When id Software released the DOOM reboot in 2016, fans of the series applauded until their hands bled. The work done on one of the most celebrated video game franchises was spectacular, so as you can imagine, the arrival of DOOM Eternal posed a significant challenge for the company, which had to surpass what had already been achieved with another masterpiece. Did they succeed?
A very traditional and different DOOM at the same time
You are the Slayer, a short-tempered soldier who, from your floating base in space, watches as demonic creatures take control of planet Earth. They're unleashing hell itself, so, fed up with these atrocities, you prepare to land on the human planet to cleanse every infernal remnant from there.
Yes, this DOOM has a story, but don't expect any deep plots that will keep you glued to the screen. Remember that DOOM is characterized by filling the screen with blood while we relentlessly destroy demon after demon , and that's exactly what we're going to do.
The first screen is a clear statement of intent. And also a subtle throwback that will make you feel right at home. The player starts in a room where three enemies wander around, waiting for your first move, and it immediately reminded us of the first level of DOOM 2 (1994). This makes it clear that the core gameplay will be present, but at the same time, a series of mechanics are introduced that might surprise you.
Fast as…hell
In DOOM Eternal , you're going to run . A lot. The original DOOM was characterized by its movement-based gameplay. If you ended up cornered or just stood still firing your pistol, you were a dead man. And be careful, because in DOOM Eternal, things get even more complicated. You'll control your character as if you had the run button permanently pressed, and lateral movement will be key to dodging fireballs, projectiles, and all kinds of enemy attacks. Keep moving , or you'll end up in pieces.
Such is the speed that the character seems to move on a floating platform that gives him special speed. The feeling is strange, but it is tremendously effective considering how the games take place. This permeates a sense of stress and constant frenzy that keeps the player constantly on edge, waiting to finish off the last demon so they can take a breather and continue advancing through the game.
DOOM x Quake
It is these breaths and pauses that help you see how the gameplay of the game is defined. The levels are divided by exploration zones and small enclosed areas that are somewhat reminiscent of the arenas of Quake III. That is the feeling that it transmits to us, since when we reach certain limited areas we will have to kill all the enemies present in order to continue advancing in the level. In this area we will find jumping platforms, several levels high, corridors and nooks, and meanwhile, a horde of demons behind us.
In addition, all the items that are scattered throughout the level have colorful designs in the form of large floating icons, being once again another visual style that takes us back to the 90s shooters, and we love that.
And then DOOM became a platformer.
Don't get us wrong. DOOM is still DOOM, but this time around, a number of new mechanics have been introduced that might seem strange at first. After sweating buckets and taking down the last remaining Imp in the arena you just cleared, it's time to take a breather and start exploring.
These changes of pace will basically be what we will experience in the game: raw action, exploration, raw action, exploration. And that's where jumps, gymnastic demonstrations on bars and wall climbing actions come into play. We will not deny that it is strange, but it works. At least it helps us slow down and invites us to remember that we have a series of challenges in the form of hidden secrets that we will have to find.
In the meantime, we will be able to run into some other enemy that reminds us that we are still in a shooter, but it will be little. When we're scouting, we're scouting, and when it's time to fight… you better have some ammunition with you. And that's where another mechanic comes into play.
A strategic arsenal
Forget about shooting left and right to kill everyone. No more shooting a shower of plasma to destroy everyone who gets ahead, and ammunition will be scarce. This is one of the points that has cost us the most to assimilate, since the game forces you to make use of other elements to balance the action ratio.
The scarcity of bullets is due to the need to use the chainsaw and the new flamethrower/grenade launcher mounted on our back (which is unlocked during the story) to finish off enemies with Glory Kills (those close-up animations where you can see your rivals' entrails in graphic detail). Completing these actions will grant you ammo, health, and shield items, which are vital for surviving the battle. Need health? Finish them off with a melee Glory Kill. Looking for ammo? Finish them off with the chainsaw. You'll need to learn and internalize these concepts, as the maximum ammo capacity for weapons is extremely limited.
The combination of these factors makes combat quite strategic, requiring you to keep in mind what ammo you have, how much gas is left in your chainsaw, and which enemies you should take out first so they don't give you too much trouble. Do you understand now why we say DOOM Eternal is so fast-paced?
hard and fun
This demonic combo makes DOOM Eternal a difficult game. The challenge is quite high, so you'll need patience to overcome each of the game's obstacles, but in the end, it's extremely fun . The weapons are perfectly balanced, and you can upgrade them with a fairly simple attachment system.
Another issue is the runes, sentinel crystals, and many other customization elements that delve, perhaps too deeply, into the game's internal options. These adjustments feel like a significant distraction during gameplay, as they require attention and planning. While these new details and possibilities are welcome, they detract from the classic, mindless grind.
The ultimate shooter
But if there is something that this DOOM does especially well, it is the action of pulling the trigger. Each weapon feels especially powerful, each with its own customizations and quirks, adding up to exquisite control that just feels downright good. To all this we must add the smoothness with which the game runs, tremendously fluid even with a large number of enemies on the screen (in our case we have played on an Xbox Beings X).
The level design is spectacular, and considering that the story takes place on a planet Earth dominated by the power of demons, the setting is especially captivating at many times. The main shot of the giant demon is received like a real slap in the face as soon as the game begins, making it clear that the game is going to be colossal.
Are we facing the best shooter of the year? Probably yes. It's true that it has quirks that might not suit all users, and its demands could tire or bring users to their knees who find themselves outmatched by the army of hell, so it's up to you to be the Slayer humanity leads. Begging for a long time.