One of the most famous pieces of software, the first-person shooter Doom, was a sensation when released in 1993. Players took on the role of a space marine working for the Union Aerospace Corporation sent to investigate a mysterious disturbance on Mars' moon, Phobos.
Controversial because of its gore and violence, the game offers atmospheric lighting, horrific monsters from hell, weapons such as chain saws and the Big F—king Gun, and virtually no plot.
The movie isn't much different.
We're introduced to a team of Marines in a future time when the Corps seems to have stopped using psych tests who are sent to Mars after a group of UAC scientists are killed by ... something. Bartkowiak hits all of the standard sci-fi horror beats, from team members killed one by one to animals going boo out of the shadows. With ho-hum plotting, the fun is in the monsters (mutations here rather than demons) and tension waiting for creative kills.
Sadly, that fun is lacking, with dull-looking creatures, uninspired deaths and actors who are mere fodder. Game fans will have to wait until near the end for first-person footage, the most enjoyable, exciting part of the 100 minutes. A shame Bartkowiak held that ace so long.