[Micky C]

So it's been a while now since DNF was released and everyone's had time for it to sink in and for the initial hype and enthusiasm to wear off. Given this, how do we feel about the game looking back on it?

This isn't supposed to be a negative thread, but it's hard to think of anything other of DNF than a disappointment. It's a good game, and IMO a worthy sequel to Duke 3D, but that doesn't mean it's not a disappointment and won't be looked at as such for the rest of time, and there are some disappointments that don't occur to you until you've had time to think.

I'd have to say one of my biggest disappointments, and I haven't seen this anywhere else, is that there wasn't any Johny Lenoman interview! I was so pumped for having a an interview about how great I was to boost my ego (both figuratively and literally) and seeing Duke have a proper conversation and dialogue. Then as soon as I stepped on the set, I discovered the interview had been 'cancelled'.
That felt very cheap to me, almost as if they couldn't be bothered setting up a proper interview so they went "I know, let's say the interview was cancelled because of the aliens" and took the easy way out.

The other big disappointment for me, that I can't get over is the way it handled secrets. It's not a matter of whether or not there are secrets in the game, as what most people are worried about. It's the fact that I don't care whether there are secrets or not that I find disappointing. Ironic? lol no, I'll explain what I mean: In Duke Nukem 3D, secrets were fun, and sometimes essential because they normally provided 2 things: health, and some of the cooler weapons. This provided ample motivation to actually look for secrets.
In DNF however it's completely different. Thanks to the regen health system, there's absolutely no need to go looking for secrets for health reasons, and what if you want to find a secret with a cool weapon like the RPG? Tough luck, after 5 shots (or sooner) you'll just have to trade it in for something else because of the 2 weapon limit. This completely destroys any motivation to find secrets, especially in linear levels. They might as well not be in the game.

So unfortunately that's what keeps coming into my mind when I look back at DNF. Hopefully some of you have more positive thoughts that come to you when you look back at the game that you can share.

[Gregs2k2]

Feels like "forever" since it came out. And to be honest, I completed it once and went back to it maybe 2 or 3 times to mess around. Had so many games to play lately. But Duke will always hold my attention.

[ThePinkus]

I may play a round of MP every once in a while, but for a week now, I haven't even though about DNF. Before it came out, Not one week went by where I didn't think about it. Now I'm starting to forget about it.

I still want to go back and replay certain levels, but theres so much other stuff coming out now too that its all taking up my time. Plus, getting married kind of took up most of my mind too. And working 40 hours. And trying to get myself to learn 3D Modelling.

[Martin]

The 'intrigue' has died down, and I'm being asked to judge DNF in the harsh light of day, so I will. In my opinion, the game is an utter let-down. Totally gash, if I'm honest. I haven't felt motivated to play the game once since I finished it and thought "Wow, that was a shit ending to a mediocre game" along with all the technical issues and pants gameplay. Awful vehicle sections which almost don't work (who else hated driving that fucking truck through the casino and desert?). Out-of-date pop culture references. Poking fun at games miles better than DNF. 2003 graphics (is it just me or are there only three different male human models in the game?). Epic load times (every time you die, too).

There were some laughs along the way (the blowjob in the toilet was awesome), and slight glimpses of the amazing game we thought we were getting. But overall there's just such a huge litany of errors, oversights, and bad game design that I just can't see how I'm supposed to think it's anything more than a very mediocre game. It technically is a 'shooting game', a rudimentary one, that's about all I'll give it. I'm one of those that has spent the last 14 years waiting for this game, and since the advent of the internet in our neck of the woods a decade ago, I've been one of those people valiantly defending the game whenever the subject of DNF came up on whatever fora I was posting on. It would get mentioned, people would laugh their asses off at it, calling it out as vaporware etc. I would defend it vehemently, citing all those standard things like "They just want to do it right" or "They're only a small team, they're doing their best" etc etc.

Now, every time I even look at the box I feel like 3D Realms/Gearbox might as well have chucked a fucking pie in my face and raped my childhood. We downloaded eDuke32 the other day and stuck the grp in there. You know what? It's so much better than DNF that we were actually laughing at how much better it is. It was palpable to the point of being funny. What I would like is my hard-earned £40 reimbursed. I could have taken my woman out for a good night with that money, or, you know, bought a good game? I would play it online, but the community has already died a death, with a good lobby very hard to come by.

Ultimately, I feel like a fool for defending DNF all these years. Turns out the haters were right all along. I mean, you know a game is bad when it's absolute best moment is the opening cinematic detailing the events of the previous and much better game in great style. When DNF actually kicks in, it all goes downhill. On launch day, it was the best time of my life for about 20 minutes. Then the realization that it stinks start to set in. For the next couple of days, I refused to believe that it was shit. In the end though, I can't justifiably think otherwise. And no, this is not because I had 'unrealistic expectations'. I'm just judging it as a game, same as any other. Even if they had only spent two years on it, I'd still deem it just as bad.

I am honestly not trolling. The very fact I feel compelled to say that speaks volumes of the community here. I feel I will be roasted on a fire for saying what I've said. Regardless, I was asked to give my opinion and did. If you think it's a good game, you're fortunate and I envy you.

[Micky C]

There are things I agree with and disagree with in that post. For example, I thought the ending and driving sections were good, or at least not any worse than the rest of the game. I still play online a lot, and there are still lots of servers in my local area, so other people are still playing it online and are having a blast with it.

I more or less agree with everything else. I'm not going to play any of the singleplayer campaign again for at least a year.

[Jeff]

I thought DNF was a lot of fun. However, I really think they could have done more during those 14 years (started in 1997 didn't they?).

[Mad Max RW]

I expected there to be at least one patch by now or some details about an upcoming patch. Instead it's extremely vague news about FAC exclusive multiplayer DLC. I'm finding myself continuously disappointed with the handling of DNF.

[----]

I left the game.

I completed it once the day it came. It was OK and quite fun here and there. Then I think I played halfway through again. But it was too linear too complete it twice, had too many passages that were slow or boring and other issues like the 2-weapon limit and all that crap.

Then I tried some multiplayer but P2P only, the horrible netcode and the awful game browser made me leave that too.

I too expected a patch by now so that maybe at least the multiplayer could be some fun.

As it is now I am waiting for the Single Player DLC or a new and better Duke Nukem game.

Well, or hell freezes over and we get modding tools.

[Kathy]

Martin, on 11 July 2011 - 12:55 AM, said:

Ultimately, I feel like a fool for defending DNF all these years. Turns out the haters were right all along. I mean, you know a game is bad when it's absolute best moment is the opening cinematic detailing the events of the previous and much better game in great style.

Yep.

[blackandbright]

Martin, on 11 July 2011 - 12:55 AM, said:

Ultimately, I feel like a fool for defending DNF all these years. Turns out the haters were right all along. I mean, you know a game is bad when it's absolute best moment is the opening cinematic detailing the events of the previous and much better game in great style.

Yes I feel sooooo bitter. I just can't believe the game was as bad as it was. Quickly though the game's MP here isn't anywhere close to dead. And the monster truck part was fun.

But the game could've, should've been much, MUCH better. Not because of super high expectations, but DNF should be as good as and above average FPS. The game should have more than just flashes of brilliance, it should have at the very least, a level, a proper one not a dream (a great dream yes) of awesomeness it should've had almost no noticeably bad tech problems, it should have had a half decent story.

It *sighs* why? Why oh why? I can't believe I'm saying this and feel free to troll the hell out of me, as I am kicking myself for even thinking it, but DNF isn't even on par with, w-with y-you know, THE DEVIL of shooters itself MW 2!! AHHHH I SAID IT NOOOOOO!!!!

But think about it: that doesn't feel dated or cobbled together it doesn't slap you in the face and scream: CHILDHOOD RAPED!!!! It meets any expectation, good or bad.

Duke Forever was meant to be as good as Duke3D, it for me, didn't have to be the end all, it didn't have to be the best game ever, but it upsets me when I think about when the gone gold annoucement happened: No explosion of: OMFG IT'S HAPPENED! or endless , it was just a big: Meh. Moving on.

It was supposed to be a day of endless happiness and websites saying things like "I can't believe it!" but that never ever happened once, save for GameSpot "I can't believe I just wrote that" on the first day of PAX.

It soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo dis-heartening.

[DI-MeisterM]

The game feels plain dead to me. Not a single sign of ANY Gearbox support, only the typical DLC milking stuff. Imho it's way too late to fix the most requested issues now.

Such a shame Gearbox let it die so soon...

Let me add one thing: it feels for me like the end of SiN Episodes: Emergence. I freaking LOVED the first, and only, episode and soon they announced it sold bad and closed the company. I know Gearbox won't close, but it currently feels like they closed the support of the game...

[Mack]

I've played the game for about 42 hours, not including the 14 hours on my friends machine, so about 56 hours since release. I need a break.

I think the single player is done for me, I'll probably keep on playing multiplayer for a while, it's fast and furious, the way I like it.

I hope they patch push to talk mics (and make it default) and better host options (like kicking people midgame). Open free mics are by far the most annoying thing in MP.

I think the multiplayer DLC, spare a separate co-op campaign (pie in the sky thinking here), should be released for free as to keep a standard level of compliance between the user base. I'll buy a single player or co-op DLC.

[Martin]

By far the greatest bit in the game. When I first booted it up and saw this cinematic, I nearly jizzed my pants. Shame about the actual game.

[Hank]

I'm waiting for a patch.

Probably sound like a spoiled brat, but, no point, playing the game again. My first month with DNF = cool game, lot's of hope, now: Gearbox, get your arse in gear.

added
I found this review an hour ago. A person looking forward to this game for a decade, and is happy.

[Mr.Deviance]

I've beaten the game and I like and dislike it.
How do I feel one month later?
I feel nothing. No remorse, no happiness, no disappointment.
I don't know how to describe this but it's weird.
I don't feel like I'm done waiting for DNF, I feel like I've never waited for it at all even though I did for 14 years.
The DNF event has completely died for me and I feel like there's nothing left for me here.
At this point I would probably not go back to it unless they release some serious sdk tools and some fans get up to it and make some serious mods for it.
I've done my job here with researching the game and posting on this forum everything that I thought was important for people to know so they can tweak the game and make it look more like the demo.

At this point I have to say that while I am not making a purpose out of leaving this forum, I will just check the forum from time to time without doing too much posting anymore.
Wish everybody good luck and cheers to everybody that got to play the game they've waited for 14 years just like I did!

[rasmus thorup]

I can't see how games as half life is any better than this. I liked this, and i still play multiplayer now and then. I am really looking forward for the 15 single player maps DLC. And i have a feeling that the overlord will be killable

[Mad Max RW]

rasmus thorup, on 11 July 2011 - 04:16 PM, said:

I can't see how games as half life is any better than this.

Because Half Life supported modding out of the box. If you recall, multiplayer was only basic deathmatch at the time of release and it was pretty unpopular. It took mods like TFC and Counter Strike for the game to make its lasting mark. Without dedicated and creative fans Half Life and Valve never would have grown to the juggernaut we see today. Why more developers/publishers don't follow suit is something I will never understand.

[BraveTriforcer]

Well. I liked it, and it was a fun ride. The multiplayer is pretty good, too. But that might be my tolerance for bullshit not related to the gameplay talking. Overall? I'm glad it came out because it did 2 things.

1. It brought Duke back to the industry properly. Not with "DNF's cancelled, but we're making a new Duke game to replace it".

2. It gave the last 14 years of delays, grapical upgrades, engine changes, and George Broussard being dumb closure.

Now? I'm waiting to see what a proper modern Duke Nukem game will be like. Not some Frankentstein-esque monstrosity that has dynamic influences from every major FPS in the last 14 years as they came out. Also, a game that is unquestionably good, without requiring me to be overly forgiving. Because really, the only reason I like this game as much as I do is because it's DNF, and it deserves some slack. But I will be in Yahtzee Croshaw mode when the DNF sequel rolls by. No fucking mercy.

[Mad Max RW]

Mr.Deviance, on 11 July 2011 - 02:22 PM, said:

At this point I have to say that while I am not making a purpose out of leaving this forum, I will just check the forum from time to time without doing too much posting anymore.
Wish everybody good luck and cheers to everybody that got to play the game they've waited for 14 years just like I did!

Heh, with you giving up there's no reason for anyone to stay.

[Martin]

Mr.Deviance, on 11 July 2011 - 02:22 PM, said:

At this point I have to say that while I am not making a purpose out of leaving this forum, I will just check the forum from time to time without doing too much posting anymore.
Wish everybody good luck and cheers to everybody that got to play the game they've waited for 14 years just like I did!

[KaijuTurtle]

Forever has come and gone, and it's legendary stature has diminished in my mind to accept the cold reality of the matter.
It's a disappointment. I knew going In I would be disappointed, but I held out hope that I'd be pleasantly surprised. I guess the fact that I wasn't is what makes my feelings about it so neutral.

But still, Duke Nukem is fresh in my thoughts. With Reloaded coming when it's done, the 'Glorious Bastard' comics coming out later this month, and Gearbox doubtlessly planning some sort of sequel, if anything, Forever's release has breathed new life into the series. It motivated me to go play DN3D again, which is always nice, but that's about it.



Also; Dukematch is pretty fun.

[Sebastian]

The game is crud. I did find a few parts to be rather fun but mostly I could hardly feel much of anything besides embarrassment from playing it.

And I blame the fat cunt that is George Broussard for it.

[Mad Max RW]

Sebastian, on 12 July 2011 - 01:44 PM, said:

The game is crud. I did find a few parts to be rather fun but mostly I could hardly feel much of anything besides embarrassment from playing it.

And I blame the fat cunt that is George Broussard for it.

I wonder if certain people here will have the balls to down-vote a moderator for saying that.

[Psyrgery]

Disappointed that it was a below-average game with Duke in it. Duke is the only thing making this game "worthable".

Disappointed that it copied games that makes fun of. Two weapon limit, rechargeable health, checkpoints, lame vehicle sections.

Duke Nukem 3D essence is completely lost. Enemies no longer roam the map, they just spawn at some points, at that's it. Kill waves of enemis, solve puzzle, advance further, repeat. And it's too linear it's not even funny. It feels as if the game pushes you to play so you don't have to explore since, there isn't anything worth exploring.

Level design is... well, terrible. Where have those epic Duke3D maps gone?

Also, the game is TOO consolized. Damn spacebar smashing. Damn these HUGE command prompts PRESS "E" TO DO SOMETHING NOT WORTH DOING. Jeez, I miss the old "hmm, hmm, where is it?" trying to find secret rooms, and the joy of suddenly finding one. It was just priceless.

BUGGY as hell. Blood decals are glitched. Gun holes on bodies are glitched. For christ's sake, Duke is shadowless for half of the game!. Some lights cast Duke's shadow, while others don't. It feels plain weird.

As well as the design inconsistence. You have the Ladykiller casino which, if not impressive, it was good looking. As soon as you step out of it, "blandness, blandness everywhere". It is not ugly, or bad-looking... It is simply bland, uninspiring. Add that to bad level design a VOILÀ. Crappy finish acomplished.

