By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
August 13, 2004
Activision; M for 17 and older; blood, gore and intense violence; PC
Do not — I repeat — do not try anything cute like playing this game with the lights off and the speakers turned way up when you’re home alone. This game will scare the bejeezus out of you. Also — parents take note — this is an “M” title game, equivalent to a R-rated movie. That means it’s for players who are 17 or older, so don’t let your junior high kids play this no matter how much they beg.
OK, now that I have those caveats out of the way, I can say “Doom 3” kicks major butt. This sequel to the 1990s franchise has the suspenseful intensity of a truly scary horror film and the intricate gameplay of a first-rate shooter video game.
You’re a futuristic space warrior out to rid a Mars corporation of beings from hell. For real. As if that’s not enough of a problem, your nightmare kicks into high gear when your friends stop being your pals and morph into gross zombie-like monsters who hate you. Don’t be like those fools in the movies who want to see the good in their former pals. There’s none left. Kill them, and kill them fast because they won’t think twice about doing the same to you when it’s their turn to slice and dice. Note: Much of the action takes place in the dark, so be on the lookout for glowing orange eyes. Those belong to the demons, and will give you a clue as to when you’re about to be attacked. They’re not the brightest of creatures but they move surprisingly fast.
Oh, and I know this is just a video game, but when your character is attacked, it’s pretty gory. And if they get you good, there’ll be too much blood and sticky parts in your eyes for you to see well. The less you protect yourself, the weaker you get, which will put an end to this game quicker than you may have liked.
Clearly, “Doom 3” is not for the faint of heart. Nor is it particularly subtle. But if you like films such as “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” “Nightmare on Elm Street” or even those “Alien” flicks, you’ll probably get a kick from this well-worn franchise.
