Bombshell gameplay revealed in new trailer

3D Realms and Interceptor Entertainment teamed up in early 2014 to make a new Duke Nukem game, a noble aspiration that almost immediately got them sued by Gearbox Entertainment, which apparently wanted to ensure they didn't damage the value of the franchise or something. So 3DR and Interceptor did the obvious thing and made the game anyway, but with a brand new character named Shelly "Bombshell" Harrison.

Somewhat more interesting on the "newness" scale is the game itself, which is not an FPS but an isometric action-RPG. "It's a genre that allows us to blend intense storytelling action with player freedom and expression," the developers explained over at Bombshell.com. "We believe we can add something new to the genre based on our experiences as a studio. Working with a new genre and a fresh pair of eyes allows us to view things from a new perspective."

Bombshell may not represent the pinnacle of character design originality, but even so I do feel some cautious optimism that it might turn out to be decent. 3D Realms may not have the industry's most sparkling post-90s reputation, but Interceptor did a nice job bringing back Rise of the Triad a couple years ago, so this one might work out too, runaway silliness and all. It's currently slated to come out later this year.

Andy has been gaming on PCs from the very beginning, starting as a youngster with text adventures and primitive action games on a cassette-based TRS80. From there he graduated to the glory days of Sierra Online adventures and Microprose sims, ran a local BBS, learned how to build PCs, and developed a longstanding love of RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters. He began writing videogame news in 2007 for The Escapist and somehow managed to avoid getting fired until 2014, when he joined the storied ranks of PC Gamer. He covers all aspects of the industry, from new game announcements and patch notes to legal disputes, Twitch beefs, esports, and Henry Cavill. Lots of Henry Cavill.