Is Doom 2016 Worth Playing After Eternal? A Deep Dive for FPS Fans
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Yes, Doom (2016) is absolutely worth playing even after experiencing the frenetic energy of Doom Eternal. While it’s true that Eternal refines and elevates the push-forward combat that defines the modern Doom games, Doom (2016) offers a distinct experience with its own unique strengths. It presents a grittier, more atmospheric, and exploration-focused take on the demon-slaying formula. To truly appreciate the evolution of the franchise and enjoy a different flavor of Doom, diving into the 2016 reboot remains a worthwhile endeavor.
Understanding the Differences: Doom (2016) vs. Doom Eternal
Before deciding if Doom (2016) is right for you after Eternal, it’s important to understand the core differences. Eternal ramps up the speed, enemy variety, and resource management, demanding constant movement and weapon switching. Doom (2016), on the other hand, is more deliberate.
Atmosphere and Exploration
One of the most significant distinctions is the atmosphere. Doom (2016) leans heavily into horror elements, creating a sense of dread and isolation. The levels are more intricate and encourage exploration, rewarding players with secrets and lore. Eternal, while visually stunning, prioritizes arena combat and a more fantastical aesthetic.
Combat Pacing and Weapon Handling
While both games feature the “push-forward combat” philosophy, Doom (2016) allows for a slightly more measured approach. You have more readily available ammo, which lets you experiment with different weapons without the constant pressure of resource scarcity that defines Eternal. This can be a refreshing change of pace for players who found Eternal’s resource management overwhelming.
Story and Lore Presentation
Doom (2016)’s story is more understated, told through environmental storytelling and optional codex entries. Eternal, in contrast, throws a lot of lore at the player, expanding the Doom universe significantly (some might say, to a fault). This difference in presentation can impact your overall enjoyment, depending on your preferences.
Why Doom (2016) Still Holds Up
Despite being the “older” game, Doom (2016) boasts several qualities that make it a compelling experience:
- Immersive Atmosphere: The game’s dark and gritty environments create a palpable sense of dread, pulling you into the world of demon-infested Mars.
- Satisfying Combat Loop: The core gameplay loop of blasting demons, performing glory kills, and upgrading your weapons remains incredibly satisfying.
- Excellent Level Design: The intricate level design encourages exploration and rewards players who take the time to uncover secrets.
- Accessibility: It’s arguably more accessible than Eternal, especially for players who are new to the franchise or prefer a slightly slower pace.
A Matter of Preference: Which Doom is Right For You?
Ultimately, whether or not Doom (2016) is worth playing after Eternal comes down to personal preference. If you enjoyed the fast-paced, demanding gameplay of Eternal, you might find Doom (2016) too slow. However, if you’re looking for a more atmospheric and exploration-focused experience, Doom (2016) is definitely worth a try.
Think of it this way: Eternal is a high-octane action movie, while Doom (2016) is a suspenseful horror film. Both are excellent in their own right, but they offer different types of thrills.
Remember to approach Doom (2016) as a separate game. Don’t try to play it like Eternal, or you’ll likely be disappointed. Embrace the slower pace, explore the environments, and enjoy the gritty atmosphere. If you do that, you’ll find that Doom (2016) is still a fantastic game that deserves your attention.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Doom (2016) After Eternal
1. Is Doom 2016 slower than Eternal?
Yes, Doom 2016 generally has a slower pace than Doom Eternal. Eternal emphasizes faster movement, more aggressive combat, and constant weapon switching. Doom (2016) allows for a more methodical approach.
2. Is Doom 2016 gorier than Eternal?
While both games are incredibly violent, many argue that Doom Eternal is actually more gory. Doom (2016) has a darker, more realistic tone, while Eternal’s violence is more cartoonish and over-the-top. The provided article states “Doom Eternal” is by far one of the most brutally violent video games ever created.
3. Why do some people prefer Doom 2016 over Eternal?
Some players prefer Doom 2016 for its atmosphere, exploration, and more grounded combat. They might find Eternal’s pace too frantic or its story too convoluted. The article mentions enemy variety and the scarcity of ammo as key differences impacting player preference.
4. Should I play Doom 2016 before or after Eternal?
The article suggests that playing Doom (2016) first might be more enjoyable. Going from Eternal’s advanced combat to Doom (2016)’s simpler mechanics can be jarring, while playing them in chronological order allows you to appreciate the evolution of the series.
5. Is the story in Doom 2016 important?
The story in Doom 2016 is more subtle and environmental. While not as central to the experience as in Eternal, it adds to the atmosphere and provides context for the events unfolding. Collecting codex entries will offer a lot more background.
6. How long does it take to beat Doom 2016?
The provided text indicates that focusing on the main objectives of Doom 2016 takes about 11½ hours. Completionists can expect to spend around 27 hours.
7. Is Doom 2016 difficult?
Doom 2016 offers a range of difficulty levels, making it accessible to both casual and hardcore players. While challenging, it’s generally considered more forgiving than Doom Eternal, especially on higher difficulties.
8. Does Doom 2016 have multiplayer?
Yes, Doom 2016 has a multiplayer mode, although it’s not as popular as the single-player campaign. It features a variety of game modes and maps, but its reception was mixed compared to the campaign.
9. What are some must-have skills in Doom 2016?
Mastering movement, using the environment to your advantage, and prioritizing targets are crucial skills in Doom 2016. Learning to utilize glory kills for health and ammo is also essential.
10. What are the best weapons in Doom 2016?
The Super Shotgun and the BFG 9000 are generally considered the most powerful weapons in Doom 2016. However, all weapons are viable depending on the situation and your play style.
11. Is Doom 2016 connected to the original Doom games?
Yes, Doom 2016 is a reboot of the original Doom series. While it introduces new elements and characters, it maintains the core themes and gameplay of the classic games. The classic doom games (Doom 1, II, and 64) are pretty light on story and what story is in there isnt mandatory to understand the sequels.
12. Is Doom Eternal a direct sequel to Doom 2016?
Yes, Doom Eternal is a direct sequel to Doom 2016. Set some time after the events of the 2016 game, the story follows the Doom Slayer once again, on a mission to end Hell’s consumption of Earth and foil the alien Maykrs’ plans to exterminate humanity.
13. What is “push-forward combat” in Doom?
“Push-forward combat” refers to a gameplay style that encourages players to aggressively engage enemies rather than taking cover. Doom rewards aggressive play with health, ammo, and armor, incentivizing players to stay in the thick of the action.
14. Where can I learn more about game design and learning?
The Games Learning Society is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in the intersection of games and education. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to explore research, resources, and community connections.
15. What’s next for the Doom franchise?
According to the included text, the next Doom game is rumored to be titled Doom Year Zero, however, the text also suggests Doom: Year Zero has not been officially announced, it’s safe to assume that the game has been internally delayed and most likely won’t release until 2024 at the earliest.
Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal both represent high points in the first-person shooter genre. While differing in execution, both games deliver intense action and engaging gameplay. The choice of whether to return to Doom (2016) after experiencing Eternal ultimately hinges on individual preference and a willingness to appreciate the unique qualities each title brings to the Doom legacy.