Why Do People Think Doom 2016 is Better Than Eternal?
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Many fans believe Doom 2016 surpasses Doom Eternal due to its more streamlined approach to reviving the classic Doom formula. Doom 2016 focuses on unadulterated, fast-paced combat without the added complexities of platforming puzzles, resource management intricacies, or an expansive lore that, for some, detracted from the core experience of being a relentless demon slayer. The argument often boils down to a matter of preference: Doom 2016 prioritizes pure, visceral action, while Doom Eternal layers on additional mechanics that, while innovative, can feel overwhelming or even intrusive to the original Doom experience.
The Allure of Simplified Mayhem: Doom 2016’s Strengths
Doom 2016 excelled at recreating the essence of the original Doom games: relentless, unapologetic violence in a gothic sci-fi setting. Its success stems from several key areas:
Focused Combat
Doom 2016 prioritized a “push-forward combat” philosophy. Players were encouraged to aggressively engage enemies rather than seek cover. The game’s design facilitated this with glory kills providing health, the chainsaw providing ammo, and the flamethrower providing armor – all dependent on constant engagement. This creates a satisfying and addictive loop of violence that many players found incredibly enjoyable. Doom Eternal introduces many more enemy types and resources, which can be good, but can distract the player from the combat itself.
Level Design
The level design in Doom 2016 is more straightforward, emphasizing exploration and combat arenas. While not entirely linear, it provides a clear path forward, allowing players to focus on the action. This contrasts with Doom Eternal’s levels, which often incorporate complex platforming challenges and puzzle elements, breaking up the flow of combat and potentially frustrating players who preferred the constant action of Doom 2016. Many gamers have reported that, while challenging, the level designs of Doom Eternal were less about fighting and more about finding secrets, which diminished the quality of the combat.
Atmosphere and Tone
Doom 2016 had a grittier, darker atmosphere compared to Doom Eternal. The environments felt more oppressive, and the visual design leaned towards a more realistic aesthetic. This contributed to a sense of tension and dread that some players found lacking in Doom Eternal, which adopted a more stylized and colorful approach. Doom Eternal’s expanded lore and focus on the Doom Slayer’s backstory also shifted the tone, transforming the game from a horror-infused action experience into a more fantastical power fantasy.
Weapon Feel and Balance
Many players felt that the weapons in Doom 2016 had a more satisfying feel and were better balanced. For example, some criticisms of Doom Eternal focus on the super shotgun not being as effective and having a slow reload time. Doom 2016 also balanced its weapons well so players could use almost any weapon in almost any combat situation and survive. Doom Eternal instead forced players to select the right weapon, often, to win fights.
Doom Eternal’s Divergence: Where Opinions Differ
While Doom Eternal received critical acclaim for its innovation and expansion of the Doom universe, certain design choices alienated some fans of Doom 2016:
Increased Complexity
Doom Eternal introduces a more complex resource management system, requiring players to constantly switch between weapons and use specific tools to replenish ammo, health, and armor. This adds a strategic layer to combat but can also disrupt the flow and feel tedious for those who preferred the straightforward gameplay of Doom 2016. The game essentially forces you to master certain skills and techniques to proceed.
Platforming Challenges
The platforming challenges in Doom Eternal were a point of contention for many players. While some appreciated the added variety, others found them frustrating and out of place in a Doom game. These sections often involved precise jumps, wall climbs, and grappling hook maneuvers, interrupting the momentum of combat and potentially leading to frustrating deaths.
Lore and Story
Doom Eternal delves deeper into the lore and backstory of the Doom Slayer, introducing new characters, factions, and plotlines. While some players enjoyed this expanded narrative, others found it unnecessary and distracting from the core gameplay. They felt that the focus on story detracted from the original Doom’s minimalist approach, where the narrative was secondary to the action.
