DOOM 3 BFG Edition (PS3) Review
Released: October 2012
Developer: id Software
Platform: PlayStation 3
Edition: BFG Edition Includes DOOM 3, Resurrection of Evil expansion, and a remastered version of DOOM and DOOM 2.
🔥 Overview
The DOOM 3: BFG Edition is a remastered collection of the 2004 classic DOOM 3, with updated graphics, new features, and additional content, designed for modern systems (though PS3 is technically a last-gen system). As part of the BFG package, players get the main game, its Resurrection of Evil expansion, and classic ports of the original DOOM and DOOM 2a great way for newcomers to experience the series and old fans to relive it.
What Works
👻 Classic Horror-Infused Shooter
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DOOM 3 strays from the fast-paced, open-world action of the earlier games and opts for a creepy, atmospheric horror experience.
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Set in a research facility on Mars, you face a demonic invasion with tight, dark corridors and jump-scare moments. The use of darkness and limited lighting enhances the eerie atmosphere, making the gameplay tense and claustrophobic.
🔫 Updated Graphics & Audio
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The BFG Edition brings high-definition textures, improved lighting effects, and a smoother frame rate. The HD visuals look significantly better than the original 2004 release.
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Sound design shines, with creepy audio cues and atmospheric noises that help immerse you in the terror of the game.
💀 Great Weapon Selection and Combat
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The iconic weapons return: the shotgun, machine gun, rocket launcher, and the awesome BFG (Big F**kin' Gun).
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Enemy variety is solid, with grotesque demons that require strategy to defeat, and many of them are genuinely unsettling in design.
🎮 Includes DOOM 1 & 2
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The BFG Edition is a treat for classic fans, offering remastered versions of DOOM and DOOM 2 that run smoothly on modern consoles.
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These original games serve as a bonus, allowing you to experience the birth of the DOOM franchise.
Added Features
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Checkpoint system makes progress a bit easier compared to the original game, though its still a challenge.
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The new flashlight mechanic allows you to use your flashlight while holding a weapon, removing the frustrating flashlight vs. gun dilemma in the original version.
What Doesnt Work
Slower Pace Compared to Classic DOOM
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While DOOM 3 introduces horror elements, it also slows down the action significantly, especially compared to earlier entries.
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Some players may miss the fast-paced, arcade-style combat that DOOM is known for.
🧠 AI and Level Design Can Be Repetitive
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The AI is a bit basic, with enemies often charging toward you, making some encounters feel repetitive.
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Level design, while atmospheric, can feel linear and monotonous at times, with many hallways and rooms feeling similar.
📶 Performance Issues on PS3
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Despite improvements, the frame rate can dip in certain areas, especially during heavy combat or when using certain weapons.
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Some may notice long load times or occasional glitches when navigating through dark areas.
💡 Still Feels Old in Some Ways
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The games overall pacing and structure feel like an old-school shooter, which may not appeal to fans who prefer more modern, fluid gameplay.
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The storytelling is somewhat sparse and hard to follow in places, lacking the narrative depth that newer games offer.
🟢 Final Verdict: 7.5/10
The DOOM 3: BFG Edition is a faithful remaster of a cult classic that combines survival horror and action-packed gameplay. While it can feel slower and more dated compared to modern shooters, the improved visuals, solid combat, and bonus content make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the series and newcomers looking for a dose of old-school terror. If you loved the original DOOM 3 or want to experience it with better graphics and more accessibility, this edition offers a solid package.
Pros:
Improved graphics and sound design
Iconic weapons and demons
Great atmosphere and horror elements
Includes remastered DOOM 1 & 2
Flashlight functionality during combat
Cons:
Slower-paced compared to earlier DOOM titles
AI and level design feel repetitive
Some performance dips on PS3
Old-school structure may not appeal to everyone
Recommendation: If you're a fan of horror shooters or the DOOM franchise, DOOM 3: BFG Edition offers an excellent way to revisit a dark, atmospheric entry in the series. While not as fast as other DOOM games, its still a fun and creepy ride that benefits from updated visuals and bonus content.
