Doom3 only has a 15 Certificate (Teen) because beside all it's postering it is more of a jump fest than something that'll make you wet the bed.
I was quite surprised that Resident Evil Remake also was only a 15, because there are soem bit which make my stomach a lil queesy; but then again only canabalism actually makes me feel ill.
Personally speaking although I do look forward to Half-Life 2, I am far more looking forward to Doom3 (and more over Quake4).
Simply because although alot of people will argue this, Doom3 is more technologically impressive.
If you care to examine, the main selling features of Half-Life 2 are:
Graphics (Source Shader Material Engine)
Story-line (12x 4hr Parts)
Physics (Havok)
However, when you look at it more closely. The source engine is the complete rebuild of the original engine, so you have scalable graphics from the original HL look right upto the HL2 look.
Unfortunately these 'drop-dead-gorgous' graphics of HL2 currently run at 65fps on a 3.2GHz / 512MB / Radeon 9800 XT system at 1024x768x32.
You want a count of hands on how many people ACTUALLY have these speed computers?
The adverage Joe Bloggs will expect it to be played at top end after all the posing... but quite frankly most peoples systems can't handle that.
In-fact most peoples computers will be playing it at graphics not that far from the likes of ... FarCry on min settings.
Graphically speaking what Doom3 looks like in the screenshots is almost exactly what most people will get on thier systems.
As those who've seen the X-Box version and PC versions, they do look very close.
Combine this with the fack that HL2 doesn't look half as impressive without the water in the picture, seriously... the only sections i've actually been impressed with so-far are those where your swimming down the canal, etc...
So on the point of graphics it isn't as impressive as alot of it has been lead to believe.
Consider this... All light in Doom3 is dynamic, meaning if a level warrents it (suchas the Hanger Bay) where you get the sun or another powerful light comming in; instantly this would affect all of the other lights.
HL2 on the other hand relies on good old lightmaps, they might be higher resolution now but still lightmaps. This means there is only so much you can actually do with the lighting in a scene.
Yes HL2 has Soft-Shadows, however so does Doom3 ... neither are depth volumetric like Broken Sword 3 (depth volumetrics are where the shadows react to lights strength, position and other lighting); because of how Doom3 does them this can be forgiven, particularly as Doom3 isn't tryin to create the illusion of realism. HL2 is though!
Next comes storyline... HL2 features a 'non'-linear storyline, which allows you to play out each chapter in any order you choose.
Unfortunately each chapter is as linear as it's predecessor game.
It makes for a very in-depth story, however it is false to have mentioned it was non-linear.
Doom3 on the other hand has an atmospheric story, just aimed at scaring the bejesus out of you; What hasn't ever been covered is the fact that, there are very few 'required' scripted events. And the world you inhabit is dynamic in the way that things works because they're linked to other things.
A good example, if you walk along the walkway from where you ship 'should've' been there is a glowing control panel with 'Power' on it. Shoot it a few time with a shot gun and the panel explodes, then all the lights turn off in your section.
It is stuff like this which makes the world more 'real' to be in, and really does create the atmosphere for the game.
Final selling point ... Physics.
HL2 has Havok 1.0 physics...
Doom3 has Havok 1.0 physics...
Honestly they both use the exact same engine. HL2 has the GravGun which means you've gotta try and use the physics to your advantage more. Doom3 really this is more reserved for multiplayer, however there are some area's which use it quite well. Like when you turn off the Anti-Grav to beat the Helldog thingiemabob.
They both use them in different ways. For HL2 it's a gimmic of playing, in Doom3 it's for atmosphere.
As i said i'm looking forward to both, but really HL2 is just HL with gimmics imo. It'd of been just as good with the original engine after the physics update.
Quote: "Why does everyone keep on about Doom 3, and Half Life 2??? Tomb Raider 8 will be out soon!!! "
Perhaps cause Crystal Dynamics is working on TR7 not 8... and to be honest CD are far more known for mindless arcade style platforming games. TR was just getting far more serious and in-depth.
I have serious doubts that the game is gonna actually gonna be good at all.