Ultimately, It’s a Matter of Preference
The debate over which game is “better” ultimately comes down to personal preference. Doom 2016 appeals to players who value pure, unadulterated action with a focus on visceral combat and a gritty atmosphere. Doom Eternal, on the other hand, caters to those who enjoy a more complex and strategic gameplay experience with a deeper narrative and more varied challenges. Both games are excellent in their own right, offering different interpretations of the Doom formula.
FAQs About Doom 2016 vs. Doom Eternal
1. Is Doom Eternal harder than Doom 2016?
Yes, generally speaking, Doom Eternal is considered harder than Doom 2016 due to its more complex resource management, enemy weaknesses, and platforming challenges. Mastering weapon switching and resource gathering is crucial for survival in Eternal.
2. Does Doom Eternal improve aim?
Yes, Doom Eternal can help improve aim. The game requires precision with constant movement and weapon switching, especially when targeting enemy weak points.
3. Is Doom 2016 scarier than Doom Eternal?
Many players find Doom 2016 scarier than Doom Eternal due to its darker atmosphere and more oppressive environments. Doom Eternal leans more towards an arcade-style experience, reducing the sense of dread.
4. Is Doom 2016 violent?
Yes, Doom 2016 is extremely violent and graphic. It features a ton of graphic violence, as well as violent and scary imagery that can be disturbing for some.
5. What makes Doomguy so strong?
Doomguy, or the Doom Slayer, is empowered by Maykr technology, specifically an infusion of power that enhances his strength and resilience. This transformation is detailed within the lore of the game.
6. Is Doom 3 better than Doom Eternal?
Doom 3 and Doom Eternal offer different experiences. Doom 3 is slower-paced and focuses on horror elements, while Doom Eternal is fast-paced and action-oriented. Which game is “better” depends on individual preferences.
7. Should I play Doom 3 before Doom 2016?
No, you don’t need to play Doom 3 before Doom 2016. Doom (2016) is a soft reboot and designed for newcomers. The classic Doom games and Doom 3 are not required to understand the story.
8. Is Doom better on Xbox or PS4?
Performance-wise, the PS4 edition of Doom (2016) generally performed better than the Xbox One edition, maintaining a more consistent frame rate closer to the 60 FPS target.
9. How long is Doom 2016?
Doom 2016’s main campaign takes around 11.5 hours to complete. Completionists can expect to spend around 27 hours to obtain 100% completion.
10. Should a 13-year-old play Doom Eternal?
While Doom Eternal has a great story and fun gameplay, it contains extremely gruesome violence. Parents should consider this when deciding whether it’s appropriate for a 13-year-old.
11. Why does Doom 2016 look better than Doom Eternal on Switch?
On the Nintendo Switch, Doom 2016 often looks better than Doom Eternal due to the removal of key post-processing effects in Eternal, such as high-quality depth of field and motion blur.
12. Is Doom 2016 worth it?
Yes, Doom 2016 is generally considered worth playing. It’s a well-designed, fast-paced shooter with satisfying gameplay and brutal action.
13. What’s the hardest Doom game?
Determining the absolute “hardest” is subjective, but levels from Plutonia Experiment and TNT Evilution are frequently cited as some of the most challenging in the classic Doom games.
14. What makes Doom Eternal so fun?
Doom Eternal is fun because of its fast-paced combat, fluid movement, and exaggerated arsenal. The game provides players with numerous tools to engage enemies in creative and violent ways.
15. Should I play Doom 2016 or Doom Eternal?
The decision depends on personal preference. If you prefer a more streamlined, action-focused experience, play Doom 2016. If you enjoy a more complex, strategic game with platforming and lore elements, play Doom Eternal. Both are great games, but offer different experiences.
Exploring the educational aspects of games like Doom can be fascinating. You can learn more about how games can be used for learning and research at the Games Learning Society, by visiting GamesLearningSociety.org.
Hopefully, this in-depth look helps you better understand the varying perspectives on Doom 2016 versus Doom Eternal!