"What's more epic than epic?" says motto on kind of gaming poster (with 4chan origin I expect).
Yeah, this is true - Duke is a legend and even today he still has something to say.
Vast area in each mission is not only "fight-n-forward" type of shooter - there are dozens of riddles, secret (and extremely secret) places or easter eggs. There is also quite a lot of freedom, interaction (famous "porn" cabines and go-go clubs), and - yeah - atmosphere. L.A. streets? Casino? Sushi bar? Train and cinema? Space station? Alien lair? Sci-fi areas? All inclusive.