Many stuff was cut of it. There were going to be flying motorbikes (like those from Duke3d), pigcops tanks (like those from Duke3d). MANY THINGS GOT CUT. And they may be related to why has the game been left with this "incomplete and rushed" feeling the game has. Some levels and stuff were made (Forklift and Hoover dam) by 2006!!!. Remember the Alien-stuff from the Jace hall video? That weird alien-arm grabbing those weird red glowing things? Were was that?

And yes, some thing looks rushed (RUSHED!!!, WITH STUFF THAT WAS ALREADY DONE BY 2006), and WORSENED!. The leech worm was to be encountered some times before we would face it, in the current game he just spawns out of nowhere, it's nonsense!. Also, when Jace was using the Devastator, once of the big pipes of steam of the ceiliing fell off due to the explosions, as part of level destructability it felt very realistic and well done. Now it doesn't happen if it's not scrippted.

George Broussard once said "It doesn't feel like an Unreal game anymore". Perhaps it is just me, that I've played plenty of Unreal games, and that I can tell which game does use the Unreal Engine by the feels of it, but this game feels nothing more than a game made on Unreal Engine. The collision defection, the consistence of how the map is built, how the character moves... Damn, it almost looks like an Unreal 2/ Tournament 2004 mod.

And the most disappointing is the direction the game headed at after 2001/2003 builds (by far, the most beloved by EVERYONE, not only Duke fans). They should have kept everything from these builds, and just updated it to DNF's standards. We would have been talking of it as the Game of the year, despite it flaws.

But no, instead we got an Halo-Unreal-of-wars with Half-Life2 visuals and way crappier animations, and bland feeling and uninspiring. It's a game that does not want you to play, instead it wants you to feel pitty over it.

It's the disappointment of a disappointment.

[Jimmy]

I'm torn. I like the game, I think it's pretty damn good for a modern game. And that's exactly what it is. It's a modern game. It's not a return to the days of old, and that's why I hate the game. At points you can feel the grandeur of the 1998 and 2001 trailers. You can see how the game has evolved but still has the same basic story going on. And to be honest, it doesn't hold up to what we've been promised. It's still better than Black Ops but instead feels like a cheap Duke 3D mod with amazing graphics. I rate DNF as only the fourth best Duke game. (Duke3D > Duke Nukem: Zero Hour > Manhattan Project > DNF)

[DavoX]

Mad Max RW, on 12 July 2011 - 02:04 PM, said:

I wonder if certain people here will have the balls to down-vote a moderator for saying that.

I don't get why one would need balls to downvote a rude post.

[Micky C]

DavoX, on 12 July 2011 - 06:39 PM, said:

I don't get why one would need balls to downvote a rude post.

Careful, he knows where you live your IP

[Kathy]

Psyrgery, on 12 July 2011 - 02:34 PM, said:

And yes, some thing looks rushed (RUSHED!!!, WITH STUFF THAT WAS ALREADY DONE BY 2006), and WORSENED!. The leech worm was to be encountered some times before we would face it, in the current game he just spawns out of nowhere, it's nonsense!.

I don't remember they even mentioned it anywhere in the game. It was indeed strange. I only knew about it from old videos.

Okay, about the game. I had a great time playing it. The feeling was "wow, I'm playing DNF". But it didn't go beyond that. It seems that "playing" was the only reason I liked it. Because after waiting since first year for this it was the reason enough for me to enjoy it. Of course the more I played I began to notice that it was not really what I expected. The one thing that I wasn't worried about was interactivity since I always dreamt about DNF having insane interactivity believing George words. Perhaps it indeed had insane interactivity in the past, but devs couldn't bind it with the rest of the game, who knows.

In the end, I still felt good after completing it. But I waited for another game. And I'm still waiting for it.

[Martin]

Radio silence from Broussard is telling. He must be slitting his wrists or something.

[Micky C]

Martin, on 12 July 2011 - 09:41 PM, said:

Radio silence from Broussard is telling. He must be slitting his wrists or something.

Yeah it must be horrible working on a game for 14 years, not releasing it because you wanted it to be the best, and then it comes out and people rate it below average.