Doom

Description

Doom is a reboot of the legendary FPS franchise by id Software following Doom 3 (2004), and is often referred to as Doom (2016) to distinguish it from the 1993 original and its later ports. The player assumes the role of the Doom Slayer, an ancient warrior awakened during a demonic invasion of a Union Aerospace Corporation facility on Mars. The narrative unfolds through environmental storytelling and codex entries rather than lengthy cutscenes, emphasising momentum and player agency. The campaign alternates between combat arenas on Mars and excursions into Hell itself, blending science fiction with occult horror.

Gameplay was designed as a deliberate return to the fast, aggressive combat of the original Doom and Doom II. Movement is rapid, weapons do not require reloading, and encounters are built around mobility and resource management. The “Glory Kill” system allows players to execute weakened enemies in brutal melee finishers, rewarding health pickups, while the chainsaw instantly kills foes and replenishes ammunition. The arsenal includes modernised versions of classic weapons such as the super shotgun, plasma rifle, rocket launcher, and the iconic BFG 9000.

The game runs on the id Tech 6 engine, showcasing fluid animation, high frame rates, and expansive level design. In addition to the single‑player campaign, Doom launched with a competitive multiplayer mode co‑developed with Certain Affinity, and a level‑creation suite called SnapMap, which allowed players to design and share custom maps and scenarios.

Development initially began as Doom 4 in 2008, conceived as a slower, more cinematic shooter influenced by contemporary military FPS design. After years of troubled progress, the project was rebooted in 2011, re‑emerging as Doom in 2014 with a focus on speed, violence, and stripped‑down storytelling. It was initially released for Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

Reception was highly positive. Critics praised the campaign’s pacing, combat mechanics, and Mick Gordon’s industrial‑metal soundtrack, which became iconic in its own right. The multiplayer component was less distinctiveness however. Commercially, the game was a success, ranking as the second best‑selling title in North America and the UK during its launch week, and selling over half a million copies on PC alone within a fortnight. The game’s success revitalised the franchise, leading directly to the sequel Doom Eternal (2020), which expanded the lore and mechanics.