๐ข THE FIRES OF HELL HAVE BEEN UNLEASHED! WHAT WILL YOU DO MORTALS? ๐ข
We have a man. Or better yet, a guy. A doom duy. ๐
A revitalization like Doom 2016 was thought impossible at the time. We're talking about one of the most storied franchises, a grandfather of PC gaming, falling into ruin. Until id remembered they were an awesome game developer and gave us this gem. ๐
Thereforeโ๏ธ In this edition of Through the Lens ๐, we'll be taking a look at id software's redemption story from 2016 : Doom. โ๏ธ
(anyone else a bit pet peeved at how these devs just give the same name to these new games? I get it, it's Doom, but give it a new name at least geez)
Roll it! ๐ฝ
๐ท UP TOP ๐ถ
The soundtrack to this game is a character in itself. We're talking about the type of soundtrack that propelled the game to heights few soundtracks have. A legendary OST that is among the best in gaming history. And I don't say that lightly. Mick might have had problems with the team for the sequel, and that's a story for another time. But here? He is in his element completely.
And I'm not even the biggest metal fan. But good music is good music - and this is great music. I highly encourage everyone to give it a listen if you haven't. ๐ธ
You best believe I played this at release. There was so much hype surrounding this game that anyone who was remotely interested in FPS gave it a try. To this day, this was one of the most enjoyable gaming experiences I've... experienced. ๐ฏ
I never played the original game, so this was my first exposure to Doom's frantic action.
And from all accounts, the 2016 version is a faithful recreation of the atmosphere set by the original back in the 90s. More importantly, it's an amazing single-player shooter. Which is still a rarity nowadays. ๐
๐ท id ๐ถ
id is a storied developer that around the time of this game's release seemed to have lost its way. They released subpar project after subpar project and were teetering on the brink of relevancy. That is until this project is released.
Granted, they kinda dropped the ball with Doom Eternal, the sequel, but we aren't talking about that game now. We're talking about the masterpiece that is Doom 2016, and yes it is a masterpiece. Again, I rarely make these bold claims, but if any game deserves them, it's this one.
There was even tension going into the game as the Multiplayer was released before the single-player. And while competent, it was yet another... lackluster product from id. So expectations were low heading into the single player.
Boy were we all wrong. ๐
๐ท DOOM SLAYER ๐ถ
In the first age, in the first battle
When the shadows first lengthened, one stood
He chose the path of perpetual torment
I'll use this section to talk about the frenetic action that encapsulates this game so well. Never has shooting daemons felt so good. ๐
In his ravenous hatred he found no peace
And with boiling blood he scoured the Umbral Plains
Seeking vengeance against the dark lords who had wronged him
The design of this game is crystal clear. Every element comes together to contribute to this one aspect. The music, the graphics, the gore, the gunplay, the sound effects. It is a perfect symphony of devastation aimed to spike dopamine. And it's glorious. ๐
The game also doesn't pull any punches. Higher level difficulties are hard. Requiring great twitch reflexes to stay alive. The upgrades that you acquire are all relevant and enjoyable. You have to use every tool in your arsenal to survive. Switching between what is needed depending on the enemy you're facing is immensely satisfying.
And those that tasted the bite of his sword named him
The Doom Slayer
Exploration is also vital to survival as it was in the old games. Verticality is important, and the level design is impeccable. There are tons of secrets that you have to actually try to find. While on paper there are fewer pick-ups than the original, in practice that just feels like streamlining an archaic design to fit modern times. A++
๐ท PRESENTATION ๐ถ
Not only does this game look good it also runs good. Which honestly could've been the breaking point seeing as how a heavily action-focused game like this requires smooth performance. Yes, the gore is amazing, but we actually get to enjoy it with high FPS. ๐ฎ (frames per second)
Doom and Wolfenstein started the FPS genre (first-person shooter) and it's fitting that their new counterparts live up to the lofty acclaim their originals had.
On a side note, I love how Doom Guy just destroys every piece of narrative in the game. ๐ It's on the nose to a fault, but that's what makes it great. There is def a narrative throughline in the game, and very serious Wiki entries and whatnot. Only for those same Wiki entries to be obliterated into a million pieces when facing their maker. You. The Doom Slayer. // affectionately known as Doom Guy
๐ท LEGACY ๐ถ
This is one of the only times where I feel this section is not warranted. Every gamer knows Doom or has heard about Doom. It is in the pantheon of greatness, and honestly, I feel I am disrespecting it even adding this Legacy section.
A genre definer, and one of the pinnacle franchises in gaming history.
Thank you for reading, you rock! (and maybe roll) ๐๐๐
๐ผ๏ธ Image Sources: 01, 02, 03, 04 ๐ผ๏ธ
Shout-out to the ๐PIZZA๐ gang, ๐ค gang. ๐ค
Next Through the Lens will be on the Wolfenstein reimagining. We did Doom, now it's time for its brother. ๐ Two games that started off basically identical, but their modern counterpart, while similar in some ways, are vastly different in others. Hope you'll join me!
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I hope you are having an amazing week! ๐