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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. 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!
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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
  10. 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.
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. Iainfixie
    Jun 15, 2011
    10
    I've been waiting 12 years for this game, and I have to weigh in. I found the game to pull on my Nostalgia goggles in a good and new way, I was not comparing it to current titles, nor was I comparing it to it's past. I took it for what it is, and always will be a mystical game rising from the vapors to become real. Plenty of negative reviews on it do bum me out, but I had a blast with theI've been waiting 12 years for this game, and I have to weigh in. I found the game to pull on my Nostalgia goggles in a good and new way, I was not comparing it to current titles, nor was I comparing it to it's past. I took it for what it is, and always will be a mystical game rising from the vapors to become real. Plenty of negative reviews on it do bum me out, but I had a blast with the game. laughing at the clunky animations and sounds and textures that harken back to a time when games were made in small dimly lit offices by a tiny team of coders trying to make a living off cheap ramen and cheaper coffee..The feelings I felt whilst playing this game were that of wide-eyed wonder that my 12 year old self had when playing the original. Gritty, edgy, stupid humor and other such tiny oddities make me feel that this game was made to the standards of the past which is, exactly what I wanted to spend my money on. The things I do not like: The halo style weapon system, as well as the lack of my mighty boot. That is all, I loved this game and got full use out of my money, and will continue to in multi-player as well as single-player on a harder difficulty. Thank you 3D Realms, Gearbox, and everyone else involved in finally letting Duke have his last adventure!… Expand
  14. Stranger91
    Jun 15, 2011
    10
    Everything you could want from a Duke Nukem game! The game solid is good the game itself is fun and there is a lot of humor in the game to make you chuckle every now and again. The graphics aren't the best iv'e seen but their not bad enough for me to complain. The only thing that lets the game down is the loading times in between levels and when you die. Other than that its a 10/10Everything you could want from a Duke Nukem game! The game solid is good the game itself is fun and there is a lot of humor in the game to make you chuckle every now and again. The graphics aren't the best iv'e seen but their not bad enough for me to complain. The only thing that lets the game down is the loading times in between levels and when you die. Other than that its a 10/10 experience for any Duke Nukem fan.… Expand
  15. Montyboggs
    Jun 14, 2011
    8
    I'm having more fun with this game than I ever had with Call of Duty: Black Ops. Sure this game doesn't advance on any front but it's simply fun. This is everything that should be expected in a sequel to Duke Nukem 3D. If you appreciate run and gun shooters of the past and don't need your hand held through scripted moment FPSes of the current day that are only made to look good on aI'm having more fun with this game than I ever had with Call of Duty: Black Ops. Sure this game doesn't advance on any front but it's simply fun. This is everything that should be expected in a sequel to Duke Nukem 3D. If you appreciate run and gun shooters of the past and don't need your hand held through scripted moment FPSes of the current day that are only made to look good on a trailer long enough to trick someone into buying it then pick it up. This is for people that still like to play Duke Nukem 3D, essentially, and, in that scenario, it delivers.… Expand
  16. DavoX
    Jun 15, 2011
    9
    I've got to admit first that I followed this game for it's entire 14 years of development. However I'd like to point out that I'm also aware that this Build of the game didn't take 14 years to make, it took 5. Remember that DNF was scrapped several times until it's final attempt to make it.

    That said, I went on to play the game for the first time with really high expectations, the highest    I've got to admit first that I followed this game for it's entire 14 years of development. However I'd like to point out that I'm also aware that this Build of the game didn't take 14 years to make, it took 5. Remember that DNF was scrapped several times until it's final attempt to make it.

    That said, I went on to play the game for the first time with really high expectations, the highest possible. And yes, the game didn't meet them, of course. Nothing can meet such hype and expectation built for over a decade.

    Still the game managed to keep me entertained throughout it's entirety and even had me rolling on the floor laughing. The game IS fun. You only need to know that this isn't supposed to be the second coming of Christ. It's a funny enjoyable game.

    It has it's flaws, yes. Like the linearity, sometimes empty rooms, and so on. Still, for me, the good out weighed the bad. I'm one of the lucky people that had fun with the game and didn't finish it in disappointment. I'd like to say thank you to everyone that made this game possible. I sure had a blast playing it and I know I'll keep on trying to find more secrets and references. Remember if you're on the 360 install the game to lessen the loading times! Get the game! Don't let the bad reviews discourage you. It's cool to talk trash about Duke Forever on every review, but you don't have to be like that. You have a mind of your own. Try the game, and then make up your own opinion about it. HAVE FUN!    … Expand
  17. Vlado
    Jun 17, 2011
    10
    Duke Nukem Forever was such a fun game, I really don't get why many reviewers decided to hate on it. There are a few problems, make no mistake - mainly the 2007-2008 level graphics, the fact that Duke can, for some reason, carry only 2 guns, regenerating health instead of health packs. Everything else, though, is excellent, ESPECIALLY if you enjoy Duke Nukem humour. If you do, this game isDuke Nukem Forever was such a fun game, I really don't get why many reviewers decided to hate on it. There are a few problems, make no mistake - mainly the 2007-2008 level graphics, the fact that Duke can, for some reason, carry only 2 guns, regenerating health instead of health packs. Everything else, though, is excellent, ESPECIALLY if you enjoy Duke Nukem humour. If you do, this game is a true feast. The jokes are second to none, the game just keeps a smile on your face for extended periods of time.

    There's a LOT of attention to detail (pretty entertaining Duke Nukem burger cartons in one of the stages, for instance). The game offers great variety, it's not all shooting, there are puzzles, there's some first-person platforming (nothing too difficult), a lot of things are covered. The stages are quite varied, both in terms of design and in terms of what you have to do - there are driving stages, water stages, stages where you are small and have to fight your ways through rats or even big aliens, a stage set like a Western movie, etc. There are plenty of entertaining mini-games like pool, weight lifting, pinball, etc. The boss battles are quite epic and intense.

    I guess the game is a bit on the easy side on Normal difficulty, but then again, you're Duke Nukem, it's natural that you kick epic amounts of ass. The story is nothing special, of course, but the game is all about the humour. Duke Nukem is better than ever, I'd say Jon St. John's voice is even more badass 15 years later!    … Expand
  18. 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!
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. Limpert
    Jun 14, 2011
    8
    Astonishing: This was the most fun shooter-experience since Half-Life 2 but the reviewers smashed this game into the ground. Do not get me wrong: I also enjoyed the Call of Duty games as well as Bad Company or Crysis 2, but those games were more or less similar in some way. Duke Nukem is strange and dull but so much fun and full of it's own charme. Sure, this is no groundbreakingAstonishing: This was the most fun shooter-experience since Half-Life 2 but the reviewers smashed this game into the ground. Do not get me wrong: I also enjoyed the Call of Duty games as well as Bad Company or Crysis 2, but those games were more or less similar in some way. Duke Nukem is strange and dull but so much fun and full of it's own charme. Sure, this is no groundbreaking experience but who expected the game to fulfill this role? Most people may think that 3D Realms was working 24/7 on this game, but I dont think thats the way it has been.… Expand
  23. Olzar
    Jun 16, 2011
    8
    Duke Nukem Forever plays like a nineties FPS & I understand why that doesn't appeal to everyone, but for me it was a breath of fresh air to have a fun and highly interactive world to play in. Bring on more Duke!
  24. mustacheius
    Jun 15, 2011
    10
    this game i efing great but its not flawless in fact it has 3
    1. the graphics
    the graphics arent that bad and at first youll notice them but later youll haveing too mutch fun be blowing the alien bastards) plus i still play snes-n64-ps1-gc-psp-gba-ps3 so it dosent bother me 2.the begining stage (the begining is so long and the action is scarce) after you turn off the game of    this game i efing great but its not flawless in fact it has 3
    1. the graphics
    the graphics arent that bad and at first youll notice them but later youll haveing too mutch fun be blowing the alien bastards) plus i still play snes-n64-ps1-gc-psp-gba-ps3 so it dosent bother me
    2.the begining stage
    (the begining is so long and the action is scarce) after you turn off the game of dissipointment and play again in 2 or three hours you start to see the gem shine)
    3.there is no third flaw(the duke cant fail ever)

    its a great game and after you pick it up again after your 2-3 hour dissipointment break go in expecting nothing and the game will show you how great it realy is i havent finished it yet but i hope its long and cant wait for duke nukem 5
    and if it helps i wasnt a hard core duke fan untill this game mostly besause i found out about duke when i was 4 and im currently 15
    ps executions are satisfying as hell    … Expand
  25. laguna
    Jun 17, 2011
    10
    Satire is dead. everybody bought this game thinking it was going to be the usual CoD and gears style macho **** when it really MAKES FUN OF that kind of thing.

    so naturally, the CoD kiddies are going to think, "omg, this protagonist is such an ass", because they don't know any better and were stupid enough to expect something different from duke.
  26. Senladar
    Jun 15, 2011
    10
    To everyone that was expecting CoD 3 out of the duke, get a clue
    To everyone that was expecting classic duke, you win two internets

    Duke Nukem Forever is exactly what it should have been and exactly what it was meant to be.

    I miss the days when games were rated on their fun factor and not on how pretty the pointless blade of grass looks in the fake wind.
  27. Harder97
    Jun 14, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. First of all I have to start by saying that if you are looking for a run of the mill FPS like Call of Duty or Halo just stop reading now and look elsewhere. However, if you are looking for the nostalgic experience you had in the 1990s (or heard about if you were too young) with the Duke Nukem franchise, then rest assured, Take-Two Interactive and Gearbox Software did this franchise justice. Does the game have state of the art graphics, animations and cinematics that will make you "ooh" and "ahh" at the game designer's wizardry? Nope. This was never what made Duke, Duke. What made him, him was a kickass arsenal of weapons and being a total badass. He gets the girls, he takes steroids, pumps iron, and does whatever the hell he (you) wants to do. As far as the actual gameplay goes the AI is intelligent making combat somewhat challenging for an experienced FPS player. The multiplayer modes work well too. The boss battles don't let you down either constantly barraging with you minions to distract you or gigantic RPG hurtling rockets at you. And of course Duke is funny in the whole process. Must-buy for diehard Duke fans. For those easily offended or looking for another Call of Duty game get Battlefield 3 in November.… Expand
  28. doppelnoir
    Jun 14, 2011
    10
    How the critics are bashing duke is crazy but all things said, i love the game i havnt enjoyed myself and laughed this much during a game in forever.... no pun intended.... some just dont take the game for what it is they try to compare to much.... oh well i still got balls of steel....
  29. brit11
    Jun 14, 2011
    10
    This is a great game. My rank is 10/10 because so many ideas used in this game are awesome and you cannot see it in any other shooter. Really fantastic and big thanks to Gearbox and 3D Realms. Great!
    Hail to the King, baby!
  30. zork2112
    Jun 17, 2011
    8
    This game is purely about fun and nostalgia. It amazes me that this is generally not considered the most important criteria to judge a game by. In any case this game is by no means "crap" as some people are saying. Many are complaining that the game play is dated, but duh, that's intentional. We don't need Duke does COD. Well done Gearbox :)
prev
Page:

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 »