Editing Duke Nukem 3D (section)

== 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 = {{Rating|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 = 7.5/10 (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}}</ref><br>8.0/10 (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 = {{rating|4|5}} (PC, MAC)<ref name=NG20/><ref name=NG33/><br>{{rating|3|5}} (N64)<ref name=NG37/>
| rev1 = ''Maximum''
| rev1Score = {{rating|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"/>