Doom (2016) - Review

Credits: Image Source - Divulgation/Bethesda & Steam

"Doom (2016)" is a first-person shooter game developed by id Software and published by Bethesda, where you assume the role of the Doom Slayer, a legendary warrior awakened from a sarcophagus to deal with the demonic forces of Hell. 

The Slayer is a brutal killer, focused solely on destroying the demons and preventing them from invading Earth. In this review, I will cover the main aspects of the game.

How is the gameplay?

The game uses frantic shooting mechanics where you need sharp reflexes to hit the enemy sufficiently and perform a "Glory Kill," where the Slayer executes a brutal kill on the enemy.

Does the game offer a variety of weapons and enemies?

The Slayer has several types of equipment in his arsenal, such as grenades, punches with abilities, a chainsaw that drops ammo, and weapons with special shots. And the enemies, each have different types of attacks. Some throw fire, fly, jump, rush at you, among other special enemies.

Is the soundtrack and sound design memorable?

The Doom franchise has that classic soundtrack from the first games, which is sensational; the emotion and nostalgia it conveys are indescribable. Regarding the sound design, enemies have specific sounds both when attacking you and when being executed by the Slayer.

Is the level design well done?

Yes. The game's setting, taking place on Mars and in Hell, with the reddish tones of both places, is well-crafted by id Software.

Credits: Image Source - Divulgation/Bethesda & Steam

Is the story engaging?

Not really. Since Doom (2016) is a game focused on armed and melee combat, it's unlikely that anyone will stay 100% focused on the story. You can progress through the game without knowing anything about the story, for example. 

This was a feeling I had while playing, needing to do research to understand a bit more about the game's story. However, I ended up discovering that the game's lore was simpler than imagined.

How are the graphics?

Doom (2016) doesn't have demanding requirements for the PC version, but it still features excellent graphics. Particles, animations, blood, among other aspects, are worth highlighting.

If you're interested in knowing my setup, just click here to find out what hardware I use to play the games.

Credits: Image Source - Divulgation/Bethesda & Steam

Does the game have replayability?

Yes, especially if you’re a collectible or 100% achievements player, as Doom (2016) is a game full of hidden items and places to explore. You probably won’t get all the items on your first playthrough.

Is the difficulty balanced?

The game offers five difficulty levels for the player to choose from:

1. I'm too young to die - Enemies are much slower in reaction and with less aggressive AI.
2. Hurt me plenty - Enemies are normal. Their AI is standard, they will dodge often, but otherwise easier to land shots on.
3. Ultra-violence - Enemies are stronger, react faster, and use more of their special attacks. Their AI is more aggressive than in "Hurt me plenty."
4. Nightmare - Enemies are very smart and aggressive. They are accurate and can use their most powerful special attacks often. Enemy AI is also at maximum aggression.
5. Ultra-Nightmare - Same as "Nightmare," but if the player dies, the game is over. Saving is possible only after the end of levels.

Note: This information was taken from the Doom Wiki.

What game modes are available?

In Doom (2016), there are several game modes available that offer different gameplay experiences:

• Campaign: The main mode of the game, where you follow the story of the Doom Slayer while fighting hordes of demons on Mars and in Hell. The campaign focuses on fast and intense action, with level exploration and upgrade collection.
• Multiplayer: Doom also offers a competitive multiplayer mode, where players can face each other in various arenas. There are different types of matches, such as:
• Team Deathmatch: Two teams compete to see who gets the most kills.
• Soul Harvest: Similar to the Kill Confirmed mode in other games, where you need to collect the souls of defeated enemies to score points.
• Freeze Tag: A mode where players are frozen instead of dying, and teammates can thaw them to bring them back into the game.
• Domination: Capture and hold control points on the map to score points for your team.
• Warpath: A variation of King of the Hill with a control zone that constantly moves across the map.
• SnapMap: A mode that allows players to create, share, and play custom maps. SnapMap offers a wide variety of tools to create unique experiences, such as new campaign levels, survival challenges, or custom multiplayer modes.
• Arcade Mode: A more scored version of the main campaign, where players try to complete levels with the highest score possible, competing on leaderboards. Here, the focus is on maximizing performance based on time, combat style, and item collection.

How is the character progression system?

As you advance in the campaign, you find skill points and a robot NPC that offers upgrades for your weapon. Overall, it's a good progression system, as you need to keep playing more and more to evolve.

Where can I buy Doom (2016)?

You can buy it on the PC/Steam version through my links below, without adding to the final price. This way, you will be financially supporting my work and encouraging me to bring more reviews like this one.

Links to buy Doom (2016) PC/Steam version:

• Fanatical

• Green Man Gaming

Conclusion.

For the most demanding fans of the Doom franchise, I can confidently say that Doom (2016) is a game that does not disappoint, especially compared to others in the franchise, such as Eternal or the classics. 

For more casual players like me, who played Doom I and completed Eternal and Doom (2016), the game is a great experience for those who enjoy pure adrenaline, quick reflexes, and lots of blood.

If you want to watch a specific part of the game, access my full YouTube playlist.