most of the current shooters are not perfect, polished games. This game might not be as good when compared it its predecessors, but it's a good game in itself. have never played any previous Duke Nukem games, nor had I even heard of him, but this game is one of my favourite. Games areDuke Nukem Forever is a great game. Yes it has some flaws, but we shouldn't expect any game to be perfect. Most of the current shooters are not perfect, polished games. This game might not be as good when compared it its predecessors, but it's a good game in itself. have never played any previous Duke Nukem games, nor had I even heard of him, but this game is one of my favourite. Games are supposed to be fun. You don't need stunning graphics and perfect mechanics to have a good time. I enjoyed both the story mode and multiplayer. The comical one-liners also add to the laughter of the game. It's a fun experience and a unique game. I recommend Duke Nukem Forever to anyone who wants to have a laugh, and relive this much loved old school game.… Expand
  15. MaxxSwan13
    Dec 24, 2011
    10
    All the haters are retards. Case closed.
  16. NinjaSniperJim
    Nov 28, 2011
    8
    I honestly didn't think this game was that bad. I remember being little, Hearing about this game, 2003! 2005! Blah Blah Blah, It never happened. But finally it is here. This game DOES NOT take itself seriously, not that anybody expected it too anyway. If you are a shooter fan pick this game up. It is only like.. 20$ in U.S.A. Well worth 20 bucks
  17. Mattar
    Oct 23, 2011
    8
    Duke Nukem Forever's campaign was really fun, especially the interactive parts at the start. But after completing it multiple times, I tried the multiplayer. I would have rated it a higher mark if it was just the campaign, but the multiplayer is just so bad in my opinion.
  18. j_m_a_n
    Oct 7, 2011
    8
    This game might be living in the last decade, but it has character and a great sense of humour that makes it unique, enjoyable and worth playing.

    I think this is the first game EVER to of actually made me laugh out loud several times throughout the game. It features strippers, swearing, toilet humour and is generally rude, crude and very vulgar, if your in any way offended at all by    This game might be living in the last decade, but it has character and a great sense of humour that makes it unique, enjoyable and worth playing.

    I think this is the first game EVER to of actually made me laugh out loud several times throughout the game. It features strippers, swearing, toilet humour and is generally rude, crude and very vulgar, if your in any way offended at all by these or are a bit of prude, then do not play this game, you will not like it! The game actually starts you off in a boss fight, so straight into action, but for the next few levels afterwards the game slows down to a snails pace and relys too heavily on dukes character, one liners and actions for me. Its not until you get a few chapters into the game before the real gameplay starts to hit home. The game also has quite a few half life 2 inspired puzzles scattered around, ok so they dont fit into the incredibly (intentionally) stupid plot but they do well to break up the levels which can feel slightly repetitive. As the game progresses even further, more weapons, enemies and game mechanics are thrown into the mix and the game fares much better as a result. We all know there are a few issues with the game, the graphics are outdated, the textures are outdated, the gameplay is outdated, in fact the whole technology this game is based on.. is outdated. Outdated doesnt mean bad though, some people think, if the game doesnt have A, B or C then its not worth playing.. as duke would say... "My balls, your face"... I think on the whole, this game has been very harshly reviewed by critics and users alike... If I compare it to Wolfenstein which has got a much higher review score, Wolfenstein has more weapons, lengthier campaign, not totally linear, more features and probably better mulitplayer.. which game would I rather play - Duke Nukem, every single time - its way more enjoyable to play.

    The only one real bugbear I can really throw at this game and one that does negatively affect the game is the long loading screens, they generally last about 30 seconds but they occur going into each new level, and more painfully, everytime you die, which make tricky areas a chore. Thankfully the game isnt too hard, even on the hard setting, there were only two areas which took a while to complete for me.

