'DOOM' Review: It is back as a no-nonsense game and stays true to the original

Developed by id software, the studio that made the first-person shooter genre what it is today and created multiplayer Deathmatch, DOOM is back as a no-nonsense game that is both a fun and challenging modern-day shooter experience. Brutal demons, ridiculously powerful guns, and movement that is both fast and fun provide the foundation for intense, first-person combat regardless of if you are playing single-player or multiplayer.

Story

The classic DOOM games were not known for their story, this one won't be either. The Union Aerospace Corporation's massive research facility on Mars is being attacked by ferocious and powerful demons. This is all thanks to the corporation's energy harvestment mission that required a portal between our world and theirs. As the lone DOOM Marine, your only objective is to kill them all. The story feels like it is only there to accommodate the gameplay which makes this game so good. While playing the game, the story did not affect me at all because I was having so much fun.

Gameplay

DOOM's gameplay is what makes the game a true masterpiece. In a time where most of today's shooters are trying to be as realistic as possible, DOOM stays true to its roots and delivers a game that fans of the series have been waiting for. The game has great weapons that can be upgraded and augmented, no reloading, no weapon-carry limits of any kind, no inventory management and none of those quick time events that the hardcore gamers hate with a passion. The game is just fun.

Gameplay is fast paced and there is no taking cover or stopping to regenerate health as you crush Hell's raging demon hordes. I really enjoyed the Glory Kills that get triggered when you stagger an enemy, they offer a variety of methods to destroy your enemies that can also be of strategic importance if used appropriately. You can get a guaranteed health increase if you decide to rip them apart or kill them with a part of their own body. There is also the chainsaw which can be used to deliver a satisfying one-hit kill. Armed with your arsenal of futuristic and iconic guns, upgrades that add real functionality and an advanced melee system that allows you to knock-down, slash, stomp, crush, and blow apart demons in imaginative and satisfying ways you are set for FPS at its best.

Multiplayer

DOOM's signature, fast-paced arena-style combat hasn't really changed much and I think that is a good thing. You get the classic modes that make the series what it is and some all-new game modes, but nothing really out of the box. It's all about skill, powerful weapons, vertical movement, and unique power-ups that allow you to play as a demon.

DOOM SnapMap

DOOM comes with an easy-to-use game and level editor that allows for the community to enjoy the game virtually forever. SnapMap is simple enough that you will not need any previous experience or special expertise. You can create maps or game modes and instantly play and share them.

Verdict

I was able to play this game on something as basic as a GTX 950M. Although my experience could have been better, the game was playable. On a high-end graphic card like the Titan X the game is absolutely great. If you like first-person shooters, get this game. If you liked the classic DOOM games, this game will not disappoint. If you are looking for fun, this game will not disappoint. People may still argue that the classic games were better, I believe this is as close to them as you can do for a modern audience.

Reviewed on

Asus GL552JX Laptop
Processor Intel Core i7 4750HQ Processor
Operating System Windows 10
Memory 8GB DDR3L 1600 MHz
Display 15.6" 16:9 IPS FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare
Graphic card NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950M with 4GB DDR3 VRAM
Storage 1TB HDD 5400 RPM
Mouse ROCCAT Nyth
Headset Plantronics GameCom 380
Alternative graphic card -NVIDIA GeForce GTX TITAN X with 12GB GDDR5 VRAM