Duke Nukem Forever 2013

Duke Nukem Forever 2013 aims to answer the question: "What if Duke Nukem Forever had been released in 2001 as an expansion to the original third installment?"

The campaign consists of five large levels united into a cohesive journey: from nighttime Las Vegas with a view of the ruined city to desert highways, an EDF base, the abandoned town of Morningwood, mines, and a final location at the Hoover Dam. Many scenes directly reference the trailers — for example, the motorcycle and donkey ride, alien attacks, sweeping panoramas and cutscenes that create the feeling of a "dream game" we never got to see.

In terms of gameplay, the mod stays true to the classic Duke Nukem 3D formula while adding new elements: original enemies (including variations of pig cops and terminators), new weapons, and unique scripted events. New textures, sprites, and visual effects are used, while a modified version of the Build engine provides long draw distances and complex effects (including dynamic lighting and detailed architecture), all while preserving the classic 8-bit charm.

The level design emphasizes scale and spectacle: large open spaces, detailed set pieces, and long linear routes where you move through pre-staged scenes in sequence. Exploration and non-linearity are kept to a minimum — the mod feels more like a cinematic adventure than the intricate, maze-like levels of the original.

Despite its strong visual presentation, the combat system and balance remain relatively simple: new enemies rarely pose a serious threat, and the fights lack the tension of the classic episodes. Nevertheless, it is precisely the atmosphere, attention to detail, and faithful recreation of the "lost" version of Duke Nukem Forever that make the mod especially valuable.

A fan-made expansion also exists, featuring 3 additional maps inspired by the 1998 trailer, in which Duke battles UFOs and visits the Duke Dome stadium.

For many players, Duke Nukem Forever 2013 became the "real" continuation of the series, delivering the atmosphere and scale that were lost in the official 2011 release.