    At the start of the game I was a bit worried the game wouldnt do the Duke name proud, at the end of the game I thought the game could of done with a bit more polish.. but I really enjoyed it and glad the king is back! More please!!    … Expand
  19. Lightning551
    Sep 9, 2011
    10
    Duke Nukem Forever is more interesting as a cultural artifact than it is as an actual game. And to its credit, it banks on that history with an impressive swath of goodies, like old screenshots, concept art, and trailers after finishing the campaign. If you want all of your Duke Nukem Forever nostalgia in one place, the game serves as an adequate museum. After such a sordid development,Duke Nukem Forever is more interesting as a cultural artifact than it is as an actual game. And to its credit, it banks on that history with an impressive swath of goodies, like old screenshots, concept art, and trailers after finishing the campaign. If you want all of your Duke Nukem Forever nostalgia in one place, the game serves as an adequate museum. After such a sordid development, Duke Nukem Forever's greatest accomplishment may be that it exists. It fails to appeal even as kitsch, and it's hard to see this game as anything but the a relic of its era. This aging series, like its hero, has failed to keep up with the times.… Expand
  20. hoppimike
    Aug 27, 2011
    8
    Thoroughly enjoyed this game! Ending was a bit fast but I'm not sure if that's because I completed it on normal difficulty. But yeah - unique, interesting, and stylish! Obviously not perfect and you have to take it on it's own terms and bear in mind it's history. Being a big fan of the previous game, I could appreciate every tweak, change, line, section and desire of the developers to doThoroughly enjoyed this game! Ending was a bit fast but I'm not sure if that's because I completed it on normal difficulty. But yeah - unique, interesting, and stylish! Obviously not perfect and you have to take it on it's own terms and bear in mind it's history. Being a big fan of the previous game, I could appreciate every tweak, change, line, section and desire of the developers to do what they did!

    Some bits are truly amazing. Very rarely does it seriously disappoint, although the driving sections are a bit dull.

    Consistently a 7-8/10 in my book :)    … Expand
  21. AdamReid
    Aug 4, 2011
    10
    The game Duke Nukem forever had its own little good qualities, BUT we only really play it for the little games like pin ball and air hokey, the games combat wasnt actally that bad but it didnt really give us alot of fun when in battle, the only real fun i had on it was drawing on the white board and driving the monster truck. Its sad to see the Duke in such a boring game, i really do hopeThe game Duke Nukem forever had its own little good qualities, BUT we only really play it for the little games like pin ball and air hokey, the games combat wasnt actally that bad but it didnt really give us alot of fun when in battle, the only real fun i had on it was drawing on the white board and driving the monster truck. Its sad to see the Duke in such a boring game, i really do hope there will be another Duke Nukem game because it would be sad to just end on such a bad game...… Expand
  22. makoff
    Jul 1, 2011
    9
    I can't understand: why nobody like this game? It's really cool! A lot of good jokes, explosive gun part, and driving on the BIGFOOT makes this game quite interesting. I've finished Duke Nukem Forever and I can tell you with great pleasure that it isn't boring. You should try it!
  23. Lagnus
    Jun 30, 2011
    9
    Acceptable graphics, needs to be better.
    Really is the sum of the total experience and not just the few first levels.
    Pros: -Interaction -Environment -Delivery -Knick Knacks -Ego Builiding methods fit in nicely Cons: -AI needed to be more aggressive and en masse.(Duke saving the world from a handful of aliens, pshhhuuu...wtf) -Not an awesome shooter in sense of weapon selection (ex. need    Acceptable graphics, needs to be better.
    Really is the sum of the total experience and not just the few first levels.

    Pros:
    -Interaction
    -Environment
    -Delivery
    -Knick Knacks
    -Ego Builiding methods fit in nicely

    Cons:
    -AI needed to be more aggressive and en masse.(Duke saving the world from a handful of aliens, pshhhuuu...wtf)
    -Not an awesome shooter in sense of weapon selection (ex. need to expand melee)/ using terrain.
    -A couple levels lost some focus to fill time( just the driving bit, could have been slightly shorter, unless I missed something. Like the character head from borderlands on the water level ).

