Doom is everything a game should be and more. It’s uncompromising without being excessively violent (at least not in a realistic sense) and offers some of the best graphics I’ve ever seen in a game.
The plot hasn’t changed much from the original 1993 venture. Players take on the guise of a space marine that must rid a galactic workstation from a demonic presence that has crossed over and now threatens to wreak havoc on Earth.
The game offers a lot of what made the original Doom so popular. Guns and weapons abound, including a couple of old friends like the BFG, and all those classic monsters from the imps and lost souls to the considerably tougher barons of hell that both scare and excite us at the same time.
What’s the main difference? With roughly 23 years between releases, the creatures are completely refined. Every detail from the wrinkles in their skin to the malice in their expressions is completely visible onscreen. The atmospheres are dark and visceral, and combined with one of the most intense video game soundtracks since 2013’s Killer Instinct, Doom is heart-pounding from the start.
In addition to the game’s look, Doom suffers from virtually no technical glitches or playing issues. Many modern PS4 or Xbox ventures contain such complicated code that it’s become nearly impossible to work them all out. Many times, players are fighting their way through a current section or level only to have the game freeze and spit out a blue error message (those who have played Assassin’s Creed: Origins know what I’m talking about), but not Doom…
To be fair, the game has more than two decades under its belt. It’s based on one of the oldest first-person shooters around, and the developers have had lots of time to work out all the kinks, but the fact that they’ve done so warrants respect. Rather than sit back and sell this game “as is,” they’ve taken the time to give players a full experience without letting them worry about losing progress. It’s an ambitious feat that shows the devotion and strength of the development team, and each member deserves special commendation.
I was very surprised at the ease of the controls. The company behind Doom didn’t try to do anything fancy or special. Pushing forward on the left joystick causes the marine to run. You’re not required to press any extra buttons to garner speed; it’s all kept relatively simple. The controls have a fluidity I’ve yet to experience in any other game this year, and the character moves as freely as running water.
Aiming and firing your weapons is also easy. No more moving about the screen rapidly trying to get that perfect shot. Each weapon has a wide range of fire (minus the chainsaw of course), and most enemies are large enough to hit from any angle.
The game’s ending also serves as a friendly reminder of why humans should never trust creatures from the “other side.” They’ll always exploit you and let you down. Never give your humanity, principles or dignity up for wealth or power; it will always come back to haunt you. A nice moral touch to an otherwise splatter and gore-filled title.
Strangely, the game has stirred controversy due to its violence, and while the game is rough at times, the violence never stretches beyond the initial ropes of fantasy. Your character is destroying monsters and ghouls, not humans. Critics should probably take that as their first sign to calm down. The game is also short, warranting roughly 10 to 14 hours the first time around – probably not enough time to turn a player into a psychopath.
Doom remains one of my favorite titles thus far. From the graphics and battles to the killer music and creatures, players are bound to have loads of fun with it.
Score: ***** out of***** (5 out of 5)
Image courtesy of Nutroniks.com
Got Good Game Reviews 
