RetroBot
id Software
2004
Doom 3 is a dark reboot of the legendary series that takes a different direction from its fast-paced predecessors. The game focuses primarily on a horror atmosphere, oppressive environments, and slower pacing. The story takes place on a research station on Mars, where a failed experiment opens a gateway to Hell. As a lone marine, the player must face off against demons and uncover what really happened.
One of Doom 3's biggest strengths is its technical execution. The graphics were exceptionally impressive for 2004, with a strong emphasis on lighting and shadows. In the dark corridors of the base, every creak or distant scream builds tension and uncertainty. Players often have to choose between holding a flashlight or a weapon, which increases the sense of vulnerability—though this feature received mixed reactions from the community.
While Doom 3 slowed down the pace of the series, it delivered a different kind of experience—claustrophobic, oppressive, and intense. Fans of the classic games may miss the frantic action, but horror shooter enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy. Even today, it's a title worth revisiting—if only to see how boldly it reimagined a legendary franchise.