2K Games announces the North American release of Duke Nukem Forever, the first-person shooter with one of the longest (if not the longest, period) development cycles in videogame history. The game was released in Europe last week, is now on North American store shelves, and can also be had through the magic of digital distribution from Direct2Drive, GamersGate (save 10%), Green Man Gaming (save 27%), and Steam, and is also available for 20% off through Woot with the code "EMCKDJF85" (thanks nin). According to their possibly biased assessment, the saga behind the game's creation is a story of heroes and legends:

From the game’s inception, the legendary George Broussard and his team of immensely talented and passionate designers, artists and programmers at 3DRealms devoted themselves to bringing Duke Nukem Forever to market. When all appeared lost, a small team of dedicated developers, known as Triptych Studios, saved Duke Nukem Forever from what seemed like vaporware death and resurrected the King. Their heroic efforts alongside Gearbox Software, Piranha Games and many other contributors finalized the legacy by bringing the full-featured triple-A title to retail.

Apologizing to no one, Duke Nukem Forever is the high-octane video game equivalent of a Hollywood summer blockbuster. Starring the legendary lady killer and alien slayer, Duke Nukem Forever introduces gamers to a blastastic time filled with head-popping, bone-rattling action, brazenly crude humor, impossibly statuesque women dying for affection, and catchy one-liners that will have you laughing out loud.