The 1996 classic Duke Nukem 3D returns with an update that incorporates ray tracing. This modernized version maintains the original gameplay but completely renews the lighting, shadows, and reflections in the environments. Players will be able to relive Duke's adventures with an updated visual presentation, without altering the content or action that defined the title.
How ray tracing works on a 90s engine 🎮
The patch applies ray tracing techniques to the Build engine, which originally used sprites and 2.5D geometry. Global illumination is recalculated in real-time, generating dynamic shadows and specular reflections on surfaces like water or metal. The developers have optimized the rendering to work on modern hardware without sacrificing smoothness. The result is an aesthetic that respects the classic design, but with a notable visual leap.
More shine for kicking trash cans and saving strippers 💥
Now you'll be able to see the shine on the tiles while searching for keys and shooting aliens. Finally, the spotlights in the stripper area look as they should. And yes, Duke still drops unfiltered one-liners, only now with more realistic shadows. Because there's nothing like ray tracing to make a trash can look like a work of art. Of course, the enemy AI remains the same: run towards you and die.