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Jace Hall says goodbye to Duke Nukem Forever, hello to new footage
Jace Hall, Monolith Productions founder turned web show host and TV/film producer, has gone back through his archives to dig up a minute-and-a-half of previously unseen Duke Nukem Forever gameplay footage. Hall first offered a glimpse at the game in action last June on Crackle.com's aptly-titled Jace Hall Show. The new clip, found at the 7:37 mark of the show's latest episode, features an uncharacteristically silent Duke killing enemies whilst dodging giant, rolling boulders. (And, unfortunately for our friends up North, isn't viewable in Canada.) Now that Hall has bid DNF a fond semi-farewell (after all, it could return!) he can focus his attention on ABC's upcoming reimagining of V, on which he serves as executive producer.
3D Realms store to get overhaul, remastered games
Over at the 3D Realms forums, former employee Joe Siegler has revealed that the company's game store is set to receive a major overhaul. More importantly, Siegler says that he spent his last days at 3D Realms remastering all the games available. This includes packaging all the games with DOSbox (a DOS emulation program for older titles) and making formerly CD-only games available as downloadable titles. Unfortunately, the release date for the remastered catalog is still unknown, but Siegler advises gamers to hold off purchasing any titles until the overhaul takes place, which would imply that it will happen relatively soon.So, if you've got a hankering for some Shadow Warrior, Terminal Velocity or Commander Keen, have patience. Check out a list of all the games that will be available after the break. Read it closely, because 3D Realms could really use your money.
GoG sale isn't forever, classic Duke Nukem bundle discounted
It may be a while until you get your grubby paws on Duke Nukem's latest adventure (if ever), but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to enjoy some irrelevant '90s humor from the silver-tongued action star.Until the end of the day on June 1, Good Old Games is selling both Duke Nukem 3D: Atomic Edition and Duke Nukem Manhattan Project for 25 percent off -- bundled for $8.98. If you've already purchased one of the discounted titles prior to this promotion, GOG is offering a discount on the second title ($1.50 off for $4.49). Time to kick ass, chew bubble gum and remember Duke had a pretty good history.
Apogee and Deep Silver want your best Duke impressions
Tired of hearing about Duke Nukem these past couple of weeks? In all honesty, we're becoming a bit weary of writing about him, but we really couldn't pass this one up. Apparently the folks behind the Duke Nukem Trilogy are looking for a few good actors to do their best Duke impressions and maybe get a chance to "travel around the world representing Deep Silver and Apogee Software, LLC as the new 'official' Duke Nukem."We might not have informed you about the contest had the already existing contestant videos not convinced us otherwise. Women playing Duke? Yep. People who speak English only sometimes playing Duke? You bet! Hilarious? In an American Idol blooper, catching some serious wahjah kind of way. If you're so inclined to enter yourself (though we're wary to encourage that), all you have to do is capture your best Duke impressions on tape and head over to the contest website for entry instructions. We're going out on a limb and suggesting you don't impersonate what Duke does to bosses after taking them out in your entry. We'll leave it at that.
