10/10 marines

Great game, hails back to an unforgettable era when horror games were all the rage. I go back to this game every now and then. Fair to say that Bethesda didn't handle the lore properly.

DOOM 3 is a triumph of immersive atmosphere over conventional gameplay. While its core shooting is deliberately retro, its unparalleled presentation creates one of gaming’s most memorable and harrowing journeys.

Atmosphere & Presentation: This is the game’s crowning achievement. The UAC Mars base is a masterclass in oppressive, industrial design—a dark, claustrophobic labyrinth where every flickering shadow and whispered audio log drips with dread. The groundbreaking lighting and sound design are not just technical showpieces but integral gameplay tools that sustain a constant state of tension and vulnerability. Playing in the dark with surround sound isn’t a suggestion; it’s the definitive way to experience this meticulously crafted horror.

Gameplay & Combat: Here, the game embraces its 1990s roots. The action is a straightforward corridor shooter: move forward, blast demons, repeat. Enemy AI is simple, often reliant on jump-scares and direct attacks. While the arsenal feels satisfyingly punchy (the plasma rifle remains a standout), the combat loop prioritizes methodical, tense encounters over complex tactics. This retro design will feel repetitive to some, but it effectively serves the game’s oppressive, survival-horror pace.

Verdict: DOOM 3 is an experience defined by its mood. It may not revolutionize FPS mechanics, but as an exercise in immersive, atmospheric horror, it remains a landmark. It trades pure adrenaline for a slower, more dreadful descent into Hell—and it executes that vision with near-flawless technical prowess. A must-play for fans of cinematic, atmospheric gaming.