Table of Contents
The short and direct answer to whether you should play Doom 3 before any other Doom game is a resounding no, you absolutely do not need to. In fact, playing Doom 3 first might actually diminish your enjoyment of the series as a whole, given its unique position within the Doom franchise. While it’s an interesting entry, Doom 3 stands largely separate from the main narrative and gameplay loop of the other titles, serving more as a reimagining than a direct sequel or prequel. It’s a bit of an odd duck within the Doom family, making it a less than ideal starting point.
Doom 3: A Standalone Reimagining
Doom 3, released in 2004, is a critically acclaimed horror/action first-person shooter that’s often described as a reimagining of the original Doom. Developed by id Software, it was a major departure from the fast-paced, arcade-style action of Doom (1993) and Doom II (1994). Instead, Doom 3 focused on creating a creepy, atmospheric horror experience, emphasizing tension, jump scares, and a more methodical approach to combat.
Gameplay Differences
This shift is evident in its slower pace, emphasis on dark environments and resource management, and the reliance on more traditional shooter mechanics, whereas the classics focus on constant movement and an arsenal of weapons. While graphically impressive for its time, the gameplay of Doom 3 can feel clunky to modern players, especially if they’re expecting the hyper-kinetic action of Doom (2016) or Doom Eternal (2020).
Narrative Standalone
Narratively, Doom 3 operates in its own little bubble. It ignores the events of previous Doom games and presents a different interpretation of the demonic invasion on Mars. This makes it a non-canon entry in the eyes of many fans, further solidifying its position as a standalone entity. Understanding the events of Doom 3 doesn’t contribute to understanding the overarching narrative of the main series, which centers around the Doom Slayer.
The Recommended Entry Point
For newcomers, the best place to start with the Doom franchise is either Doom (1993) or Doom (2016). The original Doom is a historical milestone in gaming, but it can be difficult for modern players to appreciate without a dose of nostalgia. Doom (2016), on the other hand, serves as a soft reboot, designed to introduce new players to the core concepts and gameplay of the franchise. It offers a fantastic balance between fast-paced action and engaging gameplay mechanics. It sets the stage for Doom Eternal, which further expands on this formula.
Why Not Doom 3 First?
Playing Doom 3 first can create a warped perception of what the core Doom experience is all about. The slow-paced, horror-focused gameplay is not representative of the series’ usual high-octane, action-packed style. This can lead to misconceptions and even disappointment when trying other titles. Furthermore, the game’s self-contained narrative means you won’t gain any narrative context needed for the main series. You’ll experience a different story with a different feel, making it a poor primer for the other titles.
Doom 3’s Strengths
It’s important to note that Doom 3 isn’t a bad game—far from it. Its technical achievements and commitment to horror atmosphere were groundbreaking in 2004. Its value is in its ability to provide a unique experience, offering a different take on the Doom universe. The game is more about building tension and atmosphere, utilizing shadows, jump scares, and limited resources to create a sense of unease. It’s a fun game in its own right but just not the best place to start your Doom journey.
The Best Order To Play The Doom Games
For a cohesive experience, consider playing the Doom games in the following order:
- Doom (1993) – The classic that started it all, offering old-school fast-paced action.
- Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994) – An expansion of the gameplay introduced in the original, with more demons and larger levels.
- Doom 64 (1997) – A unique entry in the classic series with a different feel and its own story.
- Doom (2016) – The modern reboot that brought the series back with a bang.
- Doom Eternal (2020) – An expansion of Doom (2016) with more intense action and gameplay mechanics.
- Doom 3 (2004) – Play it after the others if you’re curious about a horror-focused take on the Doom universe.
While Final Doom (1996) is technically part of the classic series timeline, it isn’t essential to play and can be skipped without missing significant narrative context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions related to the Doom games:
1. Is Doom 3 a prequel to Doom?
No, Doom 3 is not a prequel to Doom. It’s a reimagining of the original Doom, set in an alternate timeline and ignoring the events of the earlier games. It tells a self-contained story and doesn’t connect to the main Doom storyline or the character of the Doom Slayer.
2. Is Doom 3 canon?
The general consensus among fans is that Doom 3 is not considered canon within the main Doom storyline. Doom (1993), Doom II, Doom 64, Doom (2016), and Doom Eternal are generally accepted as being part of the core canon.
3. Is the Doomguy in Doom 3 the same as the Doom Slayer?
No, the Marine in Doom 3 is not the Doom Slayer from the other Doom games. The protagonist of the Doom 3 expansion, Resurrection of Evil, is a different character as well, described as a combat engineer.
4. Why is Doom 3 so different?
Doom 3’s different tone is due to its focus on horror and the technical limitations at the time. The game engine was cutting edge and pushed hardware, but resulted in a slower, more atmospheric gameplay style compared to the fast paced action of the previous entries.
5. Is Doom 3 scary?
Yes, Doom 3 is considered a creepy and scary game with its dark, claustrophobic environments, jump scares, and tension-building atmosphere. It is a horror-focused game in the series.
6. Is Doom 2016 like Doom 3?
Doom 2016 is significantly different from Doom 3. It’s a fast-paced shooter, while Doom 3 is a slower-paced, survival horror experience.
7. Does Doom 3 have Doom 1 and 2?
Yes, the Doom 3 BFG Edition includes Doom 1 and Doom 2 with expansion packs. If you want to play both series, the BFG Edition provides both.
8. Are all Doom games connected?
While not all entries are direct continuations of each other, all Doom games are connected through parallel timelines and alternate universes. The story follows different iterations of the Blazkowicz family’s fight against evil.
9. Should I get Doom 2016 or Doom Eternal?
If you can only get one, start with Doom (2016). It’s more polished and refined, making it a better introduction to the modern Doom gameplay loop. Doom Eternal expands on this, but can be overwhelming if you’re not already familiar with the modern Doom’s mechanics.
10. Is Doom 3 bloody?
Yes, Doom 3 is quite bloody and violent, with lots of gore, including blood, body parts, and disintegrating skeletons. It is rated “Mature”.
11. Is the Doom 2005 movie based on Doom 3?
The Doom (2005) movie was loosely inspired by Doom 3, using the game’s setting and some design elements. Several monsters from the games were initially planned for the movie.
12. Is Doom OK for a 11 year old?
The Doom franchise is generally not recommended for children under 13 due to violence and scary imagery. Even with a great story and gameplay, it’s important to consider the mature themes and content.
13. Which Doom game is the hardest?
The original Doom and Doom II have many very difficult levels, especially in the expansion packs, like Plutonia Experiment. The modern games also have very challenging modes, such as Ultra-Nightmare.
14. Is Doom 3 a retelling of Doom 1?
Yes, Doom 3 is a reimagining or retelling of the original Doom (1993). It reinterprets the core concepts and story with a different approach to atmosphere and gameplay.
15. Can I play Doom 3 first?
While you can play Doom 3 first, it’s not recommended. It’s best enjoyed as a separate experience after you’ve played some other games in the series.