Forever-gate: Take-Two demands Duke Nukem Forever source code in suit
If the development of Duke Nukem Forever was a troubled marriage, welcome to the nasty, drawn-out divorce.Shacknews reports that court documents it obtained from the case of Take-Two Interactive vs. Apogee Software have the former demanding, well, custody of the unfinished game's source code. It also seeks to prevent Apogee from "disclosing, distributing, transferring or selling to any party other than Take-Two any proprietary information related to DNF." In short, Take-Two wants what it claims it paid for, and wants it now. 3D Realms co-founder, Scott Miller, wrote in a comment on Shacknews that the DNF developer "never saw a penny of that money," referring to the $12 million Take-Two says it paid Apogee for publishing rights to the game in 2000.If there's anything positive to be taken away from this litigation situation, it's that Take-Two evidently plans on ensuring a return on its investment in DNF -- possibly to the extent of taking all the game's assets and continuing its development elsewhere.[Via BigDownload]
Take-Two suing Apogee over unfinished Duke Nukem Forever
The game may never be released, but its legacy may live on forever. Duke Nukem Forever, which 3D Realms was supposedly working on from 1997 right up until it closed its doors on May 6, is at the center of a lawsuit filed by its would-be publisher, Take-Two Interactive. But who's left to sue? The still-operating Apogee Software, which created the 3D Realms brand in 1994.According to Bloomberg News, Take-Two alleges in a lawsuit filed May 13 that Apogee "continually delayed the completion date for the Duke Nukem Forever" and "repeatedly assured Take-Two and the video-gaming community that it was diligently working toward competing (sic) development of the PC Version of the Duke Nukem Forever." The suit states that Take-Two paid Apogee a sum of $12 million for the publishing rights to the game. The partnership was extended as recently as 2007, according to details of the case.We've contacted Apogee and Take-Two for comment on the pending suit. Apogee is currently involved with the production of Duke Nukem Trilogy for PSP and Nintendo DS, announced at E3 2008.[Via BigDownload]
'Duke Nukem' dev 3D Realms has shut down [update 4]
Duke Nukem developer 3D Realms has closed its doors, according to Shacknews. The developer was reportedly forced to cease operations due to funding issues, prompting it and Apogee Software Inc. to lay off all staff. Perhaps developing one title for more than a decade wasn't a great strategy.3D Realms was founded by George Broussard and Scott Miller in 1987, but became a household name with Duke Nukem 3D in 1996. While 3D Realms is also known for publishing high profile titles, such as Max Payne, the studio has become famous for developing Duke Nukem Forever for the last 13 years. Joystiq has reached out to 3D Realms and its publishing partner, Take-Two Interactive, for comment. Update: A studio representative has commented on the rumor regarding 3D Realms. Although it isn't a confirmation, it does hint a situation is brewing at the house that built Duke: "Deep Silver and Apogee Software are not affected by the situation at 3D Realms. Development on the Duke Nukem Trilogy is continuing as planned." Update 2: Alan Lewis, Vice President of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs for Take-Two Interactive has sent us an official statement regarding the situation at 3D Realms: "It is the Company's policy to not comment on its contractual relationships, nor do we comment on rumors and speculation. That said, we can confirm that our relationship with 3D Realms for Duke Nukem Forever was a publishing arrangement, which did not include ongoing funds for development of the title. In addition, Take-Two continues to retain the publishing rights to Duke Nukem Forever."Update 3: 3D Realms webmaster Joe Siegler has confirmed rumors of a 3D Realms shut down are true, posting "It's not a marketing thing. It's true. I have nothing further to say at this time" on the 3D Realms official forum.Update 4: 3DRealms.com and the site's official forum are experiencing issues at this time due to the volume of visitors. The sites have not been removed at this time.
GDC09: Urinal ads, they're so hot right now, urinal ads
As we can scientifically demonstrate, urinal advertisements are the new hidden severed limbs -- which were already the new sacrificed goats. Now, thanks to Duke Nukem, we have another opportunity to feed the beast, spotted in the GDC bathroom.So, yeah, it's not exactly pleasant. But you people say you want the "full GDC experience" and this is the kind of thing that happens. We're sorry. Check it out after the jump.
GDC09: Actual Duke Nukem games on PSP/DS
Apogee's Duke Nukem Trilogy already eclipsed Duke Nukem Forever with its mindblowingly awesome, yet content-free, trailer. But now it has surpassed Forever even more, by existing! And, as if to show off, it's six games. Sort of. As OhGizmo! explains, Duke Nukem Trilogy features three games, which have the same stories, but are presented in a different style on DS than on PSP. The PSP versions are M-rated, with content that will be "tasteful, but it'll still be Duke." The DS versions will be T-rated, and thus toned down a bit in terms of dialogue and gratuitous strippers.The best part? The first game, Duke Nukem: Critical Mass, was actually there! There was a demonstration on both PSP and DS. Try that, Duke Nukem Forever. Try being playable on a game system.
