Gaming's biggest movie rip-offs

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Can't get the license? Make the game anyway!

Perpetrator: Duke Nukem 3D

The man himself is simply a walking hybrid of sci-fi and horror action heroes. Firstly, just look at him. The impossibly chiselled bulk. The sunglasses. The fondness for tight vest tops and ammo belts as day to day accessories. The cigars, for God's sake! If he doesn't remind you of a certain governator of California (Clue: He's called Arnold Schwarzenegger) then we very much doubt you've ever seen a movie, left the house, or summoned up the strength to open your own eyes.

And as for his personality, he's a 150% steroid-boosted version of Lord Bruce of Campbell. He might be one of our most charismatic action heroes, but Duke has barely got an original line in his arsenal. The whole "Come get some" demeanour is Bruce in Army Of Darkness, and half of his dialogue is lifted from Evil Dead movies. Throw in the bubblegum line from John Carpenter's under-rated cult classic 'They Live!' (Seriously, what is it with that guy and videogames?) and a whole bunch of suspiciously familiar slime-cocooned damsels and alien eggs, and you've got one of the most shamelessly movie-inspired game stars ever to be delayed a decade.

And as for his personality, he's a 150% steroid-boosted version of Lord Bruce of Campbell. He might be one of our most charismatic action heroes, but Duke has barely got an original line in his arsenal. The whole "Come get some" demeanour is Bruce in Army Of Darkness, and half of his dialogue is lifted from Evil Dead movies. Throw in the bubblegum line from John Carpenter'sunder-rated cult classic 'They Live!' (Seriously, what is it with that guy and videogames?) and a whole bunch of suspiciously familiar slime-cocooned damsels and alien eggs, and you've got one of the most shamelessly movie-inspired game stars ever to be delayed a decade.

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David Houghton
Long-time GR+ writer Dave has been gaming with immense dedication ever since he failed dismally at some '80s arcade racer on a childhood day at the seaside (due to being too small to reach the controls without help). These days he's an enigmatic blend of beard-stroking narrative discussion and hard-hitting Psycho Crushers.
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