    Recommendations for improvement:
    Better/More guns ( both kinds ;D ) , Superb Graphics, Improved Storyline (No B.1 to B.2 to Complete B ), "Pressure" Puzzles

    One last thing, a Duke Quote: "My balls, your face."    … Expand
  24. Scooby
    Jun 28, 2011
    10
    i LOVED this game i think its funny fun and just awsome the graphic arent even really bad who ever said that is an idiot if you like fun games this game is for you Duke nukem is back but better but still the same duke we knew from earlier games
  25. TheQuietGamer
    Jun 22, 2011
    8
    I've never played a Duke Nukem game before this one so I really can't compare it to the other ones, I had heard a lot of mixed reviews, some saying it was awesome others saying it was terrible and the worst Duke Nukem yet, but if this is the worst I can't wait to have my mind blown by the others! this was one of my most anticipated games of 2011, so I had to go out and buy it, and for theI've never played a Duke Nukem game before this one so I really can't compare it to the other ones, I had heard a lot of mixed reviews, some saying it was awesome others saying it was terrible and the worst Duke Nukem yet, but if this is the worst I can't wait to have my mind blown by the others! this was one of my most anticipated games of 2011, so I had to go out and buy it, and for the most part I wasn't disappointed, the campaign is a lot of fun, with it's crude sense of humor and over the top action, and is easily the best part of this game, and the multiplayer is pretty good I had a lot of fun with it, and brings in a steady string of unlockables which you can look or ogle at in Duke's mansion, but it does have it's flaws it seems to lack polish in some areas, the graphics are dated, and it has some really long load times, so I can really understand why a lot of people hate this, but I love it, it's a great game, and I can't wait to play the older ones, and I hope they make a couple of sequels, "All Hail to the King, Baby!"… Expand
  26. Coolguy45
    Jun 20, 2011
    9
    A very great rent but not buy. Fun story but very short and the lines are amazing the graphics are bad but they meant to make the game bad I give this game a 9 but don't buy it rent it like I did.
  27. Runo
    Jun 18, 2011
    10
    This game is awesome. Whoever gives it a low score doesn't know what is it for and shouldn't be playing it. DNF isn't rated "E for Everyone" ^^
    It wasn't meant to make everyone happy with it. The fun begins with its arrogance.
  28. CplGrant
    Jun 17, 2011
    10
    THE DUKE IS BACK! :D

    I have no regrets in buying this game. Every second of its gameplay can only be quantified as pure and utter enjoyment. I'm pretty sure that anyone who has rated this game below an 8 has NOT played the game yet!
  29. niggo_slizzer
    Jun 17, 2011
    10
    everyone scoring this game is under 17 and shouldn't be playing this game in the first place. It's freaking Douk Nookm, man! I don't know what you people expected, but from what it sounds like, you were all building this game up to be the second coming of christ.
  30. alien5
    Jun 17, 2011
    10
    Totally undeserving of such low scores, especially with so many uninventive and tedious sequels getting 9's or higher. Honestly, more varied and fun, though perhaps not as polished as most AAA shooters of this generation.
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Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2011
30
#30 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
49

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 76 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 76
  2. Mixed: 39 out of 76
  3. Negative: 34 out of 76
  1. DailyGame
    Dec 12, 2011
    50
    Duke Nukem Forever aspires to take gamers back to a different period in the gaming continuum. What it will really do is inspire you to take it back to the store for a full and complete refund.
    Read full review
  2. GamingTrend
    Sep 14, 2011
    59
    The potential for a fun but simple shooter is here, but even with Gearbox at the helm Duke Nukem Forever is clearly a hastily-cobbled sum of unfinished parts. It could have been epic if it was released 3 to 4 years ago, but nowadays there are new rivals for the throne.
    Read full review
  3. Games Master UK
    Jul 25, 2011
    69
    How can Duke be such a dick, have such an inconsistently crappy game and we still enjoy it? [Sept 2011, p.84]
See all critic reviews »