E3 2004: Doom 3 Hands-On & Videos

We've been to hell and back to get the latest on id Software's Xbox exclusive. Fresh screens.

Update: Video coverage added.

Made obvious by the large banners, conference bragging, and of course several playable kiosks, Microsoft is revving up Doom 3 to be one of the most anticipated title available on Xbox. And for good reason - Doom 3 is one of the best looking first-person shooters on any platform.

Lucky enough to get down and dirty with id Software's latest, being developed in conjunction with Vicarious Visions, the first thing you notice about Doom 3 is its emphasis on dynamic lighting in creating a horrific, highly tense atmosphere.

At this point in time, it's clearly one of the better looking games on the Xbox, incorporating varied textures, dynamic lighting, bump-mapping and interactive (sometimes destructible) environments. However, taking one of the taxing PC games in development and condensing it for the Xbox takes its toll. There are noticeable times of slowdown, but the framerate remains constant for the most part.

Certain visual details, like demons burning up and varying gibbing for zombies, help promote the creepy atmosphere id Software and Vicarious Visions are trying to create. Lighting plays a key role, in terms of the game experience and exploration. You must utilize your flashlight to explore areas, and the developers reward your patience with goodies to make you trek through Mars a little bit easier.

The game itself controls much like other modern first-person shooters, utilizing popular Halo-esque controls, with a simple, intuitive system. There's a subtle auto-aim system as well, mercifully allowing for a certain bit level inaccuracy. And you'll be able to utilize a distinct PDA system for items, objectives and other interactive items that will be included closer to final build.

Due to be released sometime after the PC version hits shelves this summer, but with no tentative release date, Doom 3 for Xbox is a visually-promising title, that should benefit from plenty of time left for Vicarious Visions to work on it.

We'll have all the latest Doom 3 media right here, so stay tuned.

Will Federman
Staff Writer, Kikizo.com