Doom 2016 Review

Doom, released in 2016 by Bethesda Softworks LLC and ZeniMax Media Company is the newest title in the classic gore-riddle FPS Doom series. The most recent in this series, Doom 3, was released in 2004. However, the 2016 Doom was not a reboot of this decade old title, but a independent project deeply influenced by the loved classic FPS mechanics. Doom is another gruesome FPS with an integration of modern gameplay, creating a epic run-and-gun combat arena. Imagine Doom 3, but better in nearly every way. All the old weapons and more are in Doom 2016, and highly improved graphics, maps and animations boost the experience. For fans of older FPS games, Doom 2016 is the perfect nostalgia trip mixed with your favorite modern FPS combat style. The game is simple, brutal, classic and brilliant. However, Doom still lacks some aspects. The question still remains, is Doom worth it? This review will help you find out.

Gameplay

Doom is not an extension to Doom 3, or even part of the sequel. Instead, gamers play as a space marine who wakes up on a lab table in Mars, surrounded by a devastated planet littered with demons. Ultimately, the goal of Doom is to find the portal that is summoning the devilish creatures, and closing it, saving the universe. As always, the story in Doom is not all that interesting, and the campaign relies on gameplay, not the plot. However, the story still perfectly suits the game, making every battle much more personal.

Just like the previous Doom games, the gameplay revolves around the brutal and gory FPS combat. As you progress, new weapons, creatures, and parts of the map are unraveled, keeping the material fresh. However, Doom is slightly different then its game ancestors. In the story, players will unravel head-scratching mysteries through the fast paced adventure. But overall, the gameplay is simple and classic. The clutter of excess puzzles, characters and settings are absent, creating a game favored by many.

Doom is played from a FPS perspective. Weapons are unlocked as you progress through the story. As they make it through the campaign, gamers get their hands on assault rifles, bombs, shotguns, rocket languages and more. Another aspect of Doom is the health, armor, ammo and power-ups, keeping the game fresh as your progress. Somehow, Bethesda managed to make these weapons incredibly satisfying. Without a doubt, this is one of the most notable features of Doom. The guns and weapons are really fun to use, unique, and do a great job at blowing demons into countless pieces.

Doom’s setting and story is not at all realistic, and isn't supposed to be taken seriously. Instead, it creates a thrill or “rush” of excitement and satisfaction. Doom isn't only about shooting monsters. Players also need to focus on other tactics such as moderating ammo usage, or watching for the best time to blow up a hordes of zombies with your limited grenades. Not only that, but as your venture through the map, you will see Ammo and Health pickups at your disposal. Just like the classic FPS games we used to love, your character does not automatically regenerate health. This means that gamers rely on Ammo and Health pickups to make it through any level.

As always, the combat in Doom is epic. If you are use to playing modern titles such as Call of Duty or Counter Strike, prepare for a change. The classic run and gun mechanics are uniquely different then modern FPS titles, making Doom unique in its own, delightful way. Once you get use to the older style of FPS mechanics, you are bound to fall in love with Doom’s classic combat. As you progress through the campaign, more and more monsters will be awoken, keeping the gameplay fresh. Monsters ranging from flying flaming skills to goat legged skeleton men will start attacking you from every direction. This is where you, the badass marine, comes in. With your built arsenal, you let the bullets fly. With the trigger pull of your shotgun, you can blow the heads off your victims in a blood spewing explosion. Or, you may prefer bombarding hordes with you target-locking rocket launcher. Another part of Doom that amplifies the fast-paced combat is the iconic glory kill. Once an enemy is injured, their body will glow a certain color. Upon approach, you will have the option to pull off a epic melee attack on the wounded monster, leaving you shivering in contentment. Additionally, glory kills can reward players by granting them health and so much more.

However, many people were disappointed by this. Prior to the release of Doom, Bethesda created a impression that Doom would be more about the story, and the gameplay would have so much more than gunning down demons. In comparison to past Doom games, Doom 2016 did have more of a story and a more immersive gameplay, but still feel short of the expectations many gamers formed.

For people unfamiliar of the classic Doom gameplay, here's a simple overview. Players will advance through a series of numbered levels in which they battle through waves of monsters. They utilize a series of powerful weapons that they unlock as the game progressions, and protect themselves from the devilish monsters that crave their blood. The objectives are incredibly straightforward, and the gameplay is far from confusing, a great aspect of any enjoyable arcade shooter. 

For fans of the classic Doom series, Doom 2016 is a great choice for you. The core gameplay includes blowing demon brains into pieces and shooting limbs of monsters is extremely satisfying. The bottom line is that some people adore the Doom gameplay, and others don't. However, don't expect any fresh material in this title, besides a more modern approach and better graphics. 

Multiplayer

For fans of classic FPS games much like Quake, the multiplayer aspect of Doom 2016 will please you. The fast, intense and skill-based multiplayers creates a fresh approach to online FPS gameplay. Best described as a fusion between Call of Duty and Quake 3, the gameplay in Doom multiplayer mode is a high-speed and frantic. In Doom multiplayer, players have access to and expanded arsenal. The large collection of guns are all uniquely different but tweaked to be equal. The guns all require a different form of skill to be utilized effectively. This requires a specific skill set if players plan to succeed in online matches.

