Doom Eternal Review: The Pinnacle of Demonic Destruction

Doom Eternal Review: The Pinnacle of Demonic Destruction

Introduction

Released in March 2020, Doom Eternal is the highly anticipated sequel to Doom (2016), developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks. Building on the high-octane, demon-slaying action of its predecessor, Doom Eternal elevates the series to new heights with a blend of fast-paced combat, intricate level design, and an expanded narrative. With its relentless action and impressive technical achievements, Doom Eternal has quickly become a standout title in the first-person shooter genre.

Story and Setting

Doom Eternal picks up where Doom (2016) left off, continuing the story of the Doom Slayer. The game's narrative is set in a dystopian future where Earth is overrun by demonic forces from Hell. As the Doom Slayer, players are tasked with not only fighting back the demonic invasion but also uncovering the truth behind the ancient conflict between the forces of Hell and the Sentinel race.

The story is delivered through a mix of in-game cutscenes, environmental storytelling, and collectible lore. While the narrative is secondary to the action, it provides a compelling backdrop and enriches the game's universe with intriguing lore and character development.

Gameplay

Doom Eternal builds upon the fast-paced combat mechanics of its predecessor, introducing new features that enhance the gameplay experience:

• Combat Flow: The game emphasizes a dynamic combat flow, where players are encouraged to keep moving and engage in a mix of shooting, platforming, and strategic resource management. The addition of new movement options, such as the grappling hook and double jump, allows for more fluid and aggressive combat strategies.

• Weapon Variety: The arsenal in Doom Eternal is diverse and satisfying. Returning favorites like the shotgun, plasma rifle, and BFG 9000 are complemented by new weapons such as the Ballista and the Crucible. Each weapon has unique mods and upgrade paths, adding depth to the combat system.

• Demons and Combat Strategy: The game introduces a wide array of new and returning demons, each with distinct attack patterns and weaknesses. Effective combat requires players to adapt their strategies, using a combination of weapons, tools, and environmental advantages to overcome increasingly challenging foes.

• Resource Management: Unlike its predecessor, Doom Eternal introduces a more intricate resource management system. Players must balance their use of ammunition, armor, and health, utilizing mechanics like the chainsaw for quick ammo refills and the flame belch for armor drops.

• Platforming and Exploration: The game features expanded platforming elements, allowing players to navigate vertical spaces and hidden areas. This adds an exploration aspect to the game, rewarding players with upgrades and secrets for thorough exploration.

Graphics and Sound

Doom Eternal is a technical marvel, showcasing impressive visuals and sound design that push the boundaries of the genre. The game's graphics are vibrant and detailed, with lush environments and destructible landscapes that enhance the sense of chaos and destruction. The demonic designs are both grotesque and imaginative, contributing to the game's dark and intense atmosphere.

The soundtrack, composed by Mick Gordon, continues the series' tradition of powerful, heavy metal music. The dynamic score adapts to the intensity of the combat, with aggressive tracks that heighten the adrenaline rush of each battle. The sound effects, from the roar of demons to the impact of weapons, are crisp and immersive, adding to the overall experience.

Replayability and Legacy

Doom Eternal offers substantial replayability through its challenging campaign, numerous collectibles, and hidden secrets. The game’s difficulty levels range from the approachable “Hurt Me Plenty” to the punishing “Ultra-Nightmare,” catering to players of all skill levels. Additionally, the inclusion of challenge rooms and side missions provides extra content for those seeking more from their demon-slaying experience.

The game also features a multiplayer mode called "Battlemode," where players can engage in asymmetrical combat as either the Doom Slayer or a team of demons. While it adds an extra layer of competition, the primary draw of Doom Eternal remains its single-player campaign.

Doom Eternal FAQ

1. What is Doom Eternal? Doom Eternal is a 2020 first-person shooter developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks. It is the sequel to Doom (2016) and continues the story of the Doom Slayer as he battles demonic forces to save Earth from a catastrophic invasion.

2. What platforms is Doom Eternal available on? Doom Eternal is available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. It is also playable on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S through backward compatibility, with enhanced performance and graphics on these consoles.

3. What is the story of Doom Eternal? The game follows the Doom Slayer as he returns to Earth, which has been overrun by demons. The Slayer must uncover the truth behind the demonic invasion and fight to stop the apocalypse. The story unfolds through cutscenes, in-game dialogue, and collectible lore, expanding the Doom universe with new narrative elements.

4. How does Doom Eternal differ from Doom (2016)? Doom Eternal builds on the foundation of Doom (2016) with several key differences:

• Expanded Combat: New weapons, abilities, and movement options enhance the combat experience.
• Platforming: The game introduces more platforming elements and verticality in level design.
• Resource Management: Players must manage resources like ammo, health, and armor more strategically.
• Demons: There are new and redesigned demons, each requiring different tactics to defeat.

5. What new weapons and abilities are featured in Doom Eternal? New weapons include the Ballista, a powerful energy weapon, and the Crucible, a melee weapon capable of instantly killing demons. Abilities such as the grappling hook and double jump add new dimensions to movement and combat.

6. How long is the campaign in Doom Eternal? The main campaign of Doom Eternal typically takes around 15 to 25 hours to complete, depending on the player's skill level and exploration. Completing additional challenges and finding collectibles can extend the playtime.

7. What is the "Battlemode" multiplayer? Battlemode is Doom Eternal’s multiplayer mode, where players can engage in asymmetrical combat. One player controls the Doom Slayer, while another team of players controls different types of demons. The goal is for the Doom Slayer to defeat the demon team, while the demons aim to stop the Slayer.

8. Can I play Doom Eternal in virtual reality (VR)? As of now, Doom Eternal does not have official VR support. However, players can enjoy the game on standard monitors and televisions with high-quality graphics and smooth performance.

9. Are there any additional content or expansions for Doom Eternal? Yes, Doom Eternal has several expansions, including the “The Ancient Gods” DLCs. These expansions introduce new story content, levels, and enemies, continuing the narrative and gameplay experience beyond the base game.

10. Is there a difficulty setting in Doom Eternal? Doom Eternal offers multiple difficulty settings, ranging from “Hurt Me Plenty” for a balanced experience to “Ultra-Nightmare” for a highly challenging experience. Players can choose the difficulty that best suits their playstyle and skill level.

11. What are some of the technical features of Doom Eternal? The game features impressive graphics with detailed environments and dynamic lighting. It supports high frame rates and resolutions on modern consoles and PCs, providing a visually stunning and smooth experience. The soundtrack by Mick Gordon also adapts to the action, enhancing the overall intensity of the gameplay.

12. Is Doom Eternal a good entry point for new players? While Doom Eternal is accessible to new players, familiarity with Doom (2016) can enhance the experience. The game builds on the previous title's mechanics and lore, so playing Doom (2016) first may provide a better understanding of the story and gameplay. However, Doom Eternal is designed to be enjoyable for newcomers as well.

Conclusion

Doom Eternal is a triumphant return to form for the Doom series, delivering an exhilarating and satisfying experience for fans of first-person shooters. Its combination of fast-paced combat, intricate level design, and impressive technical achievements make it a standout title in the genre. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer looking for intense action, Doom Eternal offers a relentless and rewarding journey through Hell and beyond.