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When Doom 3 was released five years ago it was met with two major criticisms. Players lamented the lack of innovation to the gameplay that was as old as the series itself, and that it was generally too dark. Doom Resurrection -- the new on-rails shooter based on Doom 3 -- actually manages to emulate the original game, provide a challenging experience, and overcome the source material’s biggest critiques. All from your iPhone. How does Resurrection do it?

Incredibly, the portable trek through the UAC research facility looks and sounds almost exactly like its big brother. Though Escalation Studios, the team who developed Resurrection, did scale back the graphics somewhat, the environments, the enemies, and the weapons are all exactly like you remember them from five years ago. You will also remember an intense sprint through Hell, well, that’s here too. Even the boss encounters from Doom 3 make a return, albeit in reduced form.

Of course, not every element of id Software’s previous entry makes the transition to the iPhone. Gone are the painfully long audio logs and emails, and with them, any semblance of a story. Players will only encounter two other humans as they rush the crucial data stored on Sam, your floating robot companion, to the dropship leaving for Earth. Unlike Doom 3, players will never encounter the inhospitable surface of Mars, but it’s not missed. Neither will you long for the coded containers that required a four digit code, though they do make an appearance. Doom Resurrection does a terrific job of trimming the fat of the original.

Because this is an on-rails shooter, also missing is the ability to move, but don’t let that bother you; Doom Resurrection is more like a roller coaster than a tram. The action never stops. Between the firefights, Resurrection smartly gives players supply boxes to shoot, or pickups in hard-to-see places, a replacement for Doom 3’s exploration. Players must tap the screen in order to acquire items, which takes their thumbs away from either the shoot or the dodge button. This occasionally provides tough but interesting decisions for the gamer.

All of the buttons are located on the corners of the screen, pretty typical for iPhone games, it’s the aiming that’s interesting. Doom Resurrection requires players to hold the phone at an angle, and when still, the aiming reticle centers neatly on the screen. Tilt the phone however, and the sights will move in the appropriate direction. In practice, it’s incredibly responsive and engaging. Easily adjustable sensitivity settings and multiple cursor speeds give the player even more control over the action, which remains satisfying throughout.

In terms of iPhone shooters, great graphics, control, and fun rarely come together like they do in Doom Resurrection. The innovative aiming, and interesting gameplay really outshine its five-year-old roots. With nary a monster closet in sight, Resurrection might just be the best way to experience Doom today. If you own an iPhone and want a full-fledged gaming experience, look no further than Doom Resurrection.

And if you’re one of those who who thought, “Doom 3 was way too dark for me,” don’t worry. Doom Resurrection includes an option to turn off the darkest shadows so you never have to be afraid again. Now, get back to Mars, you won’t regret it.

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