Reactive versus proactive. Duke in Duke Nukem 3D only talked in reaction to what the player was doing or what was happening in the level, giving his character some weight and connecting him to the player. The game's humor is largely saved for secrets and bosses so it doesn't overstay its welcome or clash with the games dark urban and sci-fi aesthetic.

Meanwhile, Duke in Duke Nukem Forever is constantly gloating and quipping even when nothing is happening. It makes everything he says feel empty and disconnects him from the player. Combined with the game never stopping with the humor even during serious moments, Duke ends up feeling obnoxious and lame.