Video games have existed for a long time. The first video game ever made was Tennis for Two made in 1958, and games have been improving and evolving ever since. A benchmark in this evolution was Doom (1993) for DOS. Doom was a revolution in the first-person shooter (FPS) genre, having massive levels, impressive brutality, and many unique methods to conquer combat. If you have played any FPS game in the modern age, it most definitely has some DNA of the original doom in its code. The following year, Doom 2 (1994) would release, which added even more ways to spice up combat. Then, 3 years later, Doom 64 (1997) would release on the Nintendo 64, maintaining the high point the franchise was hitting at the time. The three games were met with great acclaim, not only being considered the backbone of the genre, but an enjoyable experience in its own right. However, the final installment in the classic Doom tetralogy, Doom 3 (2004), despite being a much more modernized experience, fails to capture the same fast paced, high action gameplay of the prior games instead of opting for a slower, almost horror-esque approach. Fans of the original three games enjoyed the title, but still wanted an HD version of the classic combat established prior. The games’ developer, Id Software, would eventually understand their mistakes midway through an unfinished fifth title, Doom 4: Call of Doom, and scrap the project almost entirely to make what is now known as Doom (2016). The new game took inspiration from both Call of Doom and the original tetralogy, keeping the fast and gruesome gameplay of the classic games, whilst adding mechanics that would have been in Call of Doom.
Doom 2016’s combat system was a huge improvement compared to the games that came before it. For example, a new feature was added called “Glory Kills”, a method to keep the player engaged in close quarters combat instead of keeping a distance from the demons. This new system would function as sort of a finishing move when enemies had low health, putting enemies into a stunned state, allowing the player to rush in, and use their bare hands to “rip the demon a new one”, for lack of a better term. Another new feature was the weapon mod system. This system would allow players to customize your arsenal with attachments to your weapons. For example, one of the attachments for a weapon found earlier, the shotgun, you may attach a grenade launcher for explosive damage, or the “mobile turret upgrade for the chaingun, allowing for your character to essentially duplicate your firing power for a time.
Unlike the previous games, Doom 2016 has a story. After the events of the first games, the protagonist, the Doom Slayer, wakes up chained to a stone sarcophagus. After breaking away from his restraints, he finds himself on a Union Aerospace Corporation, UAC, base on Mars, currently dealing with a demonic infestation. After exploring the base, the Slayer finds out that a lead scientist at the UAC named Olivia Pierce is attempting to take Hell’s “Argent Energy” for UAC use, allowing them to have raw, overbearing power against the solar system. To accomplish this, she has to open a portal to Hell, and demons are coming out of said portal, hence the invasion on Mars. Now it is the Doom Slayer’s job to close the portal, kill Olivia Pierce, and save Earth from a potential demonic invasion.
All in all, this game is an addictive power trip, really making the player feel unstoppable. The combat is simple but fun, the enemies are a blast to fight against, and the story is great for first time players of the series. Not to mention the great level design and soundtrack that reinforce the feeling of strength the games are known for. You should definitely give Doom (2016) some of your time if you find that feeling interesting, or just like playing new games.