GOG in the Machine: Duke Nukem 3D, more Apogee on the way
Week after week, Good Old Games bring us a bountiful list of memories from our childhood. This week the company's bringing not just Duke Nukem 3D for $5.99, but the announcement that Apogee Software has agreed to distribute through GOG's digital distribution platform. (Wait, does that mean Commander Keen as well?!)From what GOG has confirmed with us, Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project, Blake Stone: Aliens of Gold, Blake Stone: Planet Strike, and Rise of the Triad: Dark War are all in the queue for "the upcoming weeks." (So, no Commander Keen then, eh?) If you'd like a refresher on how hilarious and ridiculous hilarculous the Duke can be, check out the modern-classic Duke Nukem Trilogy trailer from last year's E3 after the break.[Thanks, Brent]
Apogee updates on Duke Nukem Trilogy progress
Apogee has responded on their official forums to requests for more info on the upcoming Duke Nukem handheld trilogy. Yes, it seems the games really do exist. We're as surprised as you are. An Apogee representative says that "both the DS and PSP versions of the game are coming along nicely." Adding that "on the PSP, they say the depth of view is the best they have seen to date for that device." So while we're still not sure how the game will play, at least we can be safe in the knowledge that the depth of view will be second to none.Apogee concludes by saying that "we are also including some cool bonus game play features that we haven't spoken about that we feel will enhance the overall way the game is played. That's all we can say for now, other than stay tuned, more info in greater detail is on the way!" We're intrigued to learn more, if only because we've almost forgotten what it's like for a Duke Nukem game to actually see the light of day. Check out the awesome E3 trailer after the break.[Thanks, David B.!]
It's Burgertime to kick ass
The Duke Nukem Trilogy trailer handily won E3 with its intoxicating combination of flying logos, stock images of dudes in gas masks, and slow-motion crotch closeups. Now Data East's arcade classic Burgertime has been given the same expert treatment. Peter Pepper's struggle to make giant hamburgers with his feet while being assaulted by sentient food has never looked so badass.Unlike Duke Nukem Trilogy, we have reason to believe that Burgertime will actually come out (the reason being that it was already released hundreds of times), which makes it that much easier to get hyped.[Via Dot Matrix With Stereo Sound]
Duke Nukem Trilogy for PSP 'more mature, more hardcore'
Despite the ... unique trailer featuring logos dancing around, Apogee insists they won't screw up the ultimate badass' return in the upcoming Duke Nukem Trilogy games. Terry Nagy, CEO of Apogee Software, gave some details about the newest outing of the Duke on the PSP. He started off by stressing immediately that the game will be out for summer 2009, unlike a certain other Duke Nukem game. With the trilogy, Apogee's plan is to have "another Duke game ... on the store shelves as the first one is starting to fall off the shelves." The first game Critical Mass will take place in the future, so the player will have "really cool futuristic weapons" at his disposal. Chain Reaction is set in current times while Proving Ground has Duke traveling back into the past to 1945 as "the Forrest Gump of World War II" and using "period-style weapons." Finally, Nagy reveals that the PSP version is "more mature, more hardcore of gamer, third-person, first-person, top-down scroller type of stuff" and that it is aiming for a Mature rating, as opposed to a Teen rating on the DS. We aren't too optimistic about this game, but then again we've seen basically nothing. Either way, we would avoid the DS version, not because we are fanboys at all, but because Duke himself would never be caught dead playing a Teen game.[Thanks, David B.!]
E308: What an awful, awful Duke Nukem trailer
So ... huh? After sitting through the above four minutes of explosions, nuclear symbols and flashing lights, we have learned nothing about the upcoming Duke Nukem Trilogy for the DS. Quite frankly, this isnt the kind of trailer you want to show at E3, when countless other videos opt to show gameplay footage and new details. Also, four minutes long? Sure, there's a bit of metal rocking out there, but wouldn't we rather watch a music video instead of the words Critical Mass and Proving Grounds blasting all over the screen? You bet.The rest of the Fanboy team thinks this irritable blogger is missing the joke of the (clearly satirical) trailer. They are probably right.
E3's greatest trailer: Duke Nukem Trilogy
E3 had some pretty cool trailers this year, but Duke Nukem Trilogy's definitely has to be our favorite. We went in hoping for a little bit of gameplay footage. Something to give an indication of what the game will actually look or play like, perhaps? Instead we sat through four minutes of the worst best trailer ever created. To be fair, we're going to be watching this trailer over and over for the rest of our lives. Whether the games actually come out or not, we're entertained. Enjoy the trailer!
