Chapter 18: Duke Nukem 3D
Come Get Some!
The knockout game of 1996 took many of die-hard computer gamers by surprise, and by storm. Who would have ever thought that the third installment in the Duke Nukem series would be the true Doom-killer. Time and time again, countless titles found their way to store shelves over the years all claiming to be the next "Doom." However, all but a few proved to be creatively (and often, technologically) inferior. Some have come close, such as Dark Forces or Rise of the Triad, but for the most part, many were bland, unimaginative clones with nothing new to offer.The original Duke Nukem was released by Apogee in 1991 and the sequel two years later. 3D Realms, Apogee's label for their 3D titles, fired out Duke Nukem 3D and picks up where Duke Nukem II left off-the Duke heads back to Earth after his long and violent blast-fest only to find that it has been taken over by aliens (who took all the women away...that makes Duke MAD!!).
There are three episodes in the full version of Duke Nukem 3D: "L.A. Meltdown," "Lunar Apocalypse," and "Shrapnel City." They run chronologically but you don't have to play them in consecutive order. Each of the three episodes contain about 10 or 12 levels each but there are hidden levels scattered throughout them all. L.A. Meltdown begins in the 21st century in downtown Los Angeles, completely deserted with the exception of our alien rivals, other creepy characters, and a few Earth women tied and bound in slimy pods. Lunar Apocalypse takes place just above Earth in a giant space station and the final episode, Shrapnel City, takes Duke back to Earth. To finish the job off, Duke is to obliterate the rest of the extra-terrestrials complete with a climactic ending-a battle-to-the-death against one helluva beast in an outdoor football stadium.
Duke Nukem 3D can be played solo or head-to-head via a modem or network (appropriately called DukeMatch games). As with many other computer games over the past few years-playing against another player (or many others) is both thrilling and highly addictive. This is especially true with Duke Nukem, and nothing gets your heart racing like challenging real live human opponents on the other end.
Getting Started
The minimum system requirements to run Duke Nukem 3D are listed as follows. A 486 with 8MG RAM and VGA graphics (486DX2/66 with a local bus video card is suggested). SVGA mode requires a Pentium with 16MG RAM and a PCI local bus and VESA compliant video card. 30MG disk space and a CD-ROM is also necessary. A compatible sound card is an option but is highly recommended for a good all-around experience. A modem, joystick, mouse, Gravis GamePad, Cyberman, VFX1 Headgear unit, and Space Player are all supported but not necessary (note: the modem is necessary for multiplayer games).For more information read, or download, the official Duke Nukem 3D FAQ (http://www.3drealms.com/duke3d.html).
Adult Content: Be Forewarned
The violent and sexual content in this game is no secret. You can disembowel your enemies in ways never before imagined: eyeballs and guts fly across the room, blood drips down walls and merciful pleas can be heard from your almost-dead opponents (in between choking on their own blood, of course). Strippers will flash you their goods if you wave a few dollars at them, while Japanese geisha girls will do it for fun. Racy comments fly from the Duke's mouth including profanities, sexual innuendoes, and violent one-liners from popular R-rated movies.How many games do you think would sell if your character was a suit-wearing accountant who goes to work and counts numbers all day? Exactly. Duke Nukem 3D is an exciting, fast-paced world with a completely interactive FANTASY environment. If you are a concerned adult, you do have the choice for toning down some of the adult features in the game from the Options menu upon regular start-up (also includes a password protection)
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RASC Advisory Label
Patches
You want to check your version of Duke Nukem 3D because there are three patches available. One brings you from v1.0 to 1.1 (DN3D11PT.ZIP) the second upgrades your v1.1 to 1.3d (called DNSW13PT.ZIP), and the third is version 1.4. Find them at http://www.3drealms.com/.
Multiplayer Setup: DukeMatch Choices
Duke Nukem 3D supports an IPX-based network-you don't need to be logged onto a server; you just need to have an IPX protocol stack running. If you are lucky enough to have access to a networked system of computers in your office, Duke Nukem 3D is the game to have. To play against up to eight opponents, simply run the setup.exe program and select the menu option "Network Game." Choose the number of players involved and leave the socket number as "Default." You may select a player name if you like, then click on the "Launch Duke Nukem 3D" menu item under the "Network Game" menu. That's it!
Modem
Run setup.exe and select "Modem Game" from the Options menu. Select whether you are to wait for a call or dial your opponent (it makes no difference). Set up the COM port for your modem (you only have to do this once) and under "Setup Modem" choose your modem type (the default should work in most cases). Select a name for yourself under "Player Name" and if you are the "caller" then type your friend's phone number under "Phone Number List." Back under "Modem Game" click on "Launch Duke Nukem 3D" and the modem initialization will begin.
