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| Game: |
Doom 3 |
| Genre: |
Shooters |
| Developer: |
id Software |
| Publisher: |
Activision |
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| Related Links: |
Coming Soon. |
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When Doom 3 was announced there was a huge feeling of excitement as the prospect of a next generation Doom game caused much anticipation throughout the gaming community. With early screens from the PC version suitably wetting the appetites of gamers and raising the question of how well the graphics would convert to Xbox hardware. Early screens showed that although not as sharp looking as the PC counterpart Doom3 on Xbox was shaping up to be an awe inspiring roller coaster ride into the depths of a Mars based living Hell. Well since then Chronicles of Riddick has been released, which has paved the way for true next generation graphics on the soon to be out of date Xbox console.
Doom 3 has been officially released on PC and although is going to be somewhat different to the Xbox version, is perfect ground for seeing how the game plays and what it might be like when the console version is released sometime in November of this year. Here are some of my thoughts from playing the PC version.
To begin I must state that I’m running the game on a low end gaming PC so wasn’t sure how well the game would run in general. However after installation I was pleased to see that after a little tinkering with the options I was able to get a reasonably smooth playing experience.
Well the first thing any player is going to notice once the opening introduction is over and you begin to take control of the lead character is the level of Darkness. Arriving at a base on Mars and as a member of the local forces your first objectives are to report in to your superior at marine command. The journey here is amazing in itself as players are treated to huge amounts of atmosphere. Coupled with the darkness are pockets of light sources which cast real time light effects in each area or room. Then there are the NPC’s (non playable characters) who are suitably wrapped up in their own activities unless you initiate a conversation, adding to the already fantastic atmosphere created.
Other than the very dark nature of the Mars base you will also notice a wide array of technical machinery which whirrs into action whilst you go about your business. There are a number of interactive terminals and video monitors to view which give the impression of a living, working environment. The game definitely is designed with vast technology in mind; think Aliens and the dark moody atmosphere created in that film to get an idea. Once players have finished admiring the dimly lit scenery and make it to marine command they are presented with their first mission, which is to hunt down and bring back a scientist. It is here where the player is given their first weapon and a flashlight which will prove most useful throughout. Upon reaching the depths of the Mars base and after a brief stint outside players are thrust into the dark gloomy world of Doom for real. It is here that players get to grips with the games monsters or zombies. Yes that’s right another game which includes zombies, however as stated by other games press Doom3 has more in common with a survival horror game as much as a first person shooter.
Resident Evil caused its own element of fear because of lack of views due to the pre rendered images/camera angles and sounds, seemingly coming from off the screen. Doom 3 operates on a similar principle but as the game is first person, players can view their surroundings with ease. This is why the game is so dark, as you will often hear shuffling of feet or a distant groan way before you actually see your enemy. This highlights another of the game’s features concerning the flashlight. A flashlight isn’t particularly a new feature in games as Alone in the Dark, Silent Hill and even Halo have used them. What Doom 3 does and very well I might add is force the player to either use the flashlight for viewing the surrounding area or use a weapon. However players can’t use both at the same time. I was a bit sceptical when I heard about this but trust me it works very well and simply highlights the danger and tension in the game. This feature is especially cool because it shows that your character is vulnerable to death just like everyone else rather than being a power house that can breeze through the game with one eye, one leg and a hand tied behind your back. The fear comes from hearing but not seeing and then having to switch to the flashlight then weapon in an instant.
The games combat which although is pretty simple as the AI tends to try and overwhelm you, is very satisfying. Combat becomes even more satisfying when you gain the shotgun, which at close quarters can blow up enemies into blood and guts across the screen. Mindless? Yes. Fun? Extremely.
Further into the game players are treated to an even wider range of foes which are there at every turn. The graphics for the characters although not always looking too smooth on my PC, did have certain moments of looking very detailed and frightening. The Mars base although totally confined, continued to look amazing in every room as the quality and attention put into the level creation remains high quality throughout.
Doom 3 has definitely pushed the boundaries for PC gamers and is the must have game right now. If the Xbox version can capture the same element of fear and atmosphere as the PC version, then all I can say is Xbox fans are in for a real treat for something equally as exciting to play as Halo 2.
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