Duke Nukem Trilogy announced for handhelds
Apogee Software has inked a deal with developers 3D Realms and MachineWorks Northwest LLC to publish a new Duke Nukem title called Duke Nukem Trilogy. The new game is set for handhelds and will include three new missions: Critical Mass, Chain Reaction, and Proving Grounds. Apogee's website reveals a little more info on the game, including a multiplayer mode. The game is currently scheduled for a Summer 2009 release.[Via Joystiq]
Apogee site reveals Duke Nukem Trilogy details
The Apogee website has been updated with a few more details regarding Duke Nukem Trilogy, which was announced today. Both the DS and the PSP will be getting versions of the game, which will each offer "a totally different gaming experience on each system while staying true to the storyline." The three chapters, Critical Mass, Chain Reaction and Proving Ground will be released sequentially, starting Summer 2009. Almost certainly before Duke Nukem Forever sees the light of day.Other various tidbits are included on the website and give a very vague idea of what to expect, such as 3D graphics and multiplayer gameplay. We still have no idea how Duke Nukem Trilogy will play, but we're expecting to see something like the sidescrollers of the early 90s. Hopefully Apogee will release some screenshots soon so we can see exactly what they have in mind.
Apogee returns from dead to bring new Duke Nukem to handhelds
Apogee Software, a one-time forerunner of shareware titles, is back. According to a press release, the company has reached an "exclusive agreement" with 3D Realms and MachineWorks Northwest LLC to release Duke Nukem Trilogy to the "handheld console market." The brand new game includes episodes Critical Mass, Chain Reaction and Proving Grounds.No other details are available. Even though 3D Realms is still legally named Apogee Software, the two companies' relationship is unclear. In the press release, Apogee describes itself as "back to re-establish itself as an innovative leader in interactive entertainment." With new, actual Duke Nukem Release Technology©, we'd be hard to argue.
Duke Nukem killing his way to a new trilogy [updated]
The word "badass" means many things to many people. It could be an idea, a concept, a frame of mind. It could be the way Reggie Fils-Aime talks. So many definitions, each of them slightly incorrect. The only universally accepted definition of "badass" can be summed up in one name: Duke Nukem.Apogee Software is kicking into gear and throwing three hard-fightin' missions together in one package, known as the Duke Nukem Trilogy. We had an inkling that Duke would be arriving sometime soon, and it probably wasn't going to be some port of Duke Nukem 3D. The press release is annoyingly light on the details, merely making the announcement and philosophical tirades about "what's old is new again." Does this mean the Trilogy will be just a collection of the old 2D shooters, or perhaps a batch of new levels? Apogee isn't telling, or they're being extremely hazy about it. We'll let you know, because the Duke must be acknowledged in all his forms. Update: Turns out Apogee is telling just a little bit. On their official website, a few details have surfaced about the three missions in the Trilogy: Critical Mass, Chain Reaction and Proving Grounds. The game features 9 worlds, 36 levels, 3D "accelerated" graphics and 3D characters. Meaning, it'll probably be a side-scroller, but it'll look snazzy. Nothing wrong with that at all. Finally, we can look forward to five different styles of gameplay, a multiplayer component and "Total Ass-Kicking Weapons." Right on! [Via press release]
Apogee Duet: BREAKOUT box simplifies connections
Generally speaking, folks who sprung for Apogee's Duet have been pleased with the performance, but as we learn each and every week, there's nothing that can't be improved upon. Take the Duet's factory breakout cable, for instance. Sure, it provides a plethora of connection options, but it also creates a rat's nest in no time flat. Thankfully, a few engineering souls decided to take matters into their own hands, create a much better alternative, and then offer the thing up for sale for the lazy folks (read: us) on the outside. The duet:BREAKOUT box provides one simple box-to-Duet connection, after which you can run XLR / 1/4" cables straight to the ultra-rugged accessory. Get yours now with 1/4" or RCA outputs for $100 apiece.