DOOM III
What can you say about DOOM III (D3)? If the hype emanating from this year's E3 is any indication, then D3 is without a doubt the most highly anticipated offering this year on any platform. Once again, John Carmack has pushed the visual envelope in an attempt to create the most spectacular and horrifying 3D action game in existence.

D3 adheres to the same basic premise that made the original game a worldwide hit. You assume the role of a futuristic solider who finds himself well and truly up the creek without a paddle! In terms of story-line, there aren't too many details available but it appears to follow an 'experiment gone wrong' scenario, something akin to Half-Life, except taken to a nightmarish new level. Gameplay follows the classic id Software formula which is a good thing because hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Obviously, the most impressive facet of D3 is its astonishing audiovisuals. Apart from offering the quality of in-game 3D graphics previously only seen in rendered cut sequences, D3 also uses sound effects and music to literally scare the bejesus out of you! While there won't be quite as many foes to gun down in D3, rest assured they will each offer a much higher degree of challenge.

While the visuals themselves are strikingly detailed, D3 also features a realistic physics engine and some of the most atmospheric lighting and shadow effects yet seen in a PC game. In fact, everything in the game is geared towards making you feel uneasy, if not outright terrified. Needless to say, D3 will also be very gory.

If all goes according to plan, you should see DOOM III in stores around Christmas this year.

Platform: PC, Xbox Genre: 3D action/horror Contact: Activision Phone: 1902 263 555 Web: http://www.activision.com Release date: Late 2003 Requirements: QuickTime Player View DOOM III trailer: