DOOM Eternal

The story of DOOM Eternal receives mixed but generally nuanced praise from critics, with several highlighting its expanded lore and narrative depth. Many reviewers appreciate the game’s efforts to build on the 2016 reboot’s foundation, offering a more intricate universe through optional collectibles, codex entries, and cinematic storytelling. For instance, Hobby Consolas notes that the game incorporates diverse methods like radio conversations and flashbacks to enrich the narrative, while VG247 and GamingTrend praise its engaging lore and cutscenes that add context to the Doom Slayer’s mission. TheSixthAxis and Eurogamer Italy commend the story’s gravitas and mythological influences, suggesting that fans of the series will find the narrative beats compelling. Additionally, GameSpot acknowledges a “more serious narrative” with complex plot elements, and IGN Italia highlights balanced storytelling that enhances the gameplay without overshadowing it. These critiques suggest the game succeeds in creating a richer, more immersive world for dedicated players. However, several critics criticize DOOM Eternal’s story for being overly convoluted or poorly executed. Game Rant and New Game Network argue that the narrative lacks emotional depth and coherence, with excessive exposition and unnecessary lore that distracts from the core action. Cheat Code Central and Slant Magazine describe the plot as a “muddled mess” filled with fantasy tropes and confusing complexity, while GameCritics points to a lack of self-awareness compared to its predecessor. Vooks and JeuxActu note that the story feels disjointed or underdeveloped, leaving players disconnected from the characters. Additionally, GamesRadar+ and Critical Hit mention that the chaotic presentation of the narrative—interrupted by fast-paced combat—makes it difficult to engage with the plot. These critiques often center on the game’s reliance on collectibles for world-building, which some find alienating or tedious. Overall, critics agree that DOOM Eternal’s story is a polarizing aspect of the game, with its strengths and weaknesses largely dependent on player preferences. While many praise its expanded lore and ambition—such as Hobby Consolas’s acknowledgment of “a more structured” narrative or IGN Italia’s emphasis on balanced storytelling—others find it excessive or poorly integrated. The consensus leans toward the story being secondary to the gameplay, with GameSpot and Wccftech noting that understanding the plot isn’t essential for enjoyment. For fans of the series, the narrative offers rewarding depth through exploration, as highlighted by GamingTrend and Eurogamer Italy, but casual players may find it dense or irrelevant. Ultimately, DOOM Eternal’s story is seen as a mixed bag: ambitious in scope but uneven in execution, with its value largely contingent on how much players engage with its lore.

The gameplay of DOOM Eternal is overwhelmingly praised for its fast-paced, intense combat and innovative mechanics that elevate the FPS genre. Critics highlight the game’s relentless action, with reviewers like GameCritics and MGG emphasizing the "fast and engaging" experience, driven by new tools such as the shoulder-mounted flamethrower, grappling hook, and dynamic movement systems. The emphasis on mobility—whether through parkour-like platforming or verticality—creates a sense of fluidity, as noted by SpazioGames, who called it "even more frenetic and explosive" than its predecessor. Telegraph and PlayStation Country laud the game’s "relentless parade of violence" and "dynamic combat," while Cultured Vultures and Gamers Heroes praise its "exhilarating" and "chaotic" mechanics, which reward strategic thinking and reflexes. The variety of weapons, enemy types, and resource management systems also stand out, with 3DJuegos and PCWorld noting the "strategic depth" and "resource management" that add layers to combat. However, some critics point to specific drawbacks that occasionally disrupt the experience. GameCritics and TheGamer critique the introduction of platforming elements, arguing they "disrupt the flow" established in earlier entries, while Cheat Code Central and PCWorld find these sections "dull" or "less engaging." Impulsegamer (Switch) and NintendoWorldReport highlight issues with controls, particularly the Joy-Con’s "loose" feel and stiff climbing mechanics in handheld mode. Additionally, Giant Bomb and Everyeye.it note that the game’s complexity—such as ammo scarcity, weapon mods, and tactical resource management—can feel overwhelming at times. While these critiques are valid, they are often framed as minor trade-offs for a game that prioritizes intensity and innovation. Despite these criticisms, the majority of reviewers celebrate DOOM Eternal as a significant improvement over its predecessor, with IGN (PC and PS4), Giant Bomb, and COGconnected (PS4) praising its "improved gameplay" and "balanced combat." The consensus is that the game’s strengths—its aggressive pacing, mechanical depth, and emphasis on player skill—far outweigh its flaws. While some critics, like Impulsegamer and Push Square, acknowledge that platforming and resource management may not appeal to all, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive. As PlayStation Universe (PS5) puts it, DOOM Eternal delivers a "fast and brutal FPS violence" with an "exemplary gameplay loop," cementing its place as a standout entry in the series. The game’s ability to balance chaos with strategy, and its relentless energy, make it a defining example of modern FPS design.

The majority of critics praised DOOM Eternal’s graphics and visual design as a standout achievement, emphasizing its artistic ambition, technical execution, and immersive environments. Reviewers on PC and PlayStation platforms, such as PC Games, PlaySense, and MMORPG.com, highlighted the game’s stylish and varied environments, with PC Games noting "stylish and varied" visuals and MMORPG.com describing them as "sleek, clean, and crisp." The game’s art direction was frequently lauded for its creativity, with PSX Extreme calling it "visually stunning" and Critical Hit dubbing it "brutally beautiful." The use of vibrant colors, detailed animations, and dynamic lighting—such as the "vibrant and chaotic design" praised by GamesBeat—enhanced the gameplay experience. Even on consoles like the PS4, LaPS4 noted that "level design is detailed and supports both combat and platforming," while PlayStation Universe celebrated its blend of biblical and heavy metal themes. The game’s ability to balance intense action with visually striking set pieces, such as alien planets and hellscapes, was a recurring highlight, with Game Over Online comparing the stages to "album covers." However, several critics pointed out significant drawbacks, particularly on the Nintendo Switch. GameSpace and Worth Playing criticized the Switch version for its "abysmal draw distance" and "noticeable visual compromises," while Nintendo Enthusiast acknowledged that "visual fidelity is lower, especially in distant environments." Issues like blurry textures, reduced resolution, and frame rate drops during cutscenes were common complaints. DarkStation noted that the game "struggles during cutscenes," forcing texture reductions to maintain stability, and IGN Italia described the Switch version as having "lower resolution and less detailed models." Even on other platforms, some critics like Jeuxvideo.com (on PS4) observed that "some 3D models and textures are not the finest," while GameRevolution found the visuals "a little muddy" despite the game’s "red and orange-drