The original Doom set the tone for an entire genre, with its over-the-top premise, fast-paced gameplay, and an unapologetic approach to gore, guns, and braggadocio. In its 2016 revival, Doom returns to its roots—throwing out moral complexities and narrative embellishments in favor of pure, adrenaline-pumping action. The result is an exhilarating shooter experience that reminds us why Doom was a trailblazer in the first place.
Relentless Action and Simple Design
At its core, Doom is a game about one thing: shooting everything that moves. The 2016 reboot takes this fundamental principle and refines it into an almost perfect loop of action. Run, shoot, and keep moving—there’s no room for hesitation. The game’s pacing is lightning fast, with a system where enemies become vulnerable after taking a hit, signaling you to close in for a melee attack. This loop is addictive, making every encounter feel tense and rewarding as you dispatch demons in increasingly creative ways.
Brutal Combat and Smart Mechanics
Doom’s combat is refreshingly straightforward, focusing on the visceral pleasure of blasting enemies into oblivion. You have a variety of weapons at your disposal, each with upgrades that suit your preferred playstyle. Yet, the real genius lies in the glory kill system, where weakened enemies can be finished off with satisfying melee attacks that drop health-restoring items, encouraging you to charge directly into danger rather than retreat.
Despite some modern touches—like weapon upgrades and suit modifications—the game maintains a perfect balance between exploration and action. Hidden secrets, upgrades, and paths are scattered across the Martian landscape, motivating you to search every corner of the levels while keeping the action at a fast clip.
Masterful Level Design
One of Doom’s standout features is its masterful level design. Despite the seemingly repetitive corridors and environments, the game rewards exploration with hidden passages and valuable upgrades. A 3D map allows you to plan your route and revisit areas once you’ve acquired keycards or power-ups. This incentive to explore never slows down the game’s forward momentum but instead enhances the experience, adding depth to the fast-paced action.
Multiplayer and Overall Experience
While the single-player campaign is the heart of Doom, the multiplayer mode offers some enjoyable moments. The combat is fast and intense, though the system of restricted load-outs may not appeal to every player. Still, the addition of unlocking new skins and power-ups provides some replayability, though it falls short compared to other titles like Call of Duty.
Conclusion: A Shooter That Redefines Simplicity
In 2016, Doom is a refreshing return to the basics, focusing on what makes shooters great: fast-paced action, satisfying mechanics, and a constant sense of danger. The game strips away unnecessary complexities, offering a pure, adrenaline-fueled experience that reminds us of the franchise's roots. It’s a celebration of simplicity, and despite its rawness, Doom is undeniably one of the best shooters of the year.
Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, Doom offers an unforgettable ride that never slows down, making it a must-play for anyone who loves unrelenting action and well-designed gameplay.
