Doom Eternal is a step up from Doom 2016 in almost every way. Didn't like going from Mars to Hell to Mars again? Now it's a Doom universe with many varied locations. Didn't like the hallway-combat area pattern? Now there's platforming and more puzzles with environmental hazards to shake things up. Didn't like forced cutscene? Now you can skip them at your heart's content. Didn't like pumping ammo into enemies with no little sign of their pain or inevitable demise? Now there's a destructable demon system to show the damage you've inflicted.
This game made a believer out of me. I already knew it was going to be great, but I doubted some things. I thought having a hub would be silly, but its actually an ingenious idea. The arcade style collectible pickups seemed out of place at first, but fit with the "doesn't take itself very seriously" tone of the game. I thought seeing the Slayers face would be lame, but it grew on me and is appropriate since his origins and past are a main part of the story.
The way this game pushes you to peak performance is amazing. It really make you sweat. The enemies are faster and more in your face than Doom 2016, any they continuously ramp up in difficulty throughout the entire campaign. I've only played on Hurt Me Plenty and have had to take myself over to Weenie Hut Jr. and use Sentinel armor for some bosses. You really have to use everything at your disposal and think when you approach everyone combat scenario. It's not a game you can just Super shotgun/Gauss cannon your way through with ease. They seem daunting at first but once you overcome, you'll feel great. "Wow, that Doom Hunter was hard, hope I don't have to fight 2 at a ti--" "Man, the Maraduer really whooped my ass. Hope I don't have to face him alongside other heavy demo--" "The Gladiator is such a pain with that mace throw attack. I hope he doesn't magically pull another one out his asscrac--"
The combat is, like 2016s, fluid and challenging, except even faster this time around. The button combinations you can pull off with all the new mechanics are endless. No button goes to waste. With the ice bomb, grenade, mods, blood punch, Crucible, etc. it can be almost overwhelming at times. Some mechanics can be used in tandem. Those who play claw grip can probably pull off some cool combos.
The story is engaging and the lore is compelling. The same show-dont-tell style is back from 2016, with Codex entries that fill more than dialog. It's a lot to keep track of. The way the story of the classic games is connected to the modern ones with the reveal of Slayer as the Doomguy was well done (Sorry Doom 3, but no sorry.) I would have been content with them being separate and the Slayer being a spiritual successor to Doomguy the way Megaman X is to Megaman, but this is so much better. How does Doomguy play the two games that he was in on his PC within the universe of this game? Did he vividly describe his adventures and experiences to a game developer? How does he own a copy of Mick Gordon's soundtrack to the game that he's a main character in? Who cares? This is Doom, they can do whatever they want. This game is so in on the joke and self referential; I love it. I can't wait to see if the connections between Samuel Hayden/Samur Makyr (Seraphim) and VEGA/the Father are expanded upon or confirmed.
The environments and graphics are obviously a major step up. Doom 2016 had an almost hazed over look to it with a palette limited to mostly red and orange. Eternal is so much more vibrant and sharper with many more colors.
Mick Gordon's soundtrack is even better than Doom 2016s, and that's saying a lot.
There are even some great minor quality of life changes. The Lost Souls' scream isn't so ear-splittingly annoying anymore. There's no wimpy pistol, its straight to the bread and butter shotgun.
Such a great deal for preordering: Doom 64, Doot skin, Shotgun skin, Master Level. And on top of that, $10 discount with Amazon and a controller skin. And on top of THAT tons of unlockables from playing Doom 1, 2, and 64. And on top of THAT, no microtransactions for said skins and collectibles. A lot of bang for you buck.
Now time for complaints/gripes.
THE MARAUDER: great enemy, but not implemented so well. It's a nice change of pace to have an enemy you can't carve straight through like everyone else. The first encounter you have is amazing.1 on 1 with only fodder. Then he starts popping in alongside heavy demons and it's not so great. He demands your full attention and stops the flow of combat to do this dance with you while you wait for his shield to drop while other enemies pummel you from behind. Not impossible to do, but it doesn't feel right. In my opinion, it would be best if after you finish an arena, a Marauder will show up after everything is clear (except for fodder to farm). Maybe even have their tactics change as the game goes on and gets harder.
CRUCIBLE: I expected more from it. I know it's a sword, but hoped it could throw projectiles like the Marauder axe or even parry/cancel enemy projectiles alongside slicing and dicing. But its just another instakill weapon like the chainsaw, although much stronger. Still very cool though.
SWIMMING: No. Just no. Never have this again. Appreciate the ambition, but no one is going to miss swimming in a Doom game.
PURPLE GOO: Also never again. It's pretty annoying. Every other stage hazard can stay except slowdown goo.
STORY: Great, but feels disjointed at times. Being sold as a direct sequel to Doom 2016, I thought the gap between them would be bridged more. The ending is also very abrupt. I hear there's going to be campaign DLC that might fill in gaps so that's great to know.
MASTER LEVELS: Crashed a couple times.
BETHESDA ACCOUNT: I heard people had to create an account just to play the campaign. I had already made one to play Doom 1 and 2 so it's no trouble for me. I also welcome the free rewards, but there should be an option to not use a Bethesda account if you don't want to.
AMMO CAPACITY: Very nerfed compared to Doom 2016, and it's felt particularly with the shotgun. Even with my ammo Sentinel crystals maxed out it still felt a tad bit too low. I know its intentional to get players to switch weapons constantly and get out of their comfort zone, but I feel it could have been
raised some.
LOST SOULS: Someone took their name very seriously. AI is wonky. All they do is spawn and burrow themselves into the ground screaming.
So much detail and care went into this game and I appreciate every morsel of it. Thank you ID Software for making the first game I've ever preordered once to truly remember.
RIP Stephen Ash.
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Reviews with images
Shoot first think never : )
I have to play in doses or else I get too frustrated lol. You have zero time to hesitate and think. Enemies are hitting you from all directions at once. You have to keep moving, jumping, and gunning. But by the time you finish the 1st level, your skills should begin improving from there on. So if you're having trouble don't worry... you'll only get better as you progress. I'm conflicted when it comes to this game though. It's definitely fun considering the weapons and mods you get. But the fact that the Slayer can die with 1-2 hits in battle kinda sours the fun... even with health pick ups. I've learned you gotta be in the right mood to play this game successfully lol.Update: Finally completed this beast of a game. Beating the game felt like a giant relief. This game was so frustrating from start to finish. I never imagined I'd finish it! Especially since I had such a hard time from the get go... with both enemies and platforming lol. But your skills will drastically sky rocket if you stick through it. I recommend using a YouTube guide for getting all the collectables. But as for battles, that'll solely comes down to the player. So a guide can't really help on that part. But just keep at it and you'll only get better.
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Guillermo Valdés Lozano
Excelente, justo lo que buscaba.
Reviewed in Mexico on December 31, 2022