Darkenstein 3D is a new retro-inspired FPS that has been described as “both a tribute and an evolution of classics like Wolfenstein 3D, Doom, and Return to Castle Wolfenstein.
The game is “a retro-inspired first-person shooter created by a dedicated solo developer,” and it will launch as free to own on October 21st, 2025.
In Darkenstein 3D, the player steps into “the boots of the Hobo Guy, an American drifter caught deep in enemy territory during the 1940s. When his loyal dog, Gunther, is kidnapped, vengeance becomes the only mission. With nothing but a shotgun, grit, and a rat companion hungry for blood, you’ll battle through bunkers, castles, valleys, and deserts to get him back — uncovering alien secrets and bizarre powers along the way.”
Features of the game will include: “fast, old-School gameplay — No cover, no aim assist, no handholding. Just movement, aim, and survival. dodge bullets, strafe through firefights, and master the deadly rhythm of retro combat. ”The game will offer “13 Handcrafted Levels — Castles, caves, valleys, and desert towns; each packed with secrets, keys, treasures, and escalating danger.”
“I spent years immersed in games like Return to Castle Wolfenstein and Enemy Territory, making maps for the latter as well as Quake 3. Darkenstein 3D is my way of bringing that same fast, chaotic energy back. It is a raw shooter that lives between the first FPS classics like Doom and Wolfenstein 3D and the modern era. Louder, bloodier, silly, and built to be played hard.” said Rowye, creator of Darkenstein 3D.
Darkenstein 3D is even being published by a publisher who’s name retro gamers will recognize from the past: MicroProse, who was founded founded in 1982, and who is a world-famous simulation software company known for developing groundbreaking, classics and cult titles like, the Falcon, F15 Strike Eagle, Silent Service, Gunship, Grand Prix, Civilization, B-17 The Mighty Eighth, and X-COM series and many more simulation products that sold millions of copies each at retail. Today, MicroProse is not only “remaking select classics from its past but also paving the road to next-generation, state of the art games that will create the memories and experiences of the demanding new generations of gamers.” You can wishlist Darkenstein 3D on Steam now, where you can also download a free demo of the game.
