DOOM ETERNAL | GAMES REVIEW
Blow off some lockdown steam with Doom Eternal.Whether or or not you’ve had anything to do with games in your life, there’s a high chance you know what Doom is http://Doom.com
Although the original DOOM didn’t create first-person shooters, it certainly popularised them, and did it in its own “rock-and-roll” way. DOOM didn’t care about story or characters, it just wanted you to kill demons from hell and have a hell of a good time.
Back in 2016, the DOOM franchise was rebooted for the modern era, bringing a surprising amount of its old attitude and lineage back. It did so to rave reviews and a hope that the sequel could be just as good.
Happily, DOOM Eternal isn’t just as good as 2016’s DOOM, it exceeds it.
This is all thanks to some big gameplay improvements. The first DOOM was already pretty much perfect, but Eternal adds some more tools to the Doom Slayer’s arsenal, and it makes combat play out a bit like rock, paper, scissors. There’s always a tool to take down an enemy effectively. There are also some new platforming elements that feel really good to do and also play into making combat that much more speedy.
Mick Gordon’s soundtrack is another huge boon for the DOOM games and it’s no different here. It’s a great mixture of heavy metal and heavy bass that really makes you feel like mowing something down. It’s certainly a contender for best gaming soundtrack this year so far.
There’s a bigger emphasis on the story, but that feels like a slightly missed opportunity. 2016’s DOOM made it clear it didn’t care about the background information, and that really worked for its tone and unique vibe. Eternal overloads you with story at times, and it’s the only thing that brings the game down a bit.
For those who are interested, DOOM also has a multiplayer aspect that has you playing as either the Doom Slayer or the demons. It’s surprisingly in-depth, but it feels a bit more like a novelty than a great addition and it won’t appeal to everyone.
In the times we’re currently living through, it might do you some good to kill some demons to some heavy tunes, and you can’t do that any better than in DOOM Eternal.
**** Awesome
Words: George Foster
