A scrapped 2001 version of Duke Nukem Forever has seemingly leaked online, apparently showing the game four years into its turbulent development.
Duke Nukem fan website Duke4 shared details from a 4Chan post that seemingly shows gameplay footage and several screenshots of what is essentially a completely different game to the eventual 2011 release.
The 2001 version – of which “a huge chunk” is apparently playable – looks more similar to the previous game, 1996’s Duke Nukem 3D, than the Forever we eventually got in 2011.
Duke Nukem Forever build from 2001 leakedhttps://t.co/zJJx0LA6k0 pic.twitter.com/DofR0X6G3Z
— Instant Gaming (@InstantGamingEN) May 9, 2022
The leaker has allegedly built an editor to get this version of Duke Nukem Forever working and plans to release the full version in June.
Almost every level is present in some form according to the post, though some with missing enemies and other content, and most weapons are also fully functional.
Content from the 2001 E3 trailer is also reportedly playable, which is the last time fans saw this build of the game before it was delayed again and again.
The final version wasn’t released for another decade, making for a total of 14 years in development, with Duke Nuke Forever suffering one final delay before launching in June 2011. Suffice it to say, the final version wasn’t well received.
In our 5/10 review, IGN said: “There’s some dumb fun to be had in Duke Nukem Forever, but the game tries hard to ensure it’s only fleeting.”
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelancer who occasionally remembers to tweet @thelastdinsdale. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.