August 13 is a date that has brought Australian gamers face to face with hellspawn on Mars, locked them inside one of science fiction’s most infamous prisons, and invited them to drift through a kaleidoscope of surreal skies.
From the suffocating tension and cutting-edge lighting of Doom 3, to the gritty, story-rich escape plan of The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay, to the serene yet playful exploration of Hohokum, I’d say today is choc full of must-play memories.
Doom 3 (PC) 2004
At A Glance
When Doom 3 arrived in 2004, it reimagined the series as a slower, more atmospheric survival horror shooter. Players returned to Mars as a lone marine facing the horrors unleashed by a botched experiment. The game’s advanced lighting and shadow effects pushed PC hardware to its limits and created a sense of dread unlike anything in the series before.
Gameplay Gist
Rather than constant high-speed gunplay, Doom 3 focused on claustrophobic corridors, scripted scares, and resource management. Enemies often appeared from the dark without warning, forcing players to balance their use of the flashlight and weapons in tense encounters.
Behind The Scenes Trivia
Developed by id Software, Doom 3 was built on the id Tech 4 engine, which was later used in games like Quake 4 and Prey. The game’s shift to horror-focused gameplay divided long-time fans, but it also introduced the franchise to a new audience.
Connoisseur Cheat Sheet
- Slow-burn horror mixed with FPS combat
- Advanced real-time lighting for its time
- Focus on atmosphere and scripted moments
- Weapons feel powerful but limited by ammo scarcity
Any Controversies?
Some players disliked the slower pace and heavy reliance on jump scares, feeling it strayed too far from the series’ fast-paced roots. The flashlight mechanic was also a divisive talking point until later versions allowed simultaneous weapon and light use.
Kinda Similar
Quake 4, System Shock 2, Dead Space
Where To Play It Today
Search for Doom 3 on eBay Australia
The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay (XB) 2004
At A Glance
Released alongside the Riddick films, Escape from Butcher Bay surprised players with its gripping narrative and immersive first-person gameplay. Set before the events of the movies, it placed players in the role of Richard B. Riddick, voiced by Vin Diesel, as he attempted a daring escape from a high-security prison.
Gameplay Gist
Combining stealth, melee combat, and gunplay, the game allowed multiple approaches to challenges. Darkness was both an ally and a threat, encouraging careful navigation and the use of Riddick’s signature night vision. Exploration rewarded players with story details, hidden routes, and upgrades.
Behind The Scenes Trivia
Developed by Starbreeze Studios, the game’s quality far exceeded expectations for a licensed title. It used a custom engine to create detailed environments and dynamic lighting, helping it stand out from contemporaries.
Connoisseur Cheat Sheet
- Prequel story to the Riddick films
- Blend of stealth, melee, and shooting mechanics
- Strong voice performances, including Vin Diesel and Ron Perlman
- Highly detailed prison setting
Any Controversies?
The game’s violence and mature themes drew attention from ratings boards, but it largely avoided the media storms faced by other shooters of the era.
Kinda Similar
Deus Ex, Thief: Deadly Shadows, Dishonored
Where To Play It Today
Search for The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay on eBay Australia
Hohokum (PS3, PS4, PSV) 2014
At A Glance
Hohokum glided into the PlayStation ecosystem in 2014 with a burst of colour and whimsy. Players took on the role of a long, ribbon-like creature, soaring through dreamlike worlds that encouraged exploration over objectives. The game quickly became known for its distinct, hand-drawn aesthetic and hypnotic soundtrack.
Gameplay Gist
Rather than offering traditional goals, Hohokum invited players to interact with its strange environments at their own pace. The game rewarded curiosity, with hidden characters, playful animations, and unexpected events triggered by experimentation.
Behind The Scenes Trivia
Hohokum was developed by Honeyslug in collaboration with artist Richard Hogg. The project was partly inspired by children’s picture books and surrealist art, resulting in a title that blurred the line between interactive entertainment and digital art installation.
Connoisseur Cheat Sheet
- Purely non-linear gameplay focused on discovery
- Award-winning ambient soundtrack by Ghostly International
- Highly stylised visual design with bold, flat colours
- Relaxing pace with no fail state
Any Controversies?
Some players criticised Hohokum for lacking direction, while others praised its open-ended nature. It sparked debates about what constitutes a “game” in the traditional sense.
Kinda Similar
Journey, Flower, Proteus
Where To Play It Today
Search for Hohokum on eBay Australia
