The console port from hell (in a good way)!
Publisher: Activision
Tue, 14 June 2005
by: Mugwai
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We knew the X-Box would provide us with a plethora of pc FPS ports for better or worse and let’s face it; most of them are as average as my genitalia. Generally FPS games just don’t play as well with a controller as they do with a keyboard-mouse interface (unless it’s specifically designed for console like Halo). Many ports are also lazy and don’t inspire an immersive experience on console. Well I’m happy to report that Doom 3 is none of these things, so sit down, plug in and you better obtain some spare pants just in case.
I’m not going to bother with the pointless argument on whether Doom 3 was revolutionary or not, it’s a tight, claustrophobic game that feels more like a survival horror FPS than your standard shooter and a damn fine game to boot. Screw expectations and hype, let it go people.
Story wise, you are a UAC marine transferred to the Mars facility where strange rumors and eerie happenings are causing the soldiers and scientists to leave or vanish entirely. Research director Dr. Malcolm Betruger and his strange experiments coupled with a bizarre alien archeological site have attracted the attention of the company and have sent Counselor Elliot Swann and marine Jack Campbell to investigate. You are immediately ordered to find a missing UAC employee, given a pistol, torch, a personal data assistant (PDA) and sent off into the complex which is about as inviting as free tickets to “Dude Where’s My Car 2?”
 | | Mr. Jackson was acquitted of all charges |
As you descend further into the complex the atmosphere is unnerving and later downright disturbing. Corridors are dark and cramped, lights flicker, shadows dance, satanic symbols quickly flash across the walls and oozing, pulsating growths adorn the rooms and ceilings. The sounds are even more perturbing than the visuals. Distant screeching noises that your never sure if it’s a broken pipe or wailing demon echo, every spitting live wire or falling ceiling vent leaves you with jittery, tightly coiled nerves. You do not play this game running down hallways, quickly taking out enemies. This guarantees certain death here. No, you play this game creeping slowly around corners and in dark areas, your trigger finger poised to go off quicker than a 7-11 hot dog.
Your PDA is a vital tool in Doom 3. This device uploads other employee’s information, audio logs, video footage and access codes, all are which are imperative to survival. Many entries will give you codes to access storage lockers, usually containing health, ammo and sometimes super sweet weapons. Pay special attention to the audio logs, not only do they build the creative atmosphere; they also contain useful codes and hints to the game.
Aaaah weapons. Every thing in the original Doom is represented here: the pistol, the shotgun (definitely the most satisfying weapon to use), machine gun, chaingun (ol’ painless is waiting), plasma gun, rocket launcher and the BFG! Actually there a lot of content for original Doom fans here, teleporters, the satanic symbols, and many of the original enemies (recreated) including the Imps, Cacodemons, Lost Souls and the Cyberdemon. Many of the new demons are disturbing, Especially the Cherub, a creature with a winged insect body paired with an infants face who will strike at you faster than a Russell Crowe propelled telephone.
Graphically this is probably one of the most visually impressive games you will see on this generation of console. Vicarious Visions have excelled at taking a top end pc performing game and translating it to console, of course it will never smoke the pc visuals but damn it looks good. Some may argue this is a superficial point (many have with Doom 3) though it really does add to the impending sense of terror and claustrophobia in-game. The environments are really the star of the show here Enemies are highly detailed, every lab and corridor seething with unidentifiable giant slug like growths are impressive and Hell is hella cool. Some outdoor areas didn’t make the translation as well some lighting effects (due to hardware limitations) but doesn’t effect the game whatsoever, only hardcore pc heads will snigger (unjustifiably) at this version. Controls feel fine as well, aiming is accurate, weapon change is fast, and it’s definitely playable. There’s also system link co-op play which is promising (i.e.; I haven’t tried it) and Live multiplayer too.
 | | 9 out of every 10 demons agree: chainsaws hurt |
I won’t blow all the surprises for anyone who hasn’t played Doom 3 (if all the media hype during the pc release didn’t already blow it for you), and there is really no fault to be found in this conversion bar some extra content for X-Box owners (c’mon where’s the double shotgun?). Id has succeeded in making a tight, thrilling and chilling game and this conversion is a worthy addition to your library.
by: Mugwai
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