Launching on Steam in October, this Darkenstein 3D could be the DOOM/Wolfenstein/Duke Nukem for 2025…
I make no apologies for my love of schlocky gore fests like DOOM and Duke Nukem 3D. But as much as I love those games, the retro FPS that had the most lasting effect on me prior to Half-Life 2 was Return to Castle Wolfenstein. This is why I’m particularly intrigued by Darkenstein 3D — even the name feels like a callback to those great games, and based on the trailer, it’s going to be unmissable.
Darkenstein 3D trailer
Delivering everything you love about Return to Castle Wolfenstein, this game is brought to us by those people at MicroProse, the once-massive publisher of historical combat sims, combat flight sims, and Civilization. Darkestein 3D looks good already, but I have additional faith in it knowing that MicroProse are involved.
What’s more, Darkenstein 3D will be free to play on release, which is scheduled for October 21st.
Make sure you don’t miss this:
The description of Darkenstein 3D makes for… amusing reading.
The Hobo Guy
You play as the Hobo Guy: a furious American drifter lost in enemy territory, armed with nothing but a shotgun and pure vengeance. It’s 1940s Germany, and though you’re outnumbered and outgunned, you won’t back down. This isn’t about justice, it’s personal!
Rescue your dog
Gunther, your loyal companion, was taken during a Nazi raid. Now he’s locked away deep inside enemy fortresses. To get him back, you’ll need to push your limits through an uphill battle against the Axis forces. Along the way, you’ll uncover alien secrets, strange powers, and hidden horrors in a world crumbling under war.
Old-school gunplay
Fast, brutal, skill-based. Darkenstein 3D doesn’t hold your hand. Enemy projectiles can be dodged, but survival requires sharp movement, precise aim, and quick thinking. Every battle is a deadly dance of strafes and corners. No cover mechanics, no aim assist, just raw gunplay.
So, whether you like the look of this or not, I do. I’ve already grabbed the demo, and I’m going to find out very shortly if it plays on Steam Deck.
You can play the demo and pre-order Darkenstein 3D on Steam now. COME GET SOME, SCHWEINHUND
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Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.