Descent 3

This was an excellent game back during its day, but this port is in shambles. The Linux/MacOS bug that corrupts your save file is still there, and on switching to Proton, I got even more flagrant errors which dropped me to the desktop before I even reached the main menu. This is a beefy machine which I also use for video editing, so unless an RTX 30 on a 4.0 GHz Ryzen 7 with 32 GB of high-speed RAM sounds light to you, it definitely isn't a hardware thing. If you buy, then buy informed.

Unplayable on modern computers. Tried fix after fix after fix. A couple of times was able to actually get it started through to the main menu. Then encountered further issues: mouse would not move, froze on menu. Endless (unsuccessful) troubleshooting. Finally gave up.

Come back. Descent 3 is good now!!! This game has taken a heavy hit to its reputation since its poor compatibility with modern systems . HOWEVER the source code for this has recently been released, so we finally got a proper source port for this gem. With PiccuEngine, Descent 3 runs like a charm on modern systems. Support for resolutions up to 4k, no more mouse issues, customizable FOV and an overall mighty fine smoothness. Getting Piccu to work is super easy. Just drag and drop a couple of files and rename two others. The game itself is a great evolution from the heavy mazes of its prequels. This time around, navigating the levels is much more intuitive, since you get discernable level layouts and landmarks. There is a lot to like in Descent 3 in 2025. Banger 6DOF game!

Some dated graphics and inconsistencies with modern hardware. But my nostalgia does have me revisiting this interesting and alien entry to the series. The general sense of momentum and weight of the vehicles are nice. The assortment of weapons a blast to fire. Though the bots can really get on your nerves on the mid-high difficulties, especially if you play without a mouse for more refined aiming. The soundtrack features a series of unique arrangements by Jerry Berlongieri that have fed into my imagination since my early years interacting with this game; and I still frequent listening to it outside of play sessions. Missions are more nuanced this time around compared to the predecessors. The guidebot, automap, communication-log, and on-board computer functions will come in handy if you get lost on what to do or where to go. Levels are quite extensive, but you can probably rush through them if you know what you're doing. The Github release of the Piccue Engine leaves some hope that this game will see more activity, preserved and patched by a dedicated community in time. I've been giving it a go for my latest play-through; and so far, it's alright, dunno if I'd recommend Piccu …

You should play this game in 2025 for the AI on enemies and simple yet exciting level design!

Works with Windows 10 (with PiccuEngine).