The multiplayer game mode has a number of different game modes including the classic and favored “Team Deathmatch”. Other game modes include “Warzone” and “Freeze Tag”, both incredibly fun. “Warzone” is Doom’s version of King of the Hill in which each team needs to control a series of points littered across the map for a period of time. “Freeze Tag” is much like your standard Deathmatch. However, instead of dying, players freeze, creating a unique and new style of combat. The games are relatively short and compact with only 6 players on each team, making communication and tactics another important part of the multiplayer combat.

A new feature of Doom is the innovative “SnapMap”, a simple platform that allows gamers to create their own custom multiplayer and singleplayer maps. “SnapMap” is really easy to use, and every part of a level or room snaps together, hence the name. Everything ranging from the location of doors and enemies can be customized and placed. Therefore, the more creative type may find this feature of Doom appealing.

Graphics

The graphics in Doom are what you would expect from a highly anticipated AAA game. Especially for its time, Bethesda really pulled the off graphics off. The picture is clear, crisp, and overall looks stunning. The maps are all well structured, and the layout of lighting, monsters and other assets influence the eerie atmosphere. The animations are well polished and fluid. Best off all, the best part of Doom, the gore, was well designed. This means every kills is extremely satisfying.

Unfortunately, every good thing comes with a consequence. Due to the high-quality graphics in Doom, the game is fairly demanding. For people using Xbox or PlayStation system, the game is highly optimized, allowing it to run smoothly. However, if you are a PC gamer, you may find that your rig will struggle to run Doom at a reasonable FPS rate. If your CPU and GPU are decent, and you have run similar AAA titles before, you may not need to worry. Either way, it is suggested to check the hardware requirements for Doom through a third-party site.

Gore

Best for last, we have the gore. Without a doubt, Doom is a game that revolves around blood. If you're squeamish, maybe this title is for you. However, if you are a fan of visually flashy and satisfying monster deaths, Doom is right down your alley. Ever part of the game, from story mode to multiplayer matches, Doom’s visuals will utilize gore to create their classic athletic. With the help of the highly polished games, everything from the shotgun to the rocket launcher will spew limbs and blood everywhere, creating a sense of satisfaction every shot. In retrospect, Doom is a violent game, and the gore is a huge aspect of this. If you are looking for a title that has satisfying, brutal and blood-soaked gameplay, Doom will appeal to you.

Cons

As always, a game has its cons. A complaint many players have about Doom is the unbalance of difficulty throughout the campaign. For example, some parts of a mission seem to put players in a state of frustration, ruining the fun. However, the relief of finishing these sections are comforting. Also, as you progress through the game, levels will progressing get difficult. In most cases, this isn't in issue. But in Doom, the progression of difficulty will make the game too challenging, causing many players to give up or quit in rage. Even in easy mode, Doom is difficult for many gamers, even ones who are experienced in the FPS genre.

If you are up for a challenge, the difficult aspect of Doom may be a pros for yourself. Although, that isn't the entire point. Not only is the gameplay difficult, but it is incredibly repetitive. Doom has a very simple gameplay that every level follows “shoot, run, repeat”. As you progress, you will notice what feels like never ending mission are all identical to each other, causing you to quickly become exhausted and bored. Although, don’t get the wrong impression. Doom is really fun, but only in small doses. The game is definitely not binge worthy, unless your immune to boredom and anger.

Pros

In reality, the only main con that Doom possesses is the repetitive gameplay. Even with that, Doom is still a well polished game with plenty of pros. For starters, we have the classic gameplay. Even if the levels are repetitive, Doom 2016 hasn't changed much in contrast to its 2003 game, and still has that fast-paced, blood spewing FPS mechanic we all love. Additionally, the atmosphere Doom creates is amazing. This boils down to the stunning graphics, well structured maps and of course, gore. Without a doubt, most gamers will find the gameplay in Doom a pros. Despite the difficulty, the missions and levels are still fun and satisfying. 

Bottom Line

For any FPS fan, Doom is a game worth trying out. For fans of Doom 1, 2, and 3, Doom 2016 is bound to set you on a phenomenal nostalgic trip. The gore riddled gameplay is entertaining, and everything from Doom 3 is present. In addition to the new and improved content inspired from Doom 3, Doom 2016 has even newer stuff. Everything from the creatures, weapons and maps have been polished for the better. In addition to the single player, Doom also has a entertaining multiplayer mode that takes combat from Quake and Call of Duty, beautifully merging them together. The graphics are also stunning, in addition to the satisfying gore and explosions. Unfortunately, the Doom campaign can become increasingly difficult causing frustration. Also, the representative and lengthy levels can create a sense of boredom. However, Doom is still a load of fun when played in short sessions.

Conclusively, if you are fan of classic FPS games, or any FPS game in general, Doom is worth giving a shot. The goor riddled demonic combat is satisfying, and the polished title leaves Doom at the top of the list when it comes to fast, fun, arcade like shooters.