Duke Nukem

Released in 1991 by Apogee Software, Duke Nukem Episode 1 - Shrapnel City is a side-scrolling platform shooter. It introduced players to one of gaming’s most recognizable action heroes.

Duke Nukem was initially created in 1987 by Todd Replogle, but the game was supposed to be called "Heavy Metal". Scott Miller (Apogee co-founder) told Replongle they should do what they do with comic books: name the game after a lead character. Together they decided Duke Nukem. After that, George Broussard, Allen H. Blum III, and Jim Norwood created the graphics.

In 1991, Episode 1 was offered for free to entice players into purchasing the whole three-episode experience. While vastly different from the Duke Nukem 3D that would later define the franchise, this early entry established the character in a colorful, action-packed setting.

Due to copyright problems, the game was renamed for a short time, "Duke Nukum", to go back to the original name shortly after.

Set in the futuristic year of 1997, Duke Nukem follows the titular hero as he battles the evil Dr. Proton, who has unleashed an army of robotic Techbots to take over the world. Players guide Duke through enemy-infested environments, dodging hazards, collecting power-ups, and blasting through obstacles. The game’s first episode takes place in a ruined city, while later episodes expand the action into high-tech bases and lunar landscapes.

Duke Nukem was built on the same smooth-scrolling engine George Broussard used in Crystal Caves. According to Todd Replogle, legendary developer John Carmack helped him refine the code.

Unlike many DOS games of the early '90s that struggled with choppy movement, this engine allowed for fluid side-scrolling on EGA graphics hardware. The game features colorful 16-color visuals with large, detailed sprites and interactive elements such as breakable walls and moving platforms. However, backgrounds are pretty static, and sound effects are limited to basic PC speaker beeps, typical of Apogee’s early titles.

Gameplay revolves around run-and-gun action mixed with light platforming elements. Duke starts with a simple pistol but can collect rapid-fire upgrades, extra health, and high-jump enhancements. The controls are generally responsive but feel stiffer compared to more refined console platformers of the era, such as Mega Man or Contra. Despite this, the level design keeps the experience engaging with hidden areas, destructible objects, and enemy patterns that require quick reflexes.

While Duke Nukem lacks the personality and humor of its later incarnations, it remains an important piece of PC gaming history. Its success led to Duke Nukem II in 1993, which improved upon the original with better animations, more weapons, and smoother gameplay. Ultimately, it was Duke Nukem 3D in 1996 that transformed the character into the wisecracking, gun-toting antihero that fans know today.