Duke Nukem Demo: First Impressions

I brought Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition quite a while ago (possibly February) so that I can do the review for the game for the University newspaper (250 words wasn't enough to write about the game and its 4 add-ons. I may post a full review soon or I may start doing video reviews when I have time). One of the bonuses about from the value for money (Got it for £14.99 which is brilliant as you can play it for ages without having to buy another game) was a First Access Duke Nukem pass. Basically I could get bonus videos, news about the Duke Nukem.

However there was one advantage I wasn't expecting, which is the first access to the demo! I was looking forward to playing on it. I enjoyed Duke 3D on the PC and have been looking forward to the game since the first trailer. I know it's going to be a standard FPS but its Duke!

Downloaded it yesterday and I have played it for a few minutes during my break from revision.

Overall: I wasn't impressed. It was too clunky, a bit bland and not even the funny one liners saved it. I remember playing it on the PC and you could carry any weapons you picked up but they have changed it to only 2 weapons. I know, things need to change to make them better, but Duke was supposed to be a walking gun shop and you feel limited in what weapons you can carry. The choice of weapons doesn't help since you have a lot of choice but can't enjoy one weapon long enough till you need to pick another.

The levels that were given to you for the Demo weren't that exciting. The first had

you battling this giant monster which shot rockets and had a boost which could knock you over (Guess the weak point!) Then you had the driving segment which lasted slightly short but hoping it will be longer in the actual game. Fight a few pigs (which for normal were brutal) then you finish by filling the car with fuel. But saying that I shouldn't expect an impressive storyline since it is Duke Nukem.

For a demo, I think it has to be one of the biggest selling points. If you aren't interested you won't buy the game. Unless there is no trailer then you watch Let's Play videos to see what it is like. I found his jokes and his womanising to drone on. The voice was spot on but when you hear the same joke over and over again, you want to put the mute on.

It could just be the demo and I will probably look at a few videos of people playing through it to make up my mind. But currently I don't think people should be putting their eggs in one basket for this game.