In what could very well be the best FPS since....well Doom, Doom 3 is a master piece of the FPS genre. Id's goal was to make the best single player FPS ever made, and to that end they have succeded beyond my wildest dreams. When Doom 3 (a re-make of the first Doom) first appeared at E3, I was less than thrilled. I didn't like the idea of them messing around with the classic doom games. Therefore, even up until launch day my hopes weren't high for this game.
While games FarCry and BF1942 have made huge strides in the FPS genre for things like multiplayer modes, and huge draw distances, Doom goes "old school," and kicks ass doing it. Doom 3 focuses on drawing you into the game, and making you feel like you're there. Most of the environments are indoor, so no FarCry style sniping here. You get so close to the demons in this game you can smell the brimstone on them. The lighting in this game is a blessing to behold. I can't say in words how great it is. You just need to see it. The dynamic lights even put the recent Riddick game to shame. The textures are beyond amazing. The normal mapping adds a huge level of realisim that only Riddick on the xbox can come close to comparing with. And even then, Doom 3 makes Riddick's textures look like a high-school computer project.
On top of all of this goodness, I'd go so far as to say Doom 3 is the first "true" surround sound game. Of course games have been using surround sound for years. But the level at which Doom 3 uses it, makes it seem like new technology. You can hear undead marines coming down the hall, and just from the sound know what direction and how many. Whispers, grunts, and other noises come from all around you, and more than once I found myself turning around quickly, 100% sure an imp was behind me, only to find an empty hall.
I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but the gameplay like everything else is innovative and top-notch. Rarely have I played a game where I felt so in control of the character. Firing, and actions are done through the same mouse button. You can't use a weapon and your flashlight at the same time, so you'll often need to make that critical choice of extra light, or fire power in case something jumps out at you. You can also switch between your light, and the last equipped weapon with a single keystoke.
But Doom 3 does have some minor flaws. The biggest "problem" is a minor bug where the screen resolution and AA aren't applyed after restarting the game. They just remain at the defaults. No biggie. Nothing a quick patch wont fix. Also, for all of Doom's elements to draw you into the game, there are a few that pull you out. For instance: some objects can be moved by running into them, but for everyone like that there's 10 you can't effect. If I shoot a table full of stuff, I want to see coke cans and paper go flying every where. Also, most of the lights, while dynamic, can't be shot out. Not that you'd want it any darker, but if I accidently shoot out a light in a fire fight, I want to have that extra layer of intensity. There aren't a whole lot of multiplayer options, but remember Id didn't set out to make the next BF1942. Besides, that's something the mod community will fix real quick.
In the end these minor flaws are easily overlooked considering the grand scope of the rest of the game. Doom 3 is the best single player FPS ever.
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