The latest issue of PC Gamer magazine is now available, offering a comprehensive celebration of the Duke Nukem franchise alongside a deep dive into the enduring legacy of "boomer shooters." This special edition marks the 30th anniversary of Duke Nukem 3D and the 15th anniversary of Duke Nukem Forever, featuring interviews with key figures involved in the development of both titles. The cover story promises never-before-seen development images and explores Duke Nukem's significant impact on the PC gaming industry.
A Look Back at Duke Nukem
PC Gamer's extensive Duke Nukem coverage includes direct accounts from many of the individuals who brought the iconic games to life. The magazine aims to provide a must-read experience for both dedicated Duke fans and enthusiasts of the first-person shooter genre. The anniversary celebration is further enhanced by exclusive development visuals, making it a comprehensive tribute to the series.
The Enduring Appeal of Retro FPS
Beyond the Duke Nukem retrospectives, the issue also features an in-depth look at the best contemporary retro-style FPS games. This secondary feature pays homage to the foundational role that Duke Nukem 3D and similar titles played in shaping the FPS genre. The article highlights new games that capture the spirit of the originals, focusing on punchy visuals, larger-than-life characters, and the distinctive style of "baby boomer shooters."
Previews and Reviews
This edition of PC Gamer provides world-exclusive access to Soulframe, the anticipated free-to-play action-RPG from Digital Extremes, serving as a follow-up to Warframe. Readers can also find hands-on previews for several other titles, including 1666: Amsterdam, Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, Corsair Cove, Control Resonance, Clutch, and Sin Reloaded. In terms of reviews, the magazine offers assessments of Gothic Remake, Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus II, Exo Rally Championship, Mina the Hollower, The Adventures of Elliot, Dave the Diver: In the Jungle, and Derelict Star.
Additional Content
Further articles in this issue include a "Mod Spotlight" on an ambitious Adventure Map mod for Valheim, transforming the game into a more RPG-like experience with pre-made locations and quests. A "Reinstall" section revisits the original Unreal, examining its place in FPS history. The magazine also begins a new "Diary" feature chronicling an attempt to live as a reclusive woodsman in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. A "Special Report" delves into the recent resurgence of interest in the obscure 1997 platformer Moon Child, exploring its updated source port. Additionally, the hardware team conducts a group test of six leading PC gamepads.
The issue concludes with "Now Playing" segments detailing the PC Gamer team's experiences with Destiny 2, Wax Heads, Star Trek Online, and Batman: Arkham Asylum, alongside re-reviews of Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, Braid, and The Sexy Brutale. An interview with the developer of the psychological horror game Total Chaos also features.