Lunatic Fringe is the second secret level of Lunar Apocalypse in Duke Nukem 3D. It can be reached via the secret exit on Dark Side.
Description
Similar to High Times later in the game, this level exploits the unusual architecture of the Build engine to create the illusion of a non-Euclidean, 720-degree circle. Walking a full 360 degrees around the circular fringe on this level does not return the player to the starting location but instead to a totally different location. The level's name, which it shares with a Red Rider song, is a reference to this crazy-making mechanic.
It is possible to break the illusion by peaking through the window right beside the button in the central compartment. Although walking through the opening to the right of the button leads to one part of the outer fringe, the window to the left of the button leads directly to a completely different part of the outer fringe with the exit button.
Secrets
There are no secrets on this level.
Map
Walkthrough
See Also: Written/Pictorial Walkthrough by 3D Realms
Duke Nukem 3D 100% Walkthrough- Lunatic Fringe (E2L11) -Secret Level-
Development history
See also: Duke Nukem 3D prototypes
Very little information about Lunatic Fringe's development history is publicly available. Richard "TerminX" Gobeille has cited Spin Cycle—but not Lunatic Fringe—as being one of the only space maps created during the last leg of the game's development cycle. Therefore, it seems likely that Lunatic Fringe was started before Spin Cycle.
Sector chronology
Sector chronology in v1.3d. Bright blue=oldest; bright red=newest. Oldest sectors in ascending order include: lower walkway across from the map of North America (sector 0), steps of the lower walkway extending to the right but abruptly stopping three-quarters of the way, lower walkway across from the map of planets.
Screenshots