Serial Games
Run setup.exe and select "Serial Game" from the Option menu. Select "COM Port" and choose which COM port you use and leave the other options for now. Select a player name, then the "Launch Duke Nukem 3D" under the "Serial Game" menu.
Internet Play
The Total Entertainment Network (TEN) carries different games on their Network that allow you to play your favorite CD-ROMs on the Internet against others. Although there are a few of these gaming networks, TEN carries the exclusive rights for the game Duke Nukem 3D on the whole Internet.Through their service (at time of press, still FREE!) you can challenge other Duke players from all over the world. To run Duke on the Net you'll need Windows 95, a Pentium 60MHz (minimum), 16MG RAM, a VLB (VESA local Bus) PCI SVGA card, and a 14.4 modem (28.8 minimum recommended). Select "TEN" from the Main Menu setup and install TEN on your hard drive.
Click on the Ten icon on your Windows 95 desktop and follow the start-up instructions from there. Check out TEN's Web page for more information (http://www.ten.net/), call 1-800-8040-TEN, or e-mail them at questions@ten.net.
Communicating with your Opponents
Apogee/3D Realm's trademarked "RemoteRidicule" (or RTS) feature is a handy (and fun) way to taunt your opponents. By pressing the Alt key and F1 to F10 during play, your opponents will hear different pre-recorded taunts ("You Suck!"). The sounds come from a file called duke3d.rts and you can select what exactly you want to "say" or use the free utility included on the Duke Nukem 3D to create your own!You may also type at your opponents during DukeMatches by pressing the "T" key and then your message. It is a good way to either tease your opponents or simply communicate back and forth during play (e.g. "Let's get outta here and try level 8 next!").
The most comprehensive list of RTS files on the Net are available at The Unofficial RTS File Distribution Center (http://www.cyberhighway.net/~srogers/duke/index.html).
Duke Nukem 3D and the Internet-A Match Made in Heaven
The shareware version of Duke Nukem 3D will go down as one of the hottest downloads in the history of the Internet. You can grab it from many places including the 3D Realms Web page (http://www.3drealms.com/duke3d.html). Version 1.4 will probably be the last of the shareware updates.But the Internet is not just for downloading the shareware version of the game or to find and compete with others via DukeMatch (TEN Network). The Internet has many other exciting offerings for Duke Nukem fans including thousands of bonus levels, editors, screen shots, midi songs, animations, FAQs, strategy tips, secrets, cheats, patches/fixes, chat groups, news, reviews, discussion forums, art (to use for wallpaper), e-mail lists, screen savers, icons, and more!
How to Use Custom-Made Maps
I have to admit the most useful benefits of the marriage between Duke Nukem 3D and the Internet is that you can make and trade your "user maps" or custom-built levels. The Build software is available for free on the Duke Nukem CD-ROM and you can create your very own worlds!The are many places on the Net to get these cool levels made by others and this is how to use them: download the ones that sound interesting to your "temp" directory (or equivalent) on your hard drive (some may appeal to multiplayer play or may have a "theme" you like). Expand the zip file (e.g. volcano.map) into your Duke Nukem 3D directory and click on setup.exe in Windows Explorer (if using Windows 95). Choose the "Select User Lever" option and then highlight the map name you just downloaded. Then choose "Save and Launch Duke Nukem 3D" and that's it! With the amount of interesting maps out there, the possibility for repetitive gameplay is next to none. There are literally thousands-but some cool maps to look for include "Le Rock," "Anarchy," "Paintball," "Sand," "The Pond," "Factory," "Island 1," "BlockWar," "AirMobil," and "Warp 255." With such a wide variety of game additions out there, Duke Nukem 3D will remain as a resident on your hard drive for ages since there is so much out there to supplement it, even when you've completed the original full game. There is also a free utility on the Duke CD-ROM that will allow you to convert Doom WADs (custom levels) into Duke Nukem 3D Maps!
Duke Links Hotlist
Duke with Freeze ThrowerMany of the cool Web sites worthy of a visit are mentioned in Chapter 4 but here is a quick reference guide of just a small sampling.
