Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Doctor Who: Destiny of the Doctors delivers a unique gameplay loop that blends first-person exploration with light puzzle-solving and occasional combat. As Graak, a psychic energy entity created by the Doctor, you float seamlessly through the energy realms of Siralos, using the TARDIS console to shift between different eras and environments. The controls emphasize smooth movement and careful resource management, since Graak’s limited lifetime forces players to hunt down energy crystals to survive.

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Puzzle design centers around manipulating energy fields and hacking alien machinery, often requiring a mix of logic and timing. You might reroute power through multiple conduits to unlock a door, or adjust the phase settings on a Dalek containment unit to bypass security systems. Each puzzle feels thematically tied to the Doctor Who universe, encouraging players to think in inventive and nonviolent ways—true to the spirit of the series.

Combat encounters are relatively sparse but satisfying, pitting you against familiar foes such as Daleks, Cybermen, and other iconic adversaries. Rather than focusing on run-and-gun mechanics, Destiny of the Doctors uses a stun-based energy pulse that allows Graak to disable enemies temporarily. This approach maintains tension without overwhelming newcomers, and the necessity to conserve your life force adds a subtle strategic layer to each skirmish.

Graphics

Visually, Destiny of the Doctors embraces the late ’90s 3D style, featuring polygonal models and vibrant, neon-tinged energy effects. Siralos itself is rendered as a sprawling landscape of shimmering crystal towers, pulsing conduits, and floating platforms. While textures can appear dated by modern standards, the game’s color palette and particle effects effectively convey an otherworldly atmosphere.

Character models of the Doctors and The Master capture the likenesses of the actors surprisingly well, considering the hardware limitations of the era. Their animated expressions and voice-synchronized lip movements contribute to immersive cutscenes that feel authentic to the show. Enemies also receive a detailed treatment, with Daleks and Cybermen sporting reflective surfaces that react convincingly to the ambient glow of the planet.

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting mood throughout each level, whether it’s the eerie corridors of a Cyberman stronghold or the brilliant energy cascades surrounding the TARDIS console room. Subtle bloom effects and dynamic shadows enhance the sense of depth in the environments, reminding players that they’re navigating a world built entirely out of raw psychic energy.

Story

The narrative of Destiny of the Doctors stands out as its core strength, weaving together all seven classic incarnations of the Doctor Who universe into a single adventure. When The Master seizes control of Siralos to eliminate his greatest adversaries, the stakes couldn’t be higher: failure means erasure of the Time Lords across time and space. This premise provides a compelling “all hands on deck” scenario that fans will appreciate.

Each Doctor’s segment serves as both a self-contained vignette and a piece of the larger puzzle. From battling Cybermen in a futuristic London to outwitting Daleks aboard a doomed starship, the game captures the varying tones and quirks of each era. Voice acting from the original actors lends authenticity and injects humor, gravitas, or menace exactly where needed.

Underlying the episodic missions is a unifying mystery about the true nature of Siralos and Graak’s role within it. As you rescue each Doctor, small reveals hint at deeper connections between your psychic creator and the planet’s energy matrix. These narrative threads keep the momentum going, encouraging exploration and offering rewarding payoffs for longtime fans of the series.

Overall Experience

Doctor Who: Destiny of the Doctors offers an experience that’s equal parts nostalgia trip and fresh sci-fi puzzle quest. Its blend of exploration, light combat, and time-hopping narrative provides a well-rounded adventure that feels faithful to the show. While modern players might find some mechanics a bit slow by today’s standards, the deliberate pacing allows the story and atmosphere to shine.

The game’s production values, particularly the voice cast and thematic level design, elevate it beyond a simple licensed title. Moments like reuniting with your first-ever Doctor or deciphering the trivia-packed logs add layers of fan service that genuine Whovians will cherish. Even the energy-crystal collection mechanic, which could have felt repetitive, integrates smoothly into the world and serves to heighten tension.

For newcomers, Destiny of the Doctors works as an intriguing sci-fi puzzler with memorable set pieces and a clear sense of progression. Seasoned fans will delight in the callbacks, authentic character portrayals, and the opportunity to play through key eras of the Time Lord’s history. All told, the game remains a noteworthy chapter in the Doctor Who gaming legacy and a must-try for anyone curious about early, story-driven 3D adventures.

Retro Replay Score

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