In the ever popular and often copied arena of 3-D image-based action adventure games, the testosterone-pumped hero usually wanders around in an apocalyptic semblance of a planet, picks up an arsenal of weaponry that would excite a Green Beret and searches for ways to better annihilate his nonhuman enemies in pursuit of saving himself, blah, blah, blah.

Usually is an important word to emphasize here. Enter the latest contender in the genre, "Duke Nukem 3D," the third installment of the Duke Nukem series, which was first presented in 1991.The game, to be released in April, is an exciting and realistic offering that makes a bunch of "DOOM"-ed Martian Marines look like mall security guards chasing juvies out of Victoria's Secret.

"Duke" probably isn't for the kids. In fact, there's enough mild language, violence and adult situations for parents to be concerned. But the makers of the game, 3D Realms, obviously know their market audience's age group and have included a parental monitoring control to ensure pre-teens participate but don't get the gore.

The protagonist is a brawny tough guy full of blonde tresses and steroids (really), attitude and a little brain who chases around aliens and other nonhumans in various adventures. In the version reviewed here, Duke was busy finding his way through the streets, bars, movie houses, jails and beaches of L.A., post nuclear war time.

Claiming to be the next big thing in graphical dimension gaming - like "DOOM" proclaimed, and deservedly earned, after "Wolfenstein 3D" brought this level of playing to the masses - "Duke Nukem 3D" has big shoes to fill. But remember, Duke's a pretty big guy.

Like many in the genre, the nice thing about this game is it makes the player think about what he or she has to do next without getting wasted.

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And the aliens are no dummies, either; they're not strategic generals by any stretch of the imagination, but they're also not Deputy Barney Fife.

The visual dynamics of the game - running from an amazingly fast graphics build engine owned by 3D Realms that powers such games as "Tekwar," "Shadow Warrior" and "Witchaven" - are key.

Scenic damage is also part of the fun here, try shooting at anything. And the sound is spectacular in effects, soundtrack and dialogue. Add multiplayer, via modem capability and network play of up to eight, and you've got some fun.

To borrow a phrase, believe the hype with "Duke." It delivers the goods, the energy and even humor (there's a great spoof of "DOOM," complete with brooding music and crimson-hued coloring of the entire room) one expects in this type of computer gaming.

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