Doom (2016 video game)
Overview
Doom (2016) is a first-person shooter video game developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks. It is the fourth main installment in the Doom series and a reboot of the series. The game was released on May 13, 2016, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, and later ported to Nintendo Switch and other platforms.
Gameplay
Doom (2016) is a return to the fast-paced, brutal gameplay of the original 1993 Doom. The player controls the Doom Slayer, an ancient warrior who battles the demonic forces of Hell. The game is played entirely from a first-person perspective, with the player's character being silent and never seen.
The game features a large arsenal of weapons, which the player can carry all at once. Each weapon has its own unique characteristics and can be upgraded by finding Field Drones throughout the levels. In addition to the traditional firearms like the shotgun and the rocket launcher, the game also includes melee weapons like the chainsaw and the BFG 9000, a powerful energy weapon.
Development
The development of Doom (2016) began in 2008 at id Software. The game was initially intended to be a sequel to Doom 3, but the project was scrapped in 2011 and restarted as a reboot of the series. The development team aimed to create a game that captured the spirit of the original Doom games while also offering something new to the players.
The game's development was fraught with difficulties. The team faced several challenges, including the departure of key staff members and difficulties with the game's technology. Despite these challenges, the game was finally released in 2016 to critical acclaim.
Reception
Upon release, Doom (2016) was met with critical acclaim. Critics praised the game's fast-paced action, satisfying gunplay, and faithful recreation of the original game's atmosphere. The game's graphics and sound design were also highly praised. However, some critics felt that the game's multiplayer mode was lackluster compared to the single-player campaign.
Doom (2016) was a commercial success, selling millions of copies within the first few months of release. The game's success led to the development of a sequel, Doom Eternal, which was released in 2020.
Legacy
Doom (2016) is considered a landmark title in the first-person shooter genre. The game's successful blending of old-school shooter mechanics with modern graphics and gameplay innovations has been highly influential. The game's emphasis on fast-paced action and "push-forward" combat has been adopted by many other games in the genre.
The game's success also revitalized the Doom franchise, leading to the development of Doom Eternal and several spin-off titles. The game's protagonist, the Doom Slayer, has become an iconic character in video game culture.