Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Resurrection of Evil picks up the frantic, corridor-clearing pace that DOOM³ fans expect, but it spices things up with a host of new weapons and enemies that feel right at home in the Mars research facility. The standout addition, the UAC’s experimental Artifact “Grabber,” lets you haul distant objects—and demons—directly toward you, transforming many firefights into strategic chaos. While you’ll still rely on the trusty shotgun and plasma rifle, mastering the Grabber adds an entirely new dimension to encounters, rewarding creative use and timing.

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Puzzles and exploration receive a more prominent role in this expansion, breaking up the corridor-bound shooting sequences with environmental challenges. Fans of classic DOOM puzzle-solving will appreciate the intricate switch hunts and power rerouting tasks that intersperse the action. The reward for solving these puzzles is often a new weapon upgrade or access to hidden areas, which encourages backtracking and careful scrutiny of every dark corner.

Multiplayer expands considerably from the base DOOM³ experience: on PC, you can battle up to eight players across new maps, while the Xbox version offers split-screen matches for four and support for Xbox Live. Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Last Man Standing, and Tournament modes ensure that both casual and competitive players have plenty of ways to duke it out. The inclusion of classic DOOM and DOOM II levels further extends the lifespan of the multiplayer suite, offering nostalgia-driven replay value alongside modern expansion content.

Graphics

Powered by id Tech 4, Resurrection of Evil gleams with atmospheric lighting and shadow effects that heighten tension around every corner. Flickering lamps, urgent alarms, and the flicker of your flashlight’s beam combine to create some of the darkest, most immersive environments you’ll wander through on Mars. Every surface—from rusted steel walls to cracked vent grates—feels detailed and purposeful.

New enemy designs toy with the grotesque in ways that only a DOOM expansion can, with pulsing flesh textures and bone-shattering animations. In high-action sequences, the frame rate remains surprisingly stable on modern hardware, letting you focus on reaction time rather than technical hiccups. On Xbox, the visuals hold up well, though textures may appear softer than on PC; still, the trade-off is smooth performance and the convenience of couch-based multiplayer.

The visual variety of new locales—underground caves, flooded maintenance tunnels, and ancient Martian ruins—breaks up the monotony of steel-lined corridors. Occasional vistas into the Martian sky or the eerie glow of subterranean chambers remind you that there’s more to this world than metal plating, offering refreshingly diverse backdrops for the expansion’s set pieces.

Story

Resurrection of Evil builds directly on DOOM³’s narrative foundation, picking up two years after the initial UAC catastrophe. Your objective: recover a mysterious beacon buried in the ruins of Mars Base, rumored to hold power over the demonic invasion. This quest injects a sense of purpose into each level, propelling you forward with the promise of unlocking cosmic artifacts that blur the line between science and sorcery.

The writing retains DOOM³’s minimalist approach—your marine rarely utters a word, and story beats unfold through missions briefings, scattered logs, and environmental storytelling. While this might feel sparse compared to narrative-heavy shooters, it suits the mood perfectly: isolation on Mars, punctuated by sudden demon ambushes, keeps the tension high. Lore enthusiasts will enjoy uncovering the connections between the beacon, the Artifact weapons, and the deeper demonic hierarchy.

Though Resurrection of Evil doesn’t revolutionize the franchise’s storyline, it enriches it with well-timed twists and an escalating sense of dread. Climactic confrontations with new boss demons provide satisfying narrative peaks, making each chapter feel like a self-contained terrordrome on the red planet. By the time you reach the finale, you’ll have a fuller understanding of the UAC’s hubris and the far-reaching consequences of tampering with interdimensional forces.

Overall Experience

As a DOOM³ expansion, Resurrection of Evil delivers precisely what fans crave: more demon-slaying mayhem, atmospheric tension, and inventive weaponry. The addition of the Artifact Grabber and the varied puzzle segments strike a solid balance between old-school shooter thrills and fresh gameplay mechanics. New players diving in via the Xbox edition also gain access to classic DOOM content, making this a robust package for enthusiasts both new and veteran.

Multiplayer longevity is a key selling point. Whether you’re sweating through an eight-player PC deathmatch or trash-talking friends on the Xbox split-screen, the modes on offer satisfy competitive urges long after the single-player tale ends. Unlocking and replaying the nostalgic DOOM I and II maps further sweetens the deal, offering dozens of extra hours once you’ve cleared the main expansion.

All told, Resurrection of Evil stands as one of the stronger DLC expansions of its generation. It adeptly extends DOOM³’s core strengths without overstaying its welcome, providing a well-paced campaign capped off by multiplayer mayhem. For anyone who enjoyed the original DOOM³ or is looking for a deep, gore-laden shooter with both solo and social appeal, Resurrection of Evil remains a worthy investment.

Retro Replay Score

7.4/10