View source for Duke Nukem 3D

{{Short description|1996 first-person shooter video game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2016}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Duke Nukem 3D
| image = Duke Nukem 3D Coverart.png
| developer = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|[[3D Realms]]}}
| Lion Entertainment {{small|(Mac OS)}}
| General Arcade {{small|(''Megaton Edition'')}}
| [[Gearbox Software]], [[Nerve Software]] {{small|(''20th Anniversary World Tour'')}}
}}
| publisher = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|[[FormGen]]}}
| [[MacSoft]] {{small|(Mac OS)}}
| [[U.S. Gold]] {{small|(MS-DOS, Europe)}}
| [[Eidos Interactive]] {{small|(''Atomic Edition'', ''Kill-A-Ton Collection'') (Europe)}}
| [[GT Interactive]] {{small|(PS/N64)}}
| [[King Records (Japan)|King Records]]
{{small|(PS, Japan)}}
| [[Sega]]{{efn|Released under the Deep Water brand name in North America}} {{small|(SS)}}
| [[TecToy]] {{small|(SG, original)}}
| [[Piko Interactive]] {{small|(SG, reissue)}}
| [[Microsoft Game Studios]] {{small|(X360)}}
| MachineWorks Northwest {{small|(iOS, Android)}}
| [[Devolver Digital]] {{small|(''Megaton Edition'')}}
| [[Gearbox Publishing]] {{small|(''20th Anniversary World Tour'', ''Atomic Edition'', digital reissue)}}
| Jordan Freeman Group {{small|(''Atomic Edition'', digital reissue)}}
| [[2K Games]] {{small|(''Atomic Edition'', digital reissue)}}
}}
| director = 
| producer = Greg Malone
| designer = {{Unbulleted list
| Allen H. Blum III
| [[Richard Gray (game designer)|Richard Gray]]
}}
| programmer = [[Todd Replogle]]
| artist = 
| writer = 
| composer = {{Unbulleted list
| [[Lee Jackson (composer)|Lee Jackson]]
| [[Bobby Prince|Robert Prince]]
}}
| engine = [[Build (game engine)|Build]]
| series = ''[[Duke Nukem]]''
| platforms = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|[[MS-DOS]]}}|[[Android (operating system)|Android]]|[[Game.com]]|[[iOS]]|[[Classic Mac OS]]|[[Windows]]|[[Nintendo 64]]|[[macOS]]|[[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]|[[PlayStation 3]]|[[PlayStation Vita]]|[[Mega Drive/Genesis]]|[[Sega Saturn]]|[[Xbox 360]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[Xbox One]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]}}
| released = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|January 29, 1996}}|'''MS-DOS'''{{Video game release|NA|January 29, 1996 (Shareware Version)|NA|April 19, 1996 (Full Version)|NA|December 11, 1996 (Atomic Edition)|EU|May 17, 1996<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 27, 1996 |title=The Latest All-Formats Charts |pages=16 |work=[[Leicester Mercury]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/leicester-mercury/170768143/ |access-date=November 30, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=May 17, 1996 |title=Dixons New Games Releases |pages=4 |work=[[Daily Mirror]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-mirror/170768158/|access-date=November 30, 2023 |quote=Latest Release for PlayStation//''Ridge Racer Revolution''//Dixons Deal £44.99}}</ref>}}'''Game.com'''{{Video game release|NA|1997}}'''Mac OS'''{{Video game release|NA|June 6, 1997}}'''Saturn'''{{Video game release|NA|October 29, 1997|EU|October 30, 1997}}'''Nintendo 64'''{{Video game release|WW|November 14, 1997}}'''PlayStation'''{{Video game release|NA|December 2, 1997|EU|December 1997}}'''Mega Drive/Genesis'''{{Video game release|BR|1998|WW|October 16, 2015}}'''Xbox 360'''{{Video game release|WW|September 24, 2008}}'''iOS'''{{Video game release|WW|August 11, 2009}}'''Android'''{{Video game release|WW|November 1, 2011}}'''''Megaton Edition'''''|'''Windows''', '''OS X'''{{Video game release|WW|March 20, 2013}}'''Linux'''{{Video game release|WW|September 4, 2013}}'''PlayStation 3''', '''PlayStation Vita'''{{Video game release|NA|January 6, 2015|EU|January 7, 2015}}'''''20th Anniversary World Tour'''''|'''Windows''', '''PlayStation 4''', '''Xbox One'''{{Video game release|WW|October 11, 2016}}|'''Switch'''{{Video game release|WW|June 23, 2020}}}}
| genre = [[First-person shooter]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
}}

'''''Duke Nukem 3D''''' is a 1996 [[first-person shooter]] game developed by [[3D Realms]] and published by [[FormGen]] for [[MS-DOS]]. It is a sequel to the [[platform game]]s ''[[Duke Nukem (video game)|Duke Nukem]]'' and ''[[Duke Nukem II]]'', published by 3D Realms.

''Duke Nukem 3D'' features the adventures of the titular [[Duke Nukem (character)|Duke Nukem]], voiced by [[Jon St. John]], who fights against an [[alien invasion]] on Earth. Along with ''[[Wolfenstein 3D]]'', ''[[Doom (1993 video game)|Doom]]'' and ''[[Quake (video game)|Quake]]'', ''Duke Nukem 3D'' is considered to be responsible for popularizing first-person shooters, and was released to major critical acclaim. Reviewers praised the interactivity of the environments, gameplay, level design, and unique risqué humor, a mix of pop-culture satire and lampooning of over-the-top Hollywood action heroes. However, it also incited controversy due to its violence, erotic elements, and [[Gender representation in video games|portrayal of women]]. Since its release, ''Duke Nukem 3D'' has been cited as one of the [[greatest video games ever made]].

The [[shareware]] version was originally released on January 29, 1996, while the full version of the game was released on April 19, 1996.{{Citation needed|date=August 2024}} The ''Plutonium PAK'', an expansion pack which updated the game to version 1.4 and added a fourth eleven-level episode, was released on October 21, 1996. The ''Atomic Edition'', a standalone version of the game that included the content from the ''Plutonium PAK'' and updated the game to version 1.5, was released on December 11, 1996. A fifth episode was released on October 11, 2016, with ''20th Anniversary World Tour'' published by [[Gearbox Software]]. A sequel, ''[[Duke Nukem Forever]]'', was released in 2011.

== Gameplay ==
{{Redirect|Pig cop|the police-related slang|List of police-related slang terms#Pig}}
[[File:Duke3d 000.png|thumb|left|''Duke Nukem 3D'' gameplay at the beginning of the first level ("Hollywood Holocaust")]]
As a [[first-person shooter]] whose gameplay is similar to ''[[Doom (1993 video game)|Doom]]'', the gameplay of ''Duke Nukem 3D'' involves moving through levels presented from the protagonist's point of view, shooting enemies on the way. The environments in ''Duke Nukem 3D'' are highly destructible and interactive; most props can be destroyed by the player.<ref name="history1"/><ref name="gamespotr"/>

Levels were designed in a fairly non-linear manner such that players can advantageously use [[air duct]]s, back doors, and sewers to avoid enemies or find hidden caches. These locations are also filled with objects the player can interact with.  Some confer gameplay benefits to the player; light switches make it easier to see, while [[water fountain]]s and broken [[fire hydrant]]s provide some health points.  Others are simply there as a diversion.  Tipping [[strippers]] provokes a quote from Duke, and a provocative reveal from the dancer.

Duke's arsenal consists of the "Mighty Foot" (a basic kick attack), a [[pistol]], a [[shotgun]], a triple-barrelled [[chain gun]], a [[rocket-propelled grenade launcher]], [[pipe bomb]]s, freezethrower and [[shrink ray]]s, laser [[land mines]], and the rapid-fire "Devastator" rocket launcher. The ''Atomic Edition'' version of the game also has an "Expander", the opposite of the shrink-ray weapon. Lastly, the ''20th Anniversary World Tour'' version of the game also has an "Incinerator", the opposite of the freezethrower (with fiery projectiles instead of ice).

Various items can be picked up during gameplay. The portable [[medkit]] allows players to heal Duke at will. [[Steroid]]s speed up Duke's movement, as well as instantly reversing the effects of the shrink-ray weapon and increasing the strength of Duke's Mighty Foot for a short period. [[Night vision]] goggles allow players to see enemies in the dark. The "HoloDuke" device projects a [[hologram]] of Duke, which can be used to distract enemies. Protective boots allow Duke to cross dangerously hot or toxic terrain. In sections where progress requires more aquatic legwork, an [[aqua-lung]] allows Duke to take longer trips underwater. Duke's [[jet pack]] allows the player to move vertically and gain access to otherwise inaccessible areas.

The game features a wide variety of enemies; some of which are [[extraterrestrial life in culture|aliens]] and other [[mutant (fictional)|mutated]] humans. The [[LAPD]] have been turned into "Pig Cops", a [[play on words|play]] on the derogatory term "pig" for police officers, with '''LARD''' emblazoned on their uniforms. As is usual for a first-person shooter, Duke Nukem encounters a large number of lesser foes, as well as [[boss (video gaming)|bosses]], usually at the end of episodes. Like Duke, these enemies have access to a wide range of weapons and equipment, and some weaker enemies have jet packs.

== Plot ==
=== Setting ===
''Duke Nukem 3D'' is set on Earth "sometime in the early 21st century".<ref name="3drealms"/> The levels of ''Duke Nukem 3D'' take players outdoors and indoors through rendered street scenes, military bases, [[desert]]s, a flooded city, [[space station]]s, [[Moon]] bases, and a [[Japanese cuisine|Japanese]] restaurant.

The game contains several humorous references to pop culture. Some of Duke's lines are drawn from movies such as ''[[Aliens (film)|Aliens]]'', ''[[Dirty Harry]]'', ''[[Evil Dead II]]'',<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Dukespeak |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |issue=103|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=February 1998|page=12}}</ref> ''[[Full Metal Jacket]]'',<ref name="stuff gaming greats"/> ''[[Jaws (film)|Jaws]]'', ''[[Pulp Fiction]]'', and ''[[They Live]]'';<ref name="stuff gaming greats"/> the captured women saying "Kill me" is a reference to ''Aliens''. Players will encounter corpses of famous characters such as [[Luke Skywalker]], [[Indiana Jones (character)|Indiana Jones]], [[Snake Plissken]], [[Doomguy|the protagonist]] of ''[[Doom (series)|Doom]]'', and a smashed [[T-800]]. In the first episode, players navigate a tunnel in the wall of a prison cell hidden behind a poster, just like in ''[[The Shawshank Redemption]]''. During the second episode, players can see a [[Monolith (Space Odyssey)|Monolith]] (from ''[[2001: A Space Odyssey]]'') on the Moon and use it as a teleport to complete the level.

=== Story ===
There is little narrative in the game, only a brief text prelude located under "Help" in the Main Menu, and a few [[cutscene]]s after the completion of an episode. The game picks up right after the events of ''[[Duke Nukem II]]'', with Duke returning to Earth in his space cruiser. As Duke descends on [[Los Angeles]] in hopes of taking a vacation, his ship is shot down by unknown hostiles. While sending a distress signal, Duke learns that aliens are attacking Los Angeles and have mutated the [[LAPD]]. With his vacation plans now ruined, Duke hits the "eject" button, and vows to do whatever it takes to stop the alien invasion.

In "Episode One: ''L.A. Meltdown''", Duke fights his way through a [[dystopia]]n Los Angeles. At a [[strip club]], he is captured by pig-cops, but escapes the alien-controlled penitentiary and tracks down the alien cruiser responsible for the invasion in the [[San Andreas Fault]]. Duke confronts and kills an Alien Battlelord in the final level. Duke discovers that the aliens were capturing women, and detonates the ship. Levels in this episode include a movie theater, a red-light district, a prison, and a nuclear-waste disposal facility.

In "Episode Two: ''Lunar Apocalypse''", Duke journeys to [[outer space|space]], where he finds many of the captured women held in various [[Neonatal intensive care unit#Incubator|incubator]]s throughout space stations that had been conquered by the aliens. Duke reaches the alien mother ship on the Moon and kills an alien Overlord. As Duke inspects the ship's computer, it is revealed that the plot to capture women was merely a ruse to distract him. The aliens have already begun their attack on Earth.

In "Episode Three: ''Shrapnel City''", Duke battles the massive alien presence through Los Angeles once again, and kills the leader of the alien menace: the Cycloid Emperor. The game ends as Duke promises that after some "[[R&R (military)|R&R]]", he will be "...ready for more action!", as an anonymous woman calls him back to bed. Levels in this episode include a sushi bar, a movie set, a subway, and a hotel.

The story continues in the ''Atomic Edition''. In "Episode Four: ''The Birth''", it is revealed that the aliens used a captured woman to give birth to the Alien Queen, a creature which can quickly spawn deadly alien protector drones. Duke is dispatched back to Los Angeles to fight hordes of aliens, including the protector drones. Eventually, Duke finds the lair of the Alien Queen, and kills her, thus thwarting the alien plot. Levels in this episode include a fast-food restaurant ("Duke Burger"), a supermarket, a Disneyland parody called "Babe Land", a police station, the oil tanker ''[[Exxon Valdez]]'', and [[Area 51]].

With the release of ''20th Anniversary World Tour'', the story progresses further. In "Episode Five: ''Alien World Order''", Duke finds out that the aliens initiated a world-scale invasion, so he sets out to repel their attack on various countries. Duke proceeds to clear out aliens from [[Amsterdam]], [[Moscow]], [[London]], [[San Francisco]], Paris, the [[Giza pyramid complex]], and [[Rome]], with the final showdown with the returning alien threat taking place in Los Angeles, taking the game full circle. There, he defeats the Cycloid Incinerator, the current alien leader, stopping their threat for good.

== Development ==
''Duke Nukem 3D'' was developed on a budget of roughly $300,000.<ref name="Barton99"/> The development team consisted of 8 people for most of the development cycle, increasing to 12 or 13 people near the end.<ref name="Barton99"/> At one point, the game was being programmed to allow the player to switch between first-person view, third-person view, and fixed camera angles.<ref name="Nextgen-3DRealms"/> [[Scott Miller (entrepreneur)|Scott Miller]] of 3D&nbsp;Realms recalled that "with ''Duke&nbsp;3D'', unlike every shooter that came before, we wanted to have sort of real life locations like a cinema theatre, you know, strip club, bookstores..."<ref name="Barton99"/> The game's development started in 1994.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-10-29 |title=The making of: Duke Nukem 3D |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/duke-nukem-3d/the-making-of-duke-nukem-3d |access-date=2025-08-27 |website=PCGamesN |language=en-US}}</ref>

''LameDuke'' is an early prototype of ''Duke Nukem 3D'', which was released by 3D&nbsp;Realms as a "bonus" one year after the release of the official version. It has been released as is, with no support.<ref name="LameDuke"/> ''LameDuke'' features four episodes: ''Mr.&nbsp;Caliber'', ''Mission Cockroach'', ''Suck Hole'', and ''Hard Landing''. Certain weapons were altered from the original versions and/or removed.

The original official website was created by [[Jeffrey D. Erb]] and Mark Farish of Intersphere Communications Ltd.<ref name="DN3D-IntComm"/>

== Release ==
=== PC versions ===
* '''''Shareware Version''''': The shareware version, released on January 29, 1996, as version 1.0, contained only the first episode. This version uses 3D Realms's shareware distribution model, which means that it can be distributed for free. The shareware version was re-released as version 1.1 on February 20, 1996, and re-released once again as version 1.3D on April 24, 1996.
* '''''Full Version''''': Released on April 19, 1996,{{Citation needed|date=August 2024}} as version 1.3D. 3D Realms started shipping the full registered version to customers on May 5, 1996.<ref name="Nukem 3D Release Post"/> The company streamed the process of packing and shipping the first copies using a webcam. The full version contains the original three episodes, and includes the full versions of ''Duke Nukem'' and ''Duke Nukem II'' as bonus content.
* '''''Plutonium PAK/Atomic Edition''''': The ''Atomic Edition'' of ''Duke Nukem 3D'' was released in November 1996 as a standalone game. It contained the original three episodes, as well as a new eleven-level fourth episode, bringing the level total to 41 as opposed to 30 in the original ''Duke Nukem 3D''. The ''Plutonium PAK'' was released as an upgrade package to convert the original release of ''Duke Nukem 3D'' (v1.3d) to the ''Atomic Edition'' (v1.4, updated to v1.5 with the standalone ''Atomic Edition'' release and via a free download patch for the ''Plutonium PAK'' version on 3D Realms' website). It introduced two new enemies, the Protector Drone and the Pig Cop Tank, a new final boss, the Alien Queen, and a new weapon, the Expander. Changes to the script made the game easier to [[mod (video gaming)|mod]], and players could set up a multiplayer session against CPU [[artificial intelligence (video games)|bots]]. This is the only official add-on for the game developed by 3D Realms. Unlike the original release of ''Duke Nukem 3D'', however, the ''Atomic Edition'' does not include ''Duke Nukem'' and ''Duke Nukem II''.
* '''''Macintosh Version''''': The Macintosh release was ported by Lion Entertainment Inc.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=26762 |title=Duke Nukem 3D (Macintosh) - Overview |last=House |first=Michael L. |publisher = [[AllGame]] |access-date=July 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114171847/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=26762 |archive-date=November 14, 2014}}</ref> and released on June 6, 1997, in Minneapolis, being shipped by MacSoft.<ref name="MacDuke"/>
* '''''East Meets West''''': Released in 1998, includes ''Duke Nukem 3D: Atomic Edition'' and the full version of ''[[Shadow Warrior (1997 video game)|Shadow Warrior]]''.<ref name="EastWest"/>
* '''''Duke: The Apocalypse''''' contains ''Duke!ZONE II'', ''Duke Xtreme'', and a T-shirt.
* '''''Duke: The Apocalypse 2''''' contains ''Duke!ZONE'', ''Duke It Out In D.C.'', a strategy guide, and a T-shirt.
* '''''Kill-A-Ton Collection''''': The ''Kill-A-Ton Collection'' was released in 1998 and includes: ''Duke Nukem I'' (''Duke Nukum''), ''Duke Nukem II'', ''Duke Nukem 3D'' (both v1.3d and v1.5), ''Duke It Out In D.C.'', ''Duke!ZONE II'', ''Duke Xtreme'', and various editing utilities.
* '''GOG release''': The ''Atomic Edition'' was released on [[GOG.com]] along with Duke Nukem 1, 2 and Manhattan Project in 2009. The entire catalog was removed from the website on December 31, 2015, due to a licensing agreement with [[Gearbox Software]].<ref name="DN3D-GOG" />
*[[File:Duke Nukem 3D gameplay screenshot.jpg|thumb|''Duke Nukem 3D: Megaton Edition''. Note the higher-resolution HUD and [[OpenGL]] graphics.]]'''''Megaton Edition''''': Developed by General Arcade and published by [[Devolver Digital]], it was released through [[Steam (service)|Steam]] on March 20, 2013. The ''Megaton Edition'' includes ''Duke Nukem 3D: Atomic Edition'', ''Duke It Out In D.C.'', ''Duke Caribbean: Life's a Beach'', and ''Duke: Nuclear Winter'' all running on OpenGL, as well as the original MS-DOS version of ''Duke Nukem 3D: Atomic Edition''. It supports SteamPlay for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux, and is based on the code of the ''JFDuke3D'' source port by Jonathon Fowler. Online multiplayer was added to the game in January 2014.<ref name="ShackNews"/> However, about a year later, the Megaton Edition was removed from all digital distribution as Devolver Digital's agreement with Gearbox Software has ended now that the latter company currently owns the [[intellectual property]]. In 2016, Gearbox informed TechRaptor that they have plans to "bring the game back this year,"<ref name="TechRaptor"/> and that game became the 20th Anniversary World Tour.
* '''''Kill-a-Ton 2015 Collection''''': Released in May 2015 on [[Steam (service)|Steam]], includes everything that Kill-a-Ton Collection contained (with exception of ''Duke Nukem 3D'' v1.3D and ''Duke Xtreme''), plus two other expansions, ''Duke Caribbean: Life's a Beach'', and ''Duke: Nuclear Winter'', as well as ''[[Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project]]'' and the ''[[Balls of Steel (video game)|Balls of Steel]]'' game. Like with the [[GOG.com]] release and Megaton Edition, it was removed from Steam at the end of 2015.
* '''''20th Anniversary World Tour''''': Developed by [[Nerve Software]] and Gearbox Software and published by Gearbox Publishing. It was announced by Gearbox Software on September 2, 2016, at PAX East, and it's a re-release for the [[Xbox One]], [[PlayStation 4]], and PC via Steam. World Tour includes an all-new 5th episode by the original episode designers, new music by composer [[Lee Jackson (composer)|Lee Jackson]], re-recorded voice lines by [[Jon St. John]], new enemies and new lighting effects.<ref name="DN3D-Gearbox"/> However, it does not contain the expansions from ''Kill-A-Ton Collection'' and ''Megaton Edition''. World Tour was released on October 11, 2016.
* '''ZOOM Platform release:''' The ''Atomic Edition'' was released on ZOOM Platform along with Duke Nukem 1, 2 and Manhattan Project in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gearbox Software and Jordan Freeman Group Present: The Duke Nukem ZOOM Platform Classics Collection |url=https://www.zoom-platform.com/news/gearbox-software-and-jordan-freeman-group-present-the-duke-nukem-zoom-platform-classics-collection |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=ZOOM Platform |language=en}}</ref> As of 2020, it includes ''Duke It Out In D.C.'', ''Duke Caribbean: Life's a Beach'', ''Duke: Nuclear Winter'', ''Duke Nukem's Penthouse Paradise, Duke!ZONE'' and ''Duke!ZONE II.'' Since 2022, it also includes ''Duke - It's Zero Hour.'' As of 2024, ZOOM Platform is the only digital store where the ''Atomic Edition'' is available.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Duke Nukem 3D: Atomic Edition |url=https://www.zoom-platform.com/product/duke-nukem-3d-atomic-edition}}</ref>

=== Expansion packs ===
* '''''Nuke It''''': This is an expansion pack developed by [[Micro Star]] in 1996, consisting of 300 custom made levels.<ref name="NukeIt">{{Cite news|last=Rowe |first=Garrett |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/nuke-it-1.92980 |title=Nuke It |newspaper=The Irish Times |date=October 5, 1996}}</ref> Although it was made with the Build Editor, Micro Star was charged by [[Micro Star v. FormGen Inc.|FormGen and 3D Realms of copyright infringement]] for unauthorized sales of the pack. Ultimately Micro Star lost their case.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cyber.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/IP/1998%20Micro%20Star%20Abridged.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512162747/https://cyber.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/IP/1998%20Micro%20Star%20Abridged.pdf |archive-date=2018-05-12 |url-status=live |title=Micro Star v. FormGen Inc. |author=Kozinski |date=September 11, 1998 |publisher=[[Berkman Klein Center]]}}</ref>
* '''''Duke It Out In D.C.''''': This is an authorized add-on developed by [[Sunstorm Interactive]] and published by [[WizardWorks]]; it was released in March 1997. President [[Bill Clinton]] is captured by alien forces, and Duke must save him. This expansion pack featured 10 new levels that were based on real-world locations, such as: the [[White House]], the [[FBI]] headquarters, the [[Smithsonian]] museum, the [[Washington Monument]], and other areas in Washington, D.C. The add-on was also included as part of an official compilation called ''Duke Nukem: Kill-A-Ton Collection'' through business deals with 3D Realms. Charlie Wiederhold created levels for this add-on.
* '''''Duke Caribbean: Life's a Beach''''': This is an authorized add-on developed by Sunstorm Interactive and published by WizardWorks; it was released in January 1998.<ref name="DukeExpsRel">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/news/news-1998-01-05.html|title=Now Shipping|author=Staff|date=January 5, 1998|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980218070330/http://www.pcgamer.com/news/news-1998-01-05.html|archive-date=February 18, 1998|url-status=dead|access-date=December 6, 2019}}</ref> Duke is relaxing on a tropical island when he discovers that the aliens are having their own "vacation". This add-on includes a sunny Caribbean theme with 12 new levels that take place on beaches and vacation hotels. The add-on also reskins Duke's weapons with a summer theme, such as water guns. Charlie Wiederhold created several levels for this add-on. Wiederhold was later hired by 3D Realms to work on the sequel ''[[Duke Nukem Forever]]''.
* '''''Duke: Nuclear Winter''''': This is an authorized add-on developed by Simply Silly Software and published by WizardWorks; it was released in January 1998.<ref name="DukeExpsRel"/> [[Santa Claus]] is being mind-controlled by aliens into causing trouble on Earth. Several of the levels take place in [[Alaska]] and the [[North Pole]].
* '''''Duke!ZONE''''': An authorized add-on released in 1996, published by WizardWorks, which includes 500 fan-made levels and various editing utilities.
* '''''Duke!ZONE II''''': An authorized follow-up add-on to ''Duke!ZONE'', published by WizardWorks and released in 1997. ''Duke!ZONE II'' contains three new episodes, each containing seven levels, created by Simply Silly Software and the same 500 fan-made levels from the original ''Duke!ZONE''.
* '''''Duke Xtreme''''': An authorized add-on released in 1997 and developed by Sunstorm Interactive, containing 50 levels (25 for single player and 25 for multiplayer) and various editing utilities.
* '''''Duke Assault''''': An add-on released in 1997 containing over 1,500 levels for ''Duke Nukem 3D''. It was published by WizardWorks and created by fans in the ''Duke Nukem 3D'' modding community.<ref name="DN3D-Assault"/>
* '''''Duke Nukem's Penthouse Paradise''''': This is an official add-on for ''Duke Nukem 3D'', created by [[Jeffrey D. Erb]] and Mark Farish of Intersphere Communications Ltd. and available exclusively from [[GT Interactive]] and [[Penthouse Magazine]] in May 1997.<ref name="DN3D-PParadise"/><ref name="GSpot-PParadise"/><ref name="N404-PParadise"/> Taking place between ''Duke Nukem 3D'' and the ''Atomic Edition'', aliens interrupt Duke's R&R and a couple of Penthouse photo shoots. Duke has to fight his way through a hotel, clubs, and, finally, the Penthouse offices. The level features music from the industrial rock band [[Needle (band)|Needle]].
* '''''Duke - It's Zero Hour''''': An add-on developed by ZeroHour Software and released in November 1997. It was originally slated to be a retail product via WizardWorks, but the developers ended up releasing it for free. It has 11 new levels that feature 12 all-new monsters, five new weapons, music, and sound effects.

=== Console versions and add-ons ===
''Duke Nukem 3D'' was ported to many consoles of the time. All of the ports featured some sort of new content.

* '''''Duke Nukem 3D''''' ([[Game.com]]) was released in 1997 in the USA only. Unlike every other version of the game, Duke Nukem cannot turn; he can only move forward, backward, and strafe to the left or right. Due to the Game.com's monochrome screen, it is also the only version to lack color. It only includes four levels from each of the original three episodes for a total of 12 levels. These levels were modified to accommodate Duke Nukem's inability to turn.
* '''''Duke Nukem 3D''''' ([[Sega Saturn]]) was ported by [[Lobotomy Software]] and published by [[Sega]] in 1997. It retains the original name and uses Lobotomy Software's own fully 3D ''SlaveDriver'' engine.<ref name="SlaveDriver"/> This version uses the [[Sega NetLink]] for online gaming, and has built-in support for the Saturn's analog pad. It also includes a hidden multiplayer mini-game called ''[[Death Tank Zwei]]'', and an exclusive bonus level called Urea 51, accessed through the level "Fahrenheit". It was the final game branded by Sega of America under the Deep Water label, employed for games featuring adult content such as ''[[Eternal Champions: Challenge from the Dark Side]]''.
* '''''Duke Nukem: Total Meltdown''''' (titled simply ''Duke Nukem'' in Europe), the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] port released on December 2, 1997, was developed by [[Aardvark Software]].<ref>{{Cite web |author=I. G. N. Staff |date=1997-12-02 |title=Duke Nukem: Total Meltdown |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1997/12/02/duke-nukem-total-meltdown |access-date=2023-04-30 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Duke Nukem: Total Meltdown |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |issue=102|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=January 1998 |page=69}}</ref> It contains all three original episodes, plus an exclusive fourth episode, ''Plug 'n' Pray'',<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Major Mike |title=Duke Nukem: Total Meltdown|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=111 |publisher=[[IDG]]|date=December 1997 |page=86}}</ref> which includes six new levels and a secret level. The secret level was also included in the PC version of ''Duke Nukem 3D''. The new episode features several new enemies, including three new types of Pig Cops, and a new final boss, the CyberKeef. This version also features remixed music, some rearranged from the PC version, and some original, in streaming XA-Audio made by [[Mark Knight (musician)|Mark Knight]].<ref name="PSX-DN3D"/> It includes support for analog pads and the [[PlayStation Link Cable]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Duke Nukem: Total Meltdown |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=100 |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=November 1997|page=70}}</ref>

[[File:Duke Nukem 64.jpg|thumb|right|[[Nintendo 64]] port. Note its level design changes and that some sprites were replaced with polygonal models.]]
* '''''Duke Nukem 64''''' is a port released on November 14, 1997, for the [[Nintendo 64]] and features a [[split screen (computer graphics)|split screen]] 4-player mode.<ref>{{Cite web |author=I. G. N. Staff |date=1997-10-23 |title=The Duke of Silence |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1997/10/23/the-duke-of-silence |access-date=2023-04-30 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=E3 Unleashed! |magazine=[[GamePro]] |issue=106 |publisher=[[IDG]] |date=July 1997 |page=34}}</ref> It was developed by [[Eurocom]].<ref name=GPro109>{{cite magazine |author=Dan Elektro |title=Duke Nukem 64|magazine=[[GamePro]] |issue=109 |publisher=[[IDG]] |date=October 1997|page=71}}</ref> In-game music was removed due to [[Nintendo 64 Game Pak|limited storage capacity]], many items were renamed to avoid drug and sex references, and new lines of dialogue were recorded specifically for this version to remove profanity. Several levels were altered to include areas from the ''Atomic Edition'', such as a Duke Burger outlet in the second level which was not in the original PC version. Levels are played sequentially instead of as separate episodes. Other changes include the addition of [[Rumble Pak]] support,<ref name=GPro109/> four new weapons, dual sub-machine guns, a grenade launcher, a missile launcher, and the Plasma Cannon, alternative ammo types for the pistol, shotgun, and missile launcher, and a fully 3D model for the Cycloid Emperor boss. The Protector Drone, an enemy from the ''Atomic Edition'', also appears a few times in the standard levels. Originally, the weapons and end bosses were going to be polygonal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.n64.com/news/547.html |title=The president of 3D Realms speaks about future titles and N64 ports |author=Staff |website=N64.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970605220539/http://www.n64.com/news/547.html |archive-date=June 5, 1997}}</ref>

[[File:Duke Nukem 3D Genesis.png|thumb|Mega Drive/Genesis port]]
* '''''Duke Nukem 3D''''' ([[Mega Drive/Genesis]]) was released in 1998 by [[Tec Toy]]. The visuals were drastically simplified, being closer to early shooters like ''[[Wolfenstein 3D]]''. It consisted solely of ''Lunar Apocalypse'', the second from the original game's three episodes, which was heavily modified to suit the game engine. This version was initially released in [[South America]] only.<ref name="DN3D-SegaGen"/> In 2015, Piko Interactive acquired the rights to the port from Tec Toy and released it worldwide in cartridge form on October 16, 2015.<ref name="DN3D-MegDrive"/>
* '''''Duke Nukem 3D''''' ([[Xbox 360]]) was released on September 24, 2008. This version features: the ability to "rewind" the game to any prior point upon dying, save clips of gameplay, and play cooperatively online, as well as the standard "Dukematch" online multiplayer mode. The music received a slight quality upgrade with modern [[MIDI]] tools.<ref name="DN3D-XBOX360"/>
* '''''Duke Nukem 3D''''' ([[iPhone]]/[[iPod Touch]]) was released on August 11, 2009, and ported by MachineWorks Northwest. The game employs a new engine, which uses a trademarked touch-screen system called TapShoot to allow players to lock onto and dispatch foes.<ref name="DN3D-iOS"/> An update in September 2009 made the game compatible with the first and second-generation [[iPod Touch]]. It also added a new control scheme which lets players control Duke by dragging their finger around the screen.<ref name="DN3D-Touch"/>
* '''''Duke Nukem 3D''''' ([[Nokia N900]]) was released on December 29, 2009.<ref name="DN3D-N900"/> As shown in a MaemoWorld's video,<ref name="MaemoWorld"/> Duke is controlled using the Qwerty keypad and touchscreen.
* '''''Duke Nukem 3D: Megaton Edition''''' ([[PlayStation 3]], [[PlayStation Vita]]) was released on January 6, 2015, in North America, and January 7, 2015, in Europe.<ref name="DN3D-Megaton"/><ref name="MegatonEdition"/> It is a port of the ''Megaton Edition'' released on Steam for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It was developed by General Arcade for the [[Personal computer|PC]], ported to consoles by Abstraction Games, and published by [[Devolver Digital]]. It features [[cross-buy]] and Cross-Play between both platforms.<ref name="Megaton-GTrailers"/> As of February 2016, the game is no longer available for purchase in North America due to publishing rights returning to Gearbox Software. Previously purchased copies can still be downloaded and played.<ref name="PSLifestyle"/>
* '''''Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary World Tour''''' ([[PlayStation 4]], [[Xbox One]], [[Nintendo Switch]], PC): Released on October 11, 2016. Includes a new 5th episode, made by the original designers and new music by Lee Jackson, the original composer.<ref name="DN3D-Anniversary"/> The Nintendo Switch version released on June 23, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/06/duke-nukem-3d-20th-anniversary-world-tour-coming-to-switch-on-june-23|title=Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary World Tour coming to Switch on June 23|website=Gematsu|date=June 16, 2020|access-date=June 17, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://ec.nintendo.com/JP/ja/titles/70010000026290|title=Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary World Tour|website=Nintendo Japan|access-date=June 17, 2020}}</ref>

=== Soundtrack ===
[[Lee Jackson (composer)|Lee Jackson]]'s theme song "Grabbag" has elicited many covers and remixes over the years by both fans and professional musicians, including an officially sanctioned studio version by [[thrash metal]] band [[Megadeth]]. Another version of the song was recorded by [[Chris Kline]] in August 2005. [[3D Realms]] featured it on the front page of their website and contracted with Kline to use it to promote their [[Xbox Live]] release of ''Duke Nukem&nbsp;3D''.<ref name="YT_vertexguy_dukeXBL"/>

== Sales ==
''Duke Nukem 3D'' was a commercial hit, selling about 3.5 million copies.<ref name="DN3D-Wired"/><ref name="20YearsGameUltra"/> In the United States alone, it was the 12th best-selling computer game in the period from 1993 to 1999, with 950,000 units sold.<ref name="wargames"/> [[NPD Techworld]], a firm that tracked sales in the United States,<ref name=usnpd>{{cite web | url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/gateway-notebook-goes-for-ratings/ | title=Gateway notebook goes for ratings | author=Spooner, John G. | date=June 13, 2003 | work=[[ZDNet]] | access-date=September 20, 2019 }}</ref> reported 1.25 million units sold of ''Duke Nukem 3D'' by December 2002.<ref name=controversial>{{cite journal | author=Staff | title=The 10 Most Controversial PC Games of All Time | date=May 2003 | volume=10 | number=5 | journal=[[PC Gamer US]] | pages=50, 51 }}</ref>

== Source ports ==
{{Anchor|Source code}}
Following the release of the ''Doom'' [[source code]] in 1997, players wanted a similar source code release from 3D Realms. The last major game to make use of the ''Duke Nukem 3D'' source code was TNT Team's ''[[World War II GI]]'' in 1999. Its programmer, Matthew Saettler, obtained permission from 3D Realms to expand the gameplay enhancements done on ''WWII GI'' to ''Duke Nukem 3D''.

''EDuke'' was a semi-official branch of ''Duke Nukem 3D'' that was released as a patch as ''Duke Nukem 3D'' v2.0 for ''Atomic Edition'' users on July 28, 2000. It included a demo mod made by several beta testers.<ref name="EDuke"/><ref name="EDuke-Patch"/> It focused primarily on enhancing the CON scripting language in ways which allowed those modifying the game to do much more with the system than originally possible. Though a further version was planned, it never made it out of beta. It was eventually cancelled due to programmer time constraints. About a month after the release of the ''Duke Nukem 3D'' source code, ''[[Blood (video game)|Blood]]'' project manager Matt Saettler released the source code for both ''EDuke'' v2.0 and EDuke v2.1, the test version of which would have eventually become the next ''EDuke'' release, under the GPL.{{Citation needed|date=January 2015}}

The [[source code]] to the ''Duke Nukem 3D'' v1.5 executable, which uses the Build engine, was released as [[free software]] under the [[GNU General Public License|GPL-2.0-or-later]] license on April 1, 2003.<ref name="SourceCode"/> The game content remains under a proprietary license. The game was quickly ported by enthusiasts to modern operating systems.

The first ''Duke Nukem 3D'' port was from icculus.org. It is a cross-platform project that allows the game to be played on [[AmigaOS]], [[AmigaOS 4]], [[AROS]], [[BeOS]], [[FreeBSD]], [[Linux]], [[Mac OS X]], [[MorphOS]], [[Solaris (operating system)|Solaris]], and [[Windows]] rather than MS-DOS. The icculus.org codebase would later be used as the base for several other ports, including ''Duke3d_32''.<ref name="DN3D-32"/>

Another popular early project is Jonathon Fowler's ''JFDuke3D'', which, in December 2003, received backing from the original author of Build, programmer [[Ken Silverman]].<ref name="jfduke3d"/> Fowler, in cooperation with Silverman, released a new version of ''JFDuke3D'' using [[Build engine#Polymost|Polymost]], an [[OpenGL]]-enhanced renderer for Build which allows hardware acceleration and 3D model support along with 32-bit color high resolution textures. Another project based on ''JFDuke3D'' called ''xDuke'', unrelated to the ''xDuke'' project based on ''Duke3d_w32'', runs on the [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]. Silverman has since helped Fowler with a large portion of other engine work, including updating the network code, and helping to maintain various other aspects of the engine.{{Citation needed|date=January 2015}} Development was semi-active between 2005 and 2020, since then, new versions are regularly published.

While a few short-lived MS-DOS-based ''EDuke'' projects emerged, it was not until the release of ''EDuke32'', an extended version of ''Duke3D'' incorporating variants of both Fowler's [[Microsoft Windows]] ''JFDuke3D'' code, and Saettler's ''EDuke code'', by one of 3D Realms' forum moderators in late 2004, that ''EDuke's'' scripting extensions received community focus.<ref name="eduke32"/> Among the various enhancements, support for advanced [[shader model]] 3.0 based graphics was added to ''EDuke32'' during late 2008-early 2009. In June 2008, thanks to significant porting contributions from the [[DOSBox]] team, ''EDuke32'' became the only ''Duke Nukem 3D'' source port to compile and run natively on [[64-bit]] Linux systems without the use of a 32-bit compatibility environment.

On April 1, 2009, an [[OpenGL]] Shader Model 3.0 renderer was revealed to have been developed for ''EDuke32'', named ''Polymer'' to distinguish from Ken Silverman's ''Polymost''.{{Citation needed|date=January 2015}} It allows for much more modern effects such as dynamic lighting and [[normal mapping]]. Although Polymer is fully functional, it is technically incomplete and unoptimized, and is still in development. As of the fifth installment of the ''High Resolution Pack'', released in 2011, the Polymer renderer is mandatory. In 2011, another significant development of ''EDuke32'' was the introduction of true room over room (TROR), where sectors can be placed over other sectors, and can be seen at the same time. In practice, this allows for true three-dimensional level design that was previously impossible, although the base engine is still 2D.

On December 18, 2012, the ''Chocolate Duke Nukem 3D''<ref name="ChocolateDuke3D"/> source port was released. Inspired by ''[[Chocolate Doom]]'',<ref name="chocolateDoom"/> the primary goal was to refactor the code so developers could easily read and learn from it, as well as make it portable.

In February 2013, a source [[code review]] article was published that described the internal working of the code.<ref name="CodeReview"/>

== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
| GR = PC: 89%<ref name=GR/><br />N64: 74%<ref name=GRN64/><br />X360: 81%<ref name=GRX/><br />iOS: 64%<ref name=GRI/>
| MC = PC: 89/100<ref name=MC/><br />N64: 73/100<ref name=MCN64/><br />X360: 80/100<ref name=MCX/><br />PS3: 70/100<ref name=MCPS3/><br />VITA: 69/100<ref name=MCVITA/><hr>''20th Anniversary World Tour''<br />PC: 72/100<ref name=MC20AWT/><br />PS4: 77/100<ref name=MCPS4/><br />XONE: 70/100<ref name=MCXONE/>
| Allgame = 4.5/5 (SAT)<ref name="allgamereview">{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=1844&tab=review |title=Duke Nukem 3D (Sega Saturn) - Review |last=Williamson |first=Colin L. |publisher = [[AllGame]] |access-date=January 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114175216/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=1844&tab=review |archive-date=November 14, 2014}}</ref>
| EGM = 7/10<br/>8/10<br/>8/10<br/>7/10<br/>(SAT)<ref name=EGM101>{{cite magazine |title=Review Crew: Duke Nukem 3D |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=101|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=December 1997|page=205|url=https://archive.gamehistory.org/item/7d2a7347-8628-4fc8-a98b-7634e6c59fc8|via=[[Video Game History Foundation]]|accessdate=August 25, 2025}}</ref><br>8.0/10<br/>(N64)<ref name=EGM102>{{cite magazine |title=Review Crew: Duke Nukem 64 |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |issue=102|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=January 1998 |page=154}}</ref>
| Fam = 21/40 (PS1)<ref name="DN3D-Famitsu"/>
| GSpot = 8.8/10 (PC)<ref name=GSpotReview/><br>7.3/10 (N64)<ref name=GS64>{{cite web |title=Duke Nukem 64 Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/duke-nukem-64-review/1900-2544343/ |website=[[GameSpot]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511030908/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/duke-nukem-64-review/1900-2544343/ |archive-date=May 11, 2015 |date=January 6, 1998 |access-date=June 11, 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>4.8/10 (PS1)<ref name=GSPS>{{cite news |last=Soete |first=Tim |title=Duke Nukem: Total Meltdown Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/duke-nukem-total-meltdown-review/1900-2547360/ |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=16 July 2022}}</ref>
| IGN = 8/10 (N64)<ref name=IGN64>{{cite web |last=Schneider |first=Peer |author-link=Peer Schneider |title=Duke Nukem 64 Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1997/11/15/duke-nukem-64 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=11 June 2020 |date=November 14, 1997}}</ref><br>7/10 (PS1)<ref name=IGNPS>{{cite web |last=Boor |first=Jay |title=Duke Nukem: Total Meltdown |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1997/12/02/duke-nukem-total-meltdown |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=16 July 2022 |date=December 2, 1997}}</ref>
| N64 = 86% (N64)<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Duke Nukem 64 |date=Christmas 1997 |issue=10 |pages=60–64 |last=Ashton |first=James |magazine=N64 Magazine |publisher=Future Publishing}}</ref>
| NGen = 4/5 (PC, MAC)<ref name=NG20/><ref name=NG33/><br>3/5 (N64)<ref name=NG37/>
| rev1 = ''Maximum''
| rev1Score = 5/5 (PC)<ref name=Max7/>
| rev2 = ''[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]''
| rev2Score = 97% (SAT)<ref name=SSM24>{{cite magazine|first=Rich|last=Leadbetter |title=Review: Duke Nukem 3D|magazine=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]|issue=24 |publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|date=October 1997|pages=66–67 |url=https://archive.org/details/Sega_Saturn_Magazine_Issue_24_1997-10_EMAP_Images_GB/page/n65 |access-date=November 12, 2019}}</ref>
| rev3 = ''[[Computer Game Review]]''
| rev3Score = 94/100<ref name=cgr>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961221184559/http://www.nuke.com/cgr/reviews/9606/duke3d/duke3d.htm | url=http://www.nuke.com/cgr/reviews/9606/duke3d/duke3d.htm | title=Duking it out | author=Snyder, Frank | date=June 1996 | work=[[Computer Game Review]] | archive-date=December 21, 1996 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
}}

All versions of the game have earned a positive aggregate score on [[GameRankings]] and [[Metacritic]]. The original release on MS-DOS holds an aggregate score of 89% on GameRankings and a score of 89/100 on Metacritic.<ref name=GR/><ref name=MC/> The version released on Nintendo 64 holds an aggregate score of 74% on GameRankings and a score of 73/100 on Metacritic.<ref name=GRN64/><ref name=MCN64/> The version released on Xbox 360 holds an aggregate score of 81% on GameRankings while it holds a score of 80/100 on Metacritic.<ref name=GRX/><ref name=MCX/> The iOS version holds an aggregate score of 64% on GameRankings.<ref name=GRI/>

Daniel Jevons of ''Maximum'' gave it five out of five stars, calling it "absolutely perfect in every respect." He particularly cited the game's speed and fluidity even on low-end PCs, imaginative weapons, varied and identifiable environments, true 3D level designs, and strong multiplayer mode.<ref name=Max7/> A ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' critic summarized: "''Duke Nukem 3D'' has everything ''Doom'' doesn't, but it also doesn't leave out the stuff that made ''Doom'' a classic." He praised the imaginative weapons, long and complex single-player campaign, competitive multiplayer, built-in level editor, and parental lock.<ref name=NG20/> Reviewers paid a lot of attention to the sexual content within the game. Reception of this element varied: Tim Soete of ''[[GameSpot]]'' felt that it was "morally questionable",<ref name=gamespotr/> while the [[Game Revolution]] reviewer noted that it was "done in a tongue-in-cheek manner," and he was "not personally offended".<ref name=GRevReview/> GamingOnLinux reviewer Hamish Paul Wilson commented in a later retrospective how the game's "dark dystopian atmosphere filled with pornography and consumerist decadence" in his view helped to ground "the game's more outlandish and obscene moments in context", concluding that "in a world as perverse as this, someone like Duke becoming its hero seems almost inevitable."<ref name=GamingOnLinux/>

''Next Generation'' reviewed the Macintosh version of the game and stated that "Though it took a year, the Mac port of ''Duke Nukem 3D'' is an impressive feat, both for the game's own features, and the quality of the port."<ref name=NG33>{{cite magazine |title=Finals |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |issue=33 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=September 1997 |page=144}}</ref>

The Saturn version also received generally positive reviews, with critics particularly praising the use of real-world settings for the levels<ref name=EGM101/><ref name=SSM24/><ref name=GPro111/> and Duke's numerous one-liners.<ref name=EGM101/><ref name=SSM24/> Reviewers were also generally impressed with how accurately it replicates the PC version.<ref name=EGM101/><ref name=SSM24/><ref name=GPro111/> [[AllGame]] editor Colin Williamson highly praised the Sega Saturn port, referring to it as "one of the best versions" and that it was "probably one of the best console ports ever released."<ref name="allgamereview"/> ''[[GamePro]]'' summarized that "All the gore, vulgarity, go-go dancers, and ultra-intense 3D combat action that made Duke Nukem [3D] excel on the PC are firmly intact in the Saturn version, making it one of the premier corridor shooters on the system."<ref name=GPro111>{{cite magazine |author=Special K |title=Saturn ProReview: Duke Nukem 3D |magazine=[[GamePro]] |issue=111 |publisher=[[IDG]] |date=December 1997 |page=174}}</ref> However, some complained at the limitations of this version's multiplayer. Dan Hsu of ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' said it was unfortunate that it supports only two players instead of four,<ref name=EGM101/> while ''[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]'' editor Rich Leadbetter complained at the multiplayer being only supported through the [[Sega NetLink]] and not the Saturn link cable, since the NetLink was not being released in Europe, effectively making the Saturn version single-player only to Europeans.<ref name=SSM24/>

The Nintendo 64 version was likewise positively received, with critics almost overwhelmingly praising the new weapons<ref name=EGM102/><ref name=GS64/><ref name=IGN64/><ref name=NG37/> and polygonal explosions,<ref name=EGM102/><ref name=IGN64/><ref name=GProN6/> though some said that the use of sprites for most enemies and objects makes the game look outdated.<ref name=GS64/><ref name=NG37/> While commenting that the deathmatch gameplay is less impressive than that of ''[[GoldenEye 007 (1997 video game)|GoldenEye 007]]'', critics also overwhelmingly applauded the port's multiplayer features.<ref name=EGM102/><ref name=GS64/><ref name=IGN64/><ref name=NG37/> ''Next Generation'' stated that "The sound effects and music are solid, the levels are still interactive as heck, and it's never quite felt so good blasting enemies with a shotgun or blowing them to chunks with pipe bombs."<ref name=NG37>{{cite magazine |title=Finals |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |issue=37 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=January 1998 |page=142}}</ref> ''GamePro'' opined that the censoring of sexual content from the port stripped the game of all uniqueness,<ref name=GProN6>{{cite magazine |author=Scary Larry |title=Nintendo 64 ProReview: Duke Nukem 64 |magazine=[[GamePro]] |issue=111 |publisher=[[IDG]] |date=December 1997 |page=134}}</ref> but the vast majority of critics held that the censorship, though unfortunate, was not extensive enough to eliminate or even reduce Duke's distinctive personality.<ref name=EGM102/><ref name=GS64/><ref name=IGN64/><ref name=NG37/> [[Peer Schneider]] of ''[[IGN]]'' called it "a better and much more intense shooter than ''[[Hexen: Beyond Heretic|Hexen]]'' and ''[[Doom&nbsp;64]]'', and currently the best N64 game with a two-player co-op mode. If you don't already own the PC or Saturn version of Duke, do yourself a favor and get it."<ref name=IGN64/> Crispin Boyer of ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'', while complaining that the large weapons obscure too much of the player's view in four-player mode, assessed that "You're not gonna find a better console version of Duke."<ref name=EGM102/>

The PlayStation console port met with more mixed reviews. ''GamePro'' and Tim Soete of ''GameSpot'' both found this conversion technically inferior, particularly the [[frame rate]].<ref name=GSPS/><ref name=GProPS>{{cite magazine |author=Major Mike |title=PlayStation ProReview: Duke Nukem: Total Meltdown|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=114 |publisher=[[IDG]]|date=March 1998|page=94}}</ref> Both also complained that the control configuration only provides three presets, with no option for custom configuration.<ref name=GSPS/><ref name=GProPS/> Soete also found the game had become dated by the time this version was released, though he still recommended it for those who do not own a PC.<ref name=GSPS/> ''IGN''{{'}}s Jay Boor gave it a more enthusiastic recommendation, saying it "plays exactly like its PC predecessor" and praising the PlayStation-exclusive levels and link cable support.<ref name=IGNPS/>

''Duke Nukem 3D'' was a finalist for [[CNET Gamecenter]]'s 1996 "Best Action Game" award, which ultimately went to ''[[Quake (video game)|Quake]]''.<ref name="gamecenter1996"/> In 1996, ''Next Generation'' ranked it as the 35th top game of all time, called "for many, the game ''Quake'' should have been."<ref name=NG21/> In 1996 ''[[Computer Gaming World]]'' named ''Duke Nukem 3D'' #37 overall among the best games of all time<ref name=cgw199611best/> and #13 among the "best ways to die in computer gaming".<ref name=cgw199611bestwaystodie/> It won a 1996 [[Spotlight Awards|Spotlight Award]] for Best Action Game.<ref name=NGen31/> In 1998, ''[[PC Gamer]]'' declared it the 29th-best computer game ever released, and the editors called it "a gaming icon" and "an absolute blast".<ref name=pcgtop50/>

''[[PC Gamer]]'' magazine's readers' voted it #13 on its all-time top games poll.<ref>April 2000 issue</ref> The editors of ''PC Game'' ranked it as the 12th top game of all time in 2001 citing the game's humor and pop-culture references,<ref name="PCGame2001"/> and as the 15th best games of all time in 2005.<ref name="PCGame2005"/> ''[[GamePro]]'' included it among the most important video games of all time.<ref name="DN3D-GPro"/> In 2009, IGN's Cam Shea ranked it as the ninth top 10 Xbox Live Arcade game, stating that it was as fun as it was in its initial release, and praised the ability to rewind to any point before the player died.<ref name="XboxLiveArcade"/>

=== Controversy ===
''Duke Nukem 3D'' was attacked by some critics, who alleged that it promoted [[pornography]] and murder. In response to the criticism encountered, [[censored]] versions of the game were released in certain countries in order to avoid it being banned altogether. A similar censored version was carried at [[Wal-Mart]] retail stores in the United States.<ref name="Walmart-Wired"/>

In Australia, the game was originally refused classification on release.<ref name="9News"/> 3D&nbsp;Realms repackaged the game with the parental lock feature permanently enabled, although a patch available on the 3D&nbsp;Realms website allowed the user to revert the game back into its uncensored U.S. version.<ref name="Uncensored"/> The [[Office of Film and Literature Classification (Australia)|OFLC]] then attempted to have the game pulled from the shelves, but it was discovered that the distributor had notified them of this fact and the rating could not be surrendered; six months later, the game was reclassified and released uncensored with an MA15+ rating.<ref name="Censory Overload"/> In Germany, the [[BPjM]] placed the game on their "List&nbsp;B" ("List of Media Harmful to Young People") of videos games, thus prohibiting its advertisement in the public. However, it was not fully confiscated, meaning that an adult could still request to see the game and buy it.<ref name="ListB"/> In 1999, ''Duke Nukem 3D'' was banned in Brazil, along with ''Doom'' and several other first-person shooters, after a rampage in and around a movie theater was supposedly inspired by the first level in the game.<ref name="DN3D-Banned"/>

