Doom 3 BFG Edition

🎮 Steam ⏳ 25 hours ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Modernized Doom Collection #

This title is a remastered and expanded collection that compiles Doom 3, its expansion Resurrection of Evil, a brand-new mini-campaign titled The Lost Mission, and the original Doom and Doom II in one package. Developed by id Software and published by Bethesda, it was designed to reintroduce Doom 3 to a new generation of players while modernizing some of its systems for contemporary hardware. The result is a technically smoother experience that still retains much of the claustrophobic tension and atmospheric horror that defined the 2004 release.

Visual and Gameplay Updates #

Visually, this version improves lighting, texture sharpness, and performance, with better compatibility for newer PCs and even 3D display support. The inclusion of checkpoints, widescreen support, and native gamepad controls makes it more approachable and console-friendly. The infamous flashlight mechanic, once requiring people to switch between weapon and light, was revised so that the flashlight can now be used alongside weapons. This adjustment makes the gameplay flow more naturally but also changes the tone, reducing the feeling of vulnerability that gave the original such a unique sense of dread.

Content Additions and Tradeoffs #

From a content perspective, the package offers a lot of value. The Lost Mission provides several new levels, and the addition of the classic Doom titles creates a compact timeline of the franchise’s evolution. For newcomers, it’s an excellent way to explore Doom’s legacy from its early pixelated roots to its mid-2000s experiment with survival horror. For returning fans, however, the changes might feel mixed. The flashlight tweak, softer lighting, and more generous ammo placement make the experience easier and less suspenseful. The PC version also removes some of the original’s mod and multiplayer features, which disappointed parts of the community.

Polished Yet Dated Experience #

While this version isn’t a radical overhaul, it does provide a polished and stable version of original version that runs flawlessly on modern systems. The atmosphere, monster designs, and sound effects still create a thick, eerie tension that few shooters replicate today. Yet, by the standards at the time, the linear level design and repetitive enemy encounters were already showing their age. Overall, this game is a worthwhile purchase for those who want a convenient, optimized way to experience Doom 3 and its companions. It stands as a solid, if somewhat softened, reminder of id Software’s attempt to blend action and horror within the Doom universe.