Official Duke Nukem 3D Home Page http://www.3drealms.com/duke3d.html
Gamelords
Tribute to Duke
Don's Duke Nukem 3D Page http://www2.awinc.com/users/dgronlun/duke3d/duke3d.html
Mike Miller's Duke Nukem Site http://www.bayserve.net/~mike/duke/
Andy's Duke Nukem 3D Site http://www.empnet.com/andy/duke3d/
The Definitive Duke Nukem 3D DukeMatch Repository
The Adrenaline Vault Duke Nukem 3D Site http://www.avault.com/duke.html
My Favorite Duke Nukem 3D Site! http://www.wesnet.com/kevinfin/game/duke3d.htm
Stefan's Duke Nukem 3D World http://www.erlangen.netsurf.de/stefan.welker/duke3d.htm
The 3D Gaming Scene http://www.pol.umu.se/html/ac/split/dukenukem.html
The Duke 3D Pages http://members.tripod.com/~duke3d/
Undernet's #Duke3D Web Page (USA Site) http://www.acs.oakland.edu/~klmatero/duke3d/
Yahoo's List of Duke Nukem 3D related Sites http://www.yahoo.com/Recreation/Games/Computer_Games/Titles/Duke_Nukem_3D/
Duke Nukem 3D Cheat Codes Monsters getting to you? Can't seem to keep enough ammo for your glorious weapons? Health just not up to par? Don't sweat...here is the complete list of cheats to help you through the game.
First pause the game (press the Pause key) and type in the following codes (see Table F18-1). Listed beside them are the desired outcomes. You may not have to type anything first at all for the Shareware version.
Cheat Code Outcome DNGODLY God Mode on DNUNGODLY God Mode off DNCORNHOLIO God mode (toggles) DNKROZ Same as DNCORNHOLIO DNWARP Jump to other episode and level DNSCOTTY Jump to other episode and level DNAMMO Full ammo (cool!) DNVIEW "Follow" Duke mode (like F7 key) DNWEAPONS All available weapons DNUNLOCK Unlock locked doors DNITEMS Keys, items, etc. DNSTUFF Keys, weapons, ammo, items DNRATE Shows frame rate (top of screen) DNSKILL Restart level with skill # DNCLIP Walk-through-walls (v1.1) DNHYPER Steroids DNENDING Ends the episode DNCASHMAN Throws out cash with DNBETA "Pirates suck" message DNMONSTERS Makes monsters disappear when you get near them DNCOSMO Register "Cosmo" message DNALLEN ? message Basic Strategy Tips
Duke Nukem 3D is not a tough game to learn but there is definitely more to it than just running and shooting at everything. And if you're perceptive enough during game play you can learn a lot about your enemies and your environment. These beginner skills will help you persevere even with the deadliest of all aliens or in the most challenging of all levels.Some of these suggestions may sound obvious but they may just extend your lifespan!
Save often-and make back-ups. There is no worse feeling for any computer gamer than achieving so much and then getting your bits blown apart without saving the game. Name your saved games appropriately so if you return after a few days you'll know exactly where you left off.
Get to know your controls-well. Press F1 during gameplay for an overview of your Control menu. As with the game of Doom, strafing is very important, especially in keeping alive in multiplayer gaming. Strafing refers to "sliding" side-to-side or "side-stepping" by holding down the Alt key and the desired right or left arrow. Your ability to dodge bullets and lasers will ultimately determine your fate. In Duke Nukem 3D you can also crouch ("Z" key), jump ("A" key), run (Shift key), and look up and down (Home and End key, respectively). Also get familiar with your ten weapons-note which ones work well with certain creatures and get to know which ones not to fire so close. Use these, and practice.
Duke clearing the way with the DevastatorWhen in doubt-RUN! Don't be afraid to leave a room or city square if you're outnumbered, out of ammo, or need to devise a better plan to defeat your opponents. I've seen people exhaust their weaponry and proceed to try to "kick" a dozen or so armed aliens. Not a good idea.
Keep an eye on your health. Always look for med-kits lying around and don't forget to drink from a broken fire hydrant (or even from a broken pipe behind a bathroom urinal if need be!) to increase your health.
Use the security cameras. Press the Spacebar to flip through the various camera angles around your environment and see where those pesky aliens are hiding.
Use your inventory efficiently. Scroll through what you've pickup along the way. Do this with the "{[" and "}]" keys. Steroids, a jet pack, night-vision goggles, a med-kit, protective boots, scuba gear, or a HoloDuke may just buy you some more time in the game.
Try out fun stuff: play billiards in the nightclub (Episode 1, Level 2), leave bloody footprints after stepping on a body, or use your jet pack and take a look at your level from above (or turn it off from way up above and hear yourself scream all the way down to your death!). You can also look for monsters in the can-yep, throw a pipe bomb in from above and watch him explode on the toilet! (sick, eh?). There are of course, secret rooms and bonus levels hidden throughout the game-keep an eye open for a suspicious crack in a wall or a slanted ledge of a building. For a complete list of secrets, hidden jokes and references, and colorful maps for the entire game, point your browser to the mega-site Gamelords (http://gamelords.com/duke3d/).