Despite such concerns from critics, legislators, and publishers, Scott Miller later recounted that 3D&nbsp;Realms saw very little negative feedback to the game's controversial elements from actual gamers or their parents.<ref name="Barton99"/> He pointed out that ''Duke Nukem 3D'' was appropriately rated "M" and had no real nudity, and speculated that that was enough to make it inoffensive to the general public.<ref name="Barton99"/>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|refs=
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<ref name="Barton99">Barton, Matt (April 22, 2011). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_i3-aoHnww Matt Chat 99: Duke Nukem with Scott Miller] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406161230/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_i3-aoHnww |date=April 6, 2017}}, YouTube.</ref>
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<ref name="EastWest">{{cite web |url=http://legacy.3drealms.com/news/1998/03/east_meets_west.html |title=3D Realms News: East Meets West Released |publisher=3drealms.com |date=March 16, 1998 |access-date=December 21, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110121600/http://legacy.3drealms.com/news/1998/03/east_meets_west.html |archive-date=November 10, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="DN3D-GOG">{{cite web |last1=GOG.com |title=FAREWELL FOR NOW, DUKE |url=https://www.gog.com/news/weekly_staff_picks_farewell_for_now_duke |website=GOG.com |access-date=30 August 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913124228/https://www.gog.com/news/weekly_staff_picks_farewell_for_now_duke |archive-date=September 13, 2016}}</ref>
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<ref name="TechRaptor">{{cite web |url=http://techraptor.net/content/duke-nukem-3d-megaton-edition-removed-from-stores |title=[UPDATED] Duke Nukem 3D: Megaton Edition Removed From Stores |website=TechRaptor |last1=Ruhland |first1=Perry |date=February 15, 2016 |access-date=May 11, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160518094245/http://techraptor.net/content/duke-nukem-3d-megaton-edition-removed-from-stores |archive-date=May 18, 2016}}</ref>
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<ref name="DN3D-PParadise">{{Cite web |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/1997/05/26/newscolumn1.html |title=Firm puts game hero Duke Nukem in a Penthouse paradise - Philadelphia Business Journal |website=Philadelphia Business Journal |date=May 26, 1997 |access-date=May 6, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601180136/http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/1997/05/26/newscolumn1.html |archive-date=June 1, 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="GSpot-PParadise">{{Cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/duke-lives-out-penthouse-fantasy/1100-2466623/ |title=Duke Lives Out Penthouse Fantasy |website=GameSpot |access-date=May 6, 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="N404-PParadise">{{Cite web |url=http://www.nitro404.com/mods/duke_nukem_3d.php?mod=penthouse_paradise |title=Duke Nukem 3D Mods |website=www.nitro404.com |access-date=May 6, 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="SlaveDriver">{{cite magazine |first=Rich |last=Leadbetter |title=Lobotomy Interviewed! Duke Nukem Plans Revealed! |magazine=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]] |issue=18 |publisher=[[Emap International Limited]] |date=April 1997 |page=17}}</ref>
<ref name="PSX-DN3D">{{cite web |url=http://psx.ign.com/objects/002/002194.html |title=IGN: Duke Nukem: Total Meltdown |publisher=Psx.ign.com |access-date=December 21, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212200554/http://psx.ign.com/objects/002/002194.html |archive-date=February 12, 2009}}</ref>
<ref name="DN3D-SegaGen">{{cite web |url=http://www.sega-16.com/2007/11/duke-nukem-3d/ |title=Review: Duke Nukem 3D |date=November 5, 2007 |publisher=Sega-16.com |access-date=November 24, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203002217/http://www.sega-16.com/2007/11/duke-nukem-3d/ |archive-date=December 3, 2013}}</ref>
<ref name="DN3D-MegDrive">{{cite web |last1=Matulef |first1=Jeffrey |title=Duke Nukem 3D finally gets a Sega Mega Drive release |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-10-16-duke-nukem-3d-finally-gets-a-sega-mega-drive-release |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=Gamer Network |access-date=October 17, 2015 |date=October 16, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017120950/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-10-16-duke-nukem-3d-finally-gets-a-sega-mega-drive-release |archive-date=October 17, 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="DN3D-XBOX360">{{cite web |title=Duke Nukem 3D Xbox Live Arcade |url=http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/Duke-Nukem-3D/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d80258410901 |date=September 2008 |access-date=September 16, 2008 |publisher=Microsoft Xbox 360 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101024201530/http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/Duke-Nukem-3D/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d80258410901 |archive-date=October 24, 2010}}</ref>
<ref name="DN3D-iOS">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/civilization-revolution-duke-nukem-3d-land-on-iphone/1100-6215121/ |title=Civilization Revolution, Duke Nukem 3D land on iPhone |author=Thor Thorensen |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=August 11, 2009 |access-date=February 11, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110131615/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/civilization-revolution-duke-nukem-3d-land-on-iphone/1100-6215121/ |archive-date=January 10, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="DN3D-Touch">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/09/16/duke-nukem-3d-updated |title=Duke Nukem 3d updated |author=Levi Buchanan |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[j2 Global]] |date=September 16, 2009 |access-date=February 11, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211120421/http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/09/16/duke-nukem-3d-updated |archive-date=February 11, 2015}}</ref>
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<ref name="DN3D-Megaton">{{cite web |url=http://www.vg247.com/2015/01/06/duke-nukem-3d-megaton-edition-release-date-ps3-vita/ |title=Duke Nukem 3D Megaton Edition |author=Brenna Hillier |work=[[VG247]] |publisher=Videogaming 247 Ltd. |date=January 6, 2015 |access-date=January 24, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109202248/http://www.vg247.com/2015/01/06/duke-nukem-3d-megaton-edition-release-date-ps3-vita/ |archive-date=January 9, 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="MegatonEdition">{{cite web |url=http://operationrainfall.com/2015/01/06/duke-nukem-3d-megaton-edition-available-ps3-ps-vita/ |title=Duke Nukem 3D Megaton Edition available on PS3 and PS Vita |author=Crystal Baltimore |publisher=[[Operation Rainfall]] |date=January 6, 2015 |access-date=January 24, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150405213734/http://operationrainfall.com/2015/01/06/duke-nukem-3d-megaton-edition-available-ps3-ps-vita/ |archive-date=April 5, 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="Megaton-GTrailers">{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/news-post/67243/duke-nukem-3d-megaton-edition-ps3vita-is-nearly-finished |title=Duke Nukem 3D: Megaton Edition PS3/Vita is "nearly finished" |author=Kevin Chieng |publisher=[[GameTrailers]] |date=December 10, 2013 |access-date=March 31, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331145017/http://www.gametrailers.com/news-post/67243/duke-nukem-3d-megaton-edition-ps3vita-is-nearly-finished |archive-date=March 31, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="PSLifestyle">{{cite web |url=http://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2016/02/16/duke-nukem-3d-megaton-edition-ps3-ps-vita-removed-north-american-playstation-store/ |title=Duke Nukem 3D: Megaton Edition on PS3 & PS Vita Removed From North American PlayStation Store |work=Playstation Lifestyle |author=Jason Dunning |date=February 16, 2016 |access-date=January 24, 2018}}</ref>
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<ref name="jfduke3d">{{cite web |url=http://www.jonof.id.au/jfduke3d |title=JonoF's Duke Nukem 3D Port (JFDuke3D) |publisher=Jonathon Fowler |date=October 9, 2005 |access-date=September 16, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120908150306/http://www.jonof.id.au/jfduke3d |archive-date=September 8, 2012}}</ref>
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<ref name="ChocolateDuke3D">{{cite web |url=https://github.com/fabiensanglard/chocolate_duke3D |title=Chocolate Duke3D - Duke3D for Windows, Linux and OS X |publisher=Fabien Sanglard |access-date=September 16, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601174710/https://github.com/fabiensanglard/chocolate_duke3D |archive-date=June 1, 2014}}</ref>
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<ref name="CodeReview">{{cite web |title=Duke Nukem 3D Code Review |url=http://fabiensanglard.net/duke3d/index.php |website=Fabien Sanglard's Website |access-date=January 14, 2015 |date=February 14, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231175014/http://fabiensanglard.net/duke3d/index.php |archive-date=December 31, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="GR">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/197174-duke-nukem-3d/index.html |title=Duke Nukem 3D for PC |website=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=August 6, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808061921/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/197174-duke-nukem-3d/index.html |archive-date=August 8, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="GRN64">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/n64/197176-duke-nukem-64/index.html |title=Duke Nukem 64 for Nintendo 64 |website=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=December 23, 2018}}</ref>
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<ref name="GRI">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/iphone/971365-duke-nukem-3d/index.html |title=Duke Nukem 3D for iOS (iPhone/iPad) |website=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=February 12, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231212946/http://www.gamerankings.com/iphone/971365-duke-nukem-3d/index.html |archive-date=December 31, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="MC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/duke-nukem-3d/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Duke Nukem 3D for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=August 6, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808062137/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/duke-nukem-3d |archive-date=August 8, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="MCN64">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/duke-nukem-3d/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-64 |title=Duke Nukem 64 for Nintendo 64 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=December 23, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="MCX">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/duke-nukem-3d/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=Duke Nukem 3D for Xbox 360 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=February 12, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140930040510/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/duke-nukem-3d |archive-date=September 30, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="MCPS3">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/duke-nukem-3d-megaton-edition/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=Duke Nukem 3D: Megaton Edition for PlayStation 3 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=December 23, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="MCVITA">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/duke-nukem-3d-megaton-edition/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-vita |title=Duke Nukem 3D: Megaton Edition for PlayStation Vita Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=December 23, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="MC20AWT">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/duke-nukem-3d-20th-anniversary-world-tour/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary World Tour for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=December 23, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="MCPS4">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/duke-nukem-3d-20th-anniversary-world-tour/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary World Tour for PlayStation 4 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=December 23, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="MCXONE">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/duke-nukem-3d-20th-anniversary-world-tour/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary World Tour for Xbox Onne Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=December 23, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="GSpotReview">{{cite web |last=Soete |first=Tim |title=Duke Nukem 3D Review |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=August 18, 2016 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/duke-nukem-3d-review/1900-2540098/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160710041242/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/duke-nukem-3d-review/1900-2540098/ |archive-date=July 10, 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="Max7">{{cite journal |last=Jevons |first=Daniel |title=Maximum Reviews: Duke Nukem 3D |journal=Maximum: The Video Game Magazine |issue=7 |publisher=[[Emap International Limited]] |date=June 1996 |pages=128–9}}</ref>
<ref name="NG20">{{cite magazine |title=Doom to Dust? |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |issue=20 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=August 1996 |page=96}}</ref>
<ref name="GRevReview">{{cite web |title=Duke Nukem 3D review for the PC |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/pc/duke-nukem-3d |date=June 5, 1996 |work=[[Game Revolution]] |access-date=July 1, 2009}}</ref>
<ref name="GamingOnLinux">{{cite web |last=Wilson |first=Hamish |url=https://www.gamingonlinux.com/articles/the-big-three-build-engine-games-on-gog.5491 |title=The Big Three Build Engine Games On GOG |publisher=[[GamingOnLinux]] |date=June 23, 2015 |access-date=June 23, 2015 }}{{Dead link|date=October 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref>
<ref name="gamecenter1996">{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970205013139/http://www.gamecenter.com/Features/Exclusives/Awards96/indexa.html |url=http://www.gamecenter.com:80/Features/Exclusives/Awards96/indexa.html |title=The Gamecenter Awards for 96 |work=[[CNET Gamecenter]] |archive-date=February 5, 1997 |url-status=dead |access-date=July 30, 2019}}</ref>
<ref name="NG21">''Next Generation'' 21 (September 1996), p.59.</ref>
<ref name="cgw199611best">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1996&pub=2&id=148 |title=150 Best Games of All Time |magazine=Computer Gaming World |date=November 1996 |access-date=25 March 2016 |pages=64–80 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408023915/http://cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1996&pub=2&id=148 |archive-date=April 8, 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="cgw199611bestwaystodie">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1996&pub=2&id=148 |title=The 15 Best Ways To Die In Computer Gaming |magazine=Computer Gaming World |date=November 1996 |access-date=25 March 2016 |page=107 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408023915/http://cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1996&pub=2&id=148 |archive-date=April 8, 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="PCGame2001">October 2001 issue</ref>
<ref name="PCGame2005">April 2005 issue</ref>
<ref name="DN3D-GPro">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gamepro.com/gamepro/international/games/features/110028.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070520142756/http://www.gamepro.com/gamepro/international/games/features/110028.shtml |archive-date=May 20, 2007 |title=The 52 Most Important Video Games of All Time |magazine=[[GamePro]] |access-date=December 6, 2011}}</ref>
<ref name="XboxLiveArcade">{{cite web |title=IGN's Top 10 Xbox Live Arcade Games |url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/980/980538p1.html |website=IGN |access-date=August 7, 2009 |date=May 7, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413173841/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/980/980538p1.html |archive-date=April 13, 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="pcgtop50">{{Cite magazine |title=The 50 Best Games Ever |date=October 1998 |volume=5 |number=10 |journal=[[PC Gamer US]] |pages=86, 87, 89, 90, 92, 98, 101, 102, 109, 110, 113, 114, 117, 118, 125, 126, 129, 130}}</ref>
<ref name="DN3D-Famitsu">{{Cite web |url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=18596 |title=デュークニューケム 〜トータル メルトダウン〜 [PS] / ファミ通.com |website=www.famitsu.com |access-date=2018-07-26}}</ref>
<ref name="Walmart-Wired">{{cite magazine |title=The Games Wal-Mart Doesn't Play |url=https://www.wired.com/2002/12/the-games-wal-mart-doesnt-play/ |first1=Sandy |last1=Brundage |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |date=December 2, 2002 |access-date=January 5, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007232548/https://www.wired.com/2002/12/the-games-wal-mart-doesnt-play |archive-date=October 7, 2017}}</ref>
<ref name="Uncensored">{{cite web |title=Duke Nukem 3D Patch Guide |url=http://dukertcm.com/knowledge-base/documents-online/setup-patch-guide-duke3d.html |website=Build RCTM |access-date=January 14, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426214020/http://dukertcm.com/knowledge-base/documents-online/setup-patch-guide-duke3d.html |archive-date=April 26, 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="ListB">{{cite web |title=Duke Nukem 3D for DOS |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/duke-nukem-3d |website=[[MobyGames]] |access-date=January 14, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102042353/http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/duke-nukem-3d |archive-date=January 2, 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="DN3D-Banned">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/2447352.html |title=Brazil Bans More Games |author=Micheal Mullen |website=GameSpot |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203140923/http://www.gamespot.com/news/2447352.html |archive-date=December 3, 2010 |df=mdy}}</ref>
<ref name="NGen31">{{cite magazine |title=Spotlight Award Winners |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |issue=31 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=July 1997 |page=21 |url=https://archive.org/details/NEXT_Generation_31/page/n21}}</ref>
<ref name="9News">{{cite web |title=Australia's video game censorship 'the laughing stock of the world' |url=https://www.9news.com.au/technology/day-z-we-happy-few-red-dead-redemption-2-video-game-censorship-australia-banned-titles/235b99fb-2ad3-4378-b783-f79e4350e652 |website=9News.com.au |date=August 24, 2019}}</ref>
<ref name="Censory Overload">{{cite web |last1=Chiappini |first1=Dan |title=Censory Overload: An in-depth look at Australian video game classification |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/censory-overload-an-in-depth-look-at-australian-video-game-classification/1100-6188493/ |website=GameSpot |date=April 8, 2009}}</ref>
<ref name="Nukem 3D Release Post">{{cite web |title=3D Realms Commemorative Duke Nukem 3D Shipping Post |url=https://www.facebook.com/official3dr/posts/2848174588769809  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/1411893409064608/2848174588769809 |archive-date=2022-02-25 |url-access=limited|website=[[Facebook]] |date=May 5, 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20220327061912/https://3drealms.com/catalog/duke-nukem-3d_27/}} (archived)
* {{moby game|id=/duke-nukem-3d|name=''Duke Nukem 3D''}}

{{Duke Nukem series}}
{{Build engine games}}
{{3D Realms Games}}
{{Authority control}}

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