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Should You Play Doom or Doom Eternal? A Veteran’s Take

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So, you’re staring down the barrel of a Doom dilemma: classic, demon-slaying, heavy metal mayhem in Doom (2016), or the frantic, resource-management ballet of Doom Eternal? The answer, as with all good things in life, is wonderfully complicated.

Short Answer: Play both! But if you can only choose one right now, start with Doom (2016) to get a grip on the modern Doom formula, then unleash hell in Doom Eternal once you’re ready for a significantly ramped-up challenge and expanded lore.

Long Answer: Let’s break it down. Both games are phenomenal, offering distinct experiences within the same demonic universe. Choosing between them depends entirely on what you’re looking for in a first-person shooter.

Doom (2016): The Rebirth of a Legend

Doom (2016) isn’t just a reboot; it’s a resurrection. It takes everything that made the original Doom iconic – the relentless action, the grotesque demons, the head-banging soundtrack – and drags it kicking and screaming into the modern era.

Accessibility: It’s more approachable than Doom Eternal. While still challenging, it’s less demanding in terms of resource management and tactical awareness. You can often brute-force your way through encounters, relying on your reflexes and sheer firepower.
Atmosphere: Doom (2016) excels at creating a sense of dread and claustrophobia. The UAC Martian base is a chilling environment, and the glimpses into Hell are genuinely terrifying.
Story (Relatively Speaking): The story is present but doesn’t get in the way of the action. It provides a context for your rampage but doesn’t force you to sit through lengthy cutscenes or exposition dumps. You’re here to kill demons, and the game understands that.
Gameplay Loop: Glory Kills are a key mechanic for health regeneration, encouraging aggressive, close-quarters combat. Weapon mods add versatility without overwhelming you with options.

Ideal For: Players new to the modern Doom formula, those who prefer a more straightforward action experience, and anyone who appreciates a strong sense of atmosphere and dread.

Doom Eternal: The Refinement and Expansion

Doom Eternal takes everything Doom (2016) established and cranks it up to eleven… or maybe even twelve. It’s faster, more intense, and more demanding. It’s not just about killing demons; it’s about surviving them.

Combat Chess: Resource management is paramount. You need to constantly be switching weapons, using your chainsaw for ammo, flame belching for armor, and performing Glory Kills for health. It’s a constant cycle of aggression and tactical thinking.
Mobility: Doom Eternal emphasizes movement like never before. Dashing, double-jumping, and using the environment to your advantage are crucial for survival. The levels are designed to encourage this acrobatic combat style.
Lore Deep Dive: Doom Eternal expands on the Doom universe, delving into the history of the Doom Slayer and the war between Heaven, Hell, and Earth. While still not the focus, the story is more prominent and complex.
Difficulty: Prepare to die. A lot. Doom Eternal is significantly harder than Doom (2016), even on lower difficulty settings. It demands mastery of the game’s mechanics and a willingness to learn from your mistakes.
Invasion Mode (Pre-Update): While the original Invasion Mode fell flat, the game’s core combat loop and single-player experience are exceptional.

Ideal For: Players who mastered Doom (2016) and are looking for a greater challenge, those who enjoy complex combat systems and resource management, and anyone interested in exploring the lore of the Doom universe.

Final Verdict

Ultimately, Doom (2016) is a fantastic entry point into the modern Doom franchise, while Doom Eternal is a challenging and rewarding experience for those who are ready to embrace its complex combat systems. There is value in revisiting these games even after years since their release, like you can revisit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to understand more about the gaming and learning dynamic. Play Doom (2016) first to learn to walk, then Doom Eternal to learn to fly… and blast demons into oblivion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Gameplay Mechanics

What are Glory Kills? Glory Kills are brutal, up-close finishing moves performed on staggered enemies. They provide a brief moment of invulnerability and, in both games, are a primary source of health. Doom Eternal further refines this by using them to replenish health specifically, creating a risk-reward system to stay alive.
How does resource management differ between the two games? In Doom (2016), resource management is less critical. You can often find enough ammo and health scattered throughout the levels. Doom Eternal forces you to actively manage your resources by using the Chainsaw for ammo, the Flame Belcher for armor, and Glory Kills for health. Mastering this loop is essential for survival.
What are weapon mods, and how do they work? Weapon mods enhance your weapons with different functionalities. In both games, you unlock mods by finding them throughout the levels. Doom (2016) features a simpler mod system, whereas Doom Eternal‘s mods offer more significant changes to weapon behavior.
Is there a difference in the types of demons encountered in each game? Both games feature a variety of classic Doom demons, but Doom Eternal introduces several new enemy types, each with unique abilities and weaknesses. These new additions require different combat strategies and add to the game’s overall complexity.

Story and Setting

Which game has a more engaging story? While neither game is heavily focused on narrative, Doom Eternal has a more elaborate story that expands upon the lore of the Doom universe. Doom (2016)‘s story is more minimalistic and serves primarily as a backdrop for the action.
How do the settings differ between the two games? Doom (2016) primarily takes place on a UAC research facility on Mars and in Hell. Doom Eternal expands the scope, taking you to Earth, various locations in Hell, and even into space, offering a wider variety of environments.
Is prior knowledge of the Doom universe required to enjoy either game? No, prior knowledge is not required. Both games are designed to be accessible to new players, although fans of the original Doom games will appreciate the numerous references and Easter eggs.

Technical Aspects

Which game has better graphics and performance? Doom Eternal generally boasts better graphics and performance, thanks to improvements in the id Tech 7 engine. Both games are well-optimized and run smoothly on a wide range of hardware.
Are there any major differences in the multiplayer modes? Doom (2016) features a traditional arena-based multiplayer mode. Doom Eternal launched with a 2v1 “Battlemode” where two players control demons and fight against one Doom Slayer. While fun, opinions vary.

Difficulty and Learning Curve

Which game is easier for beginners? Doom (2016) is more forgiving and easier for beginners. Its combat is more straightforward, and the resource management demands are less stringent.
How steep is the learning curve for Doom Eternal? Doom Eternal has a significantly steeper learning curve. Mastering the game’s combat loop, weapon combinations, and movement mechanics takes time and practice.
What difficulty settings are available in each game? Both games offer a range of difficulty settings, from “I’m Too Young to Die” to “Nightmare.” Doom Eternal also includes an “Ultra-Nightmare” difficulty, where death means starting the entire game over.

Additional Content

Do both games have DLC? Yes, both games have DLC expansions that add new levels, enemies, and weapons. Doom (2016) has three DLC packs, while Doom Eternal has two story-driven expansions.
Is one game longer than the other? Doom Eternal is generally longer than Doom (2016), both in terms of the main campaign and the amount of additional content available.
Which game offers more replayability? Both games offer high replayability, thanks to their challenging gameplay and unlockable content. Doom Eternal‘s increased difficulty and complex combat mechanics may appeal more to players seeking a long-term challenge. The GamesLearningSociety.org explores how games can impact player motivation.