Mars is almost completely destroyed and the remaining humans are enslaved by a demonic invasion force. The ultimate goal: to completely destroy Mars, which should also mean the end of the earth. Welcome to “DOOM”!
Hardly any brand has achieved such a cult status as “DOOM”, the beginnings of which go back to the early 90s. “DOOM” is one of the few series that have always developed visibly, but have never lost sight of their origin. This is proven again in a few weeks by Bethesda and id Software with “DOOM Eternal”, to which the publisher currently invited to a brute kick-off in Berlin. You can find out in our preview whether “DOOM Eternal” manages to get the masses to pull the weapons and blasters again with its distinctive style.
For newbies and fans
“DOOM” is already an old hand in the business, but you want to get more and more fans on board in the future and inspire you for the game series. That is why id Software decided to deliver a small lesson in classic shooters with “DOOM Eternal”. Newcomers are just as welcome here as seasoned professionals, without overwhelming one or underwhelming others. In the first hours of the game, you therefore go through a small tutorial with every new gameplay element or weapon – a kind of practical test that not only explains the art of "killing" but also lets you try it out right away according to the motto: Learning by doing!
But that shouldn't mean that you have to pound here like in old school days, the fun is definitely still in the foreground and will entertain you extensively in the 22 to 40-hour story, which is quite generous for a shooter. This time you put a special value on it and go much deeper with the narrative than with DOOM (2016) if you want to. If you are looking for pure shooter action, you will also enjoy “DOOM Eternal”. Where the story ultimately leads was not entirely clear after these 3 hours, but id Software promises that, among other things, you will learn more about the origins of the Slayer. We are excited!
New, old worlds
For this you will also discover a lot of new places. In addition to the good, old earth, you will also be able to do everything to the ground in a cultist base or in Exultia, where hell priests, demons and tough challenges await you. Fortunately, the still faceless, bloodthirsty "hero" of this saga has taken some new tricks and toys with him on his previous path. Your task: As a clearly characterized DOOM Slayer, push back the numerous (twice as many) demons in dizzying battles, which have now overrun everything and make the earth their very personal hell. The atmosphere is usually dark and promises a lot of variety from level to level. In the play session we were able to visit a demon prison, fight our way through slimy caves or swing over frightening lava gorges.
To this end, “DOOM Eternal” continues to rely on its linear level design, but allows significantly more freedom and approaches within this. The areas can be explored more generously and different paths lead to the destination – although sometimes the path can be quite astonishing. In addition to the well-known climbing and platform passages (which can sometimes be frustrating), a brand new movement element is used here – the dash, with which you can catapult yourself in the air with a forward thrust through the air. The Wallrun is also new. Both together enable unimagined ways and possibilities both in the movement and in the fight. Opponents can be attacked from the air in a controlled manner, almost like a time lapse.
The usual diverse arsenal of weapons and modifications are available, all of which want to be mastered – because what would DOOM be if you could not refine them further or upgrade them spectacularly? In addition to the standard / primary weapons and all kinds of projectiles, a “flame spout” or grenade launcher can now be operated in “DOOM Eternal”, which is mounted directly on your shoulder. Direct melee attacks were also refined, whereby martial arts are increasingly used here. Fun for the “whole family” if you tear out the eyes of the opponent, cut them up with a chainsaw in a frenzy of blood or slowly tear off the extremities before starting to do the devastating glory kill. It almost seems artistic how the animation and sound designers at id Software let off steam here. Shooting a demon directly in the face with a double-barrel shotgun, that sounds and looks pretty exquisite. Sound and visuals go perfectly hand in hand here and sometimes make you wince in front of the screen.
Nobody is left behind
On the one hand, the focus is clearly on fun, and yes, we definitely had it! On the other hand, you are also incredibly challenged by the game, you have to be actively involved, keep your resources strict, and here and there you have to realign your strategy against the sometimes relentless hordes of demons … and of course keep on doing it while you keep doing more Turning up. All of this is necessary in order to be able to continue his monster slaughter unhindered and as uninterrupted as possible. Choosing the right weapon alone can make the difference between life and death during a hectic firefight. The goal is the perfect rhythm between movement, firepower and the type of attack, while you have to keep an eye on and collect ammunition and health.
All this combined with a first-class technical and absolutely fluid presentation that, as mentioned at the beginning, does not forget where the DOOM series started. It is quite a retro charm to be able to collect new ammunition, medi-packs and power-ups in bright neon colors – as if they came directly from a slot machine from the 90s. Even individual animations are sometimes not quite as contemporary, but round off the feeling of DOOM wonderfully and skillfully. It was also much more important that “DOOM Eternal” promises the same gameplay experience on all platforms, whereby the smooth 60fps are primarily guaranteed, also on the basic PS4. The console versions have not been neglected in any way and differ at most in the resolution offered – so far, at least in theory.
“As expected from id and DOOM,“ DOOM Eternal ”is a tremendous spectacle in every respect, even if you need a strong stomach here and there. The Slayer feels more powerful than ever, many areas in the game have been significantly improved and upgraded and run more smoothly than ever, without losing their grip on the ground. From the locations to numerous new demons to brute weapons, “DOOM Eternal” is supposed to surprise the players and always present new challenges that have to be adapted – and after 3 hours of heavy shooter action, a graphic feast for the eyes and we have no doubt about the booming metal sounds of Mick Gordon on our ears. ”
Assessment: hellish!
