Doom (2016) Preview

Introduction

Doom is coming back, and the upcoming first-person shooter will launch for Windows, XBOX One and Playstation 4 on May 13, 2016. The release date is creeping up on us and we know a ton of stuff about the game so far. Originally, we were all expecting a Doom 4 release, but it has been revealed some time ago that the upcoming title is in fact a reboot of the original game.

Plot

It has been made clear that Doom is more about action than story, so don’t expect too much in terms of character development. Although, the developer has mentioned how the game has more of a story than the original Doom game, and if you want to find out more about the marine you play as then there will be stuff for you to discover. However, the story is not the primary focus of development, as they have been more interested in perfecting the combat.

The plot is nothing new, you will play as a marine after the invasion of the UAC Argent facility on Mars. Hell has literally broke loose and the facility has been invaded by dark forces.

Features

DOOM looks like a promising multiplayer game, with a fast-paced Deathmatch mode similar to Quake III: Arena, and a co-op mode where you can team up with others to fight off waves of demons. In the game, there will also be unique power-ups that give you the chance to play as a demon.

Austin game developer Certain Affinity is collaborating with the developer to build the best multiplayer experience possible.
We know that there is a feature called DOOM SnapMap, which is an easy-to-use, but powerful level editor. It will be featured on every platform, allowing players to customize and build endless gameplay experiences. Edit game logic and create new games, or simple snap together a new map for Deathmatch. You can play, share and even make your map available to players online, with the push of a button.

According to id Software, the single-player mode in Doom will feature “badass demons, big effing guns, and moving really fast” as the main principles. This was said by id Software executive producer Marty Stratton. We can expect a ton of weapons, including classics like the super shotgun and BFG 9000. Yes, you’ll be able to use a chainsaw to cut your enemies in pieces, and there will be a good amount of melee weapons as well.

Fast-paced is a good way to describe the gameplay in Doom. There is such a huge emphasis on speed, and the ability to sprint or double-jump allows you to get around quickly. There is actually a “push forward combat” system that discourages you from taking cover or hiding to regenerate your health. Instead, you’re expected to pick up armor and health throughout the levels, while also killing enemies for health.

The campaign is supposedly 13+ hours long, and if you play the “Ultra-Nightmare” difficulty level then be prepared for permadeath.

Multiplayer

It’s clear that id Software is taking the multiplayer experience in Doom very seriously, even working with Certain Affinity to make sure it’s flawless. We know there will be traditional multiplayer game modes, like four-player deathmatch, Warpath, Domination, Clan Arena and Freeze Tag.

Teleporters and power-ups can also be used in a multiplayer game. For example, there is a pentagram power-up that you can pick up to turn into and fight as a demon.

The game will launch with nine maps, however and endless supply of maps can be downloaded or created using the Doom SnapMap feature. And it’s not just maps, you can use the tool to create custom game modes if you’re tired of the built-in ones.

Conclusion

What’s not to love? As a fan of fast-paced action shooters, you will appreciate and probably become addicted to the gameplay in Doom. It’s cool to see a shooter embrace the fast-paced gameplay and discourage players from taking cover to heal. It’s cool to see health and armor packs brought back to a game. And also, it’s cool to use huge guns to blow away demons from Hell. The multiplayer and campaign seem like they’re packed with plenty of content to keep players engaged, and SnapMap is something the creator in all of us can put to good use.

Are you looking forward to Doom? Let us know what you think in the comment section below!