Descent 3

 PC
Descent 3 Image
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 49 Ratings

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  • Summary: Descent 2 ended with you drifting helplessly in deep space. Just as your life support begins to fail, you are miraculously rescued by a group of renegade researchers. Soon after, the researchers confide that a Dr. Swietzer has been secretly developing the deadly robot virus you'veDescent 2 ended with you drifting helplessly in deep space. Just as your life support begins to fail, you are miraculously rescued by a group of renegade researchers. Soon after, the researchers confide that a Dr. Swietzer has been secretly developing the deadly robot virus you've encountered in the mines. Upon agreeing to help the researchers locate Swietzer, you learn that Dravis, the corporate executive who contracted you, not only is working with Swietzer, but intentionally sabotaged your warp drive, leaving you stranded in the depths of space. Rejuvenated with a desire for revenge, you focus your search for Swietzer, and eagerly await your next meeting with Dravis. The gut-wrenching Descent saga continues with more pulse-pounding action than ever before. Dive into massive subterranean strongholds and experience a whole new degree of freedom powered by the all-new Fusion engine. Test your piloting skills against an army of assault-bots using an extensive arsenal of firepower. Prepare yourself for an explosive new 3D action-experience that will turn your world INSIDE-OUT! [Interplay]… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Adrenaline Vault
    100
    A technical tour de force filled with design wizardry. From the robust graphics and finely tuned interface to the smart computer-controlled opponents and mission design, this game radiates talent.
  2. PC Gamer
    93
    One incredible achievement. It's definitely a must-buy for anyone remotely interested in the Descent series - and unquestionably a front-runner in anyone's Action Game of the Year list.
  3. Gaming Age
    91
    This has to be one of the most beautiful titles I have ever played on my computer. It looks as if Outrage has thrown in every visual effect in the book, and in doing so, removed the monotony of the previous Descent level designs.
  4. GameSpot
    90
    Improves in almost every conceivable way on its predecessors and reestablishes the series as the premier example of the play style it single-handedly pioneered.
  5. IGN
    90
    With its added story elements, new play features and improved game engine, Descent 3 has clearly distinguished itself from its other 'descentants' (I swear, it's really late right now) and is one of the best vehicular shooters I have ever played.
  6. Game Over Online
    87
    If you don't find the true 360° freedom of movement confusing and subduing, you will definitely enjoy this game. If, however, the likes of Half Life make you motion-sick, then this will be the end of you for sure.
  7. Computer Games Magazine
    80
    There's more than enough refinement to bring the Descent franchise up to date, and those who liked the first two games will absolutely love Descent 3. Those who didn't really enjoy them won't be converted, though. Ultimately, Descent 3 is "more of the same," but it's MOTS done really well.

See all 14 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. AlexW.
    Oct 26, 2006
    10
    This game has no rival when it comes to PvP I only wish Decent 4 would come out. Free space sux.
  2. Fighter17Descent3
    Jul 27, 2005
    10
    The last Descent game in the Descent series. Good graphics, smart A.I, and kick@$$ online mode. Despite the game was good, for Interplay, it The last Descent game in the Descent series. Good graphics, smart A.I, and kick@$$ online mode. Despite the game was good, for Interplay, it didn't made enough money for profit.… Expand
  4. PlasmaMan
    Jun 14, 2011
    10
    So, you are thinking of an old game to play again. I often find myself thinking... Descent. Now... one would ask Why Descent? Well, firstSo, you are thinking of an old game to play again. I often find myself thinking... Descent. Now... one would ask Why Descent? Well, first off... it is a unique first person shooter with elements we shall not see again soon; at least until Interplay, revitalized, decides to make Descent 4. Why? I do not know. Only game I know with a similar system is Forsaken... which publications at the time reamed I do remember. Now though, Descent is a fun, action paced shooter that's great for anyone who wants an adrenaline fueled adventure. Story Junkies should check out another interplay product mind you... Planescape Torment. This isn't the game for them though. I love it thoroughly though and it both holds appeal today almost as much as back then. More... some days.… Expand
  5. DanielW
    Apr 17, 2011
    9
    If someone had asked me, "Quick, whats the game you remember most from your childhood?", the answer would always be "Descent". Nothing elseIf someone had asked me, "Quick, whats the game you remember most from your childhood?", the answer would always be "Descent". Nothing else really has the same allure as the 6 degrees of freedom the Descent franchise is known for.

    Back in the day, the graphics were amazing and they still hold up pretty well today. It doesn't strike as ugly, even being over 12 years old now. The sound track still sounds as futuristic as it did back then. After playing first person shooters (ground pounders!) for such a long time, going back to play the game is every bit as challenging as opening the box for the first time. The AI runs circles around your weapons, gets right up in your face at the worst of times, and runs for cover at the best of times. The controls are heavily configurable, and work fantastic with a wireless Xbox 360 controller.

    The story in the Descent series was never blockbuster level, and while you probably still won't care much in the 3rd installment, at least there's some cut scenes to keep you vaguely interested. The level design and objectives are much, much more varied, having open outdoor areas and not having to destroy a reactor in every level (quite the opposite at one point).

    Descent 3 (Aswell as I & II) are part of gaming history. It sits you in the middle of a world where movement is completely unrestricted and doesn't ever let you go. It's a highly polished experience that holds up to the test of time!

    Windows 7 best settings;

    Patched to v1.4
    Video mode: OpenGL (DirectX has issues with modern video cards)
    Audio: Primary Sound Driver (OpenAL needs to be installed for 5.1)
    Control: Mouse+Keyboard, USB Joystick (Recommended), 360 GamePad (Recommended)

    Extra settings in launcher (Misc tab);
    -width -height -aspect -z32bit
    -bumped

    Also since the engine is now relatively basic, feel free to jam on the anti-aliasing. My GTX460 works fine with the game at 32x AA (Set from the GPU control panel)    … Expand
  6. Gus
    Jan 12, 2004
    5
    This game is okay. FORSAKEN is a better game, all around. Yes, Forsaken is a Decent clone. But they did a better job. Forsaken was never This game is okay. FORSAKEN is a better game, all around. Yes, Forsaken is a Decent clone. But they did a better job. Forsaken was never taken seriously because everyone was so bent on "waiting till decent 3 comes out". Well...Decent 3 was a let down in comparison (ESPECIALLY in the multiplayer arena). SO. If you want a trite, sluggish tunnel-shooter....Decent 3 is your game. If you want fast-paced action and great multiplayer (assuming you can find a server still running it) FORSAKEN RULES THE PLANET! (please god, let them make a Forsaken 2!)… Expand

Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best PC Game of 1999
14
#14 Most Discussed PC Game of 1999
8
#8 Most Shared PC Game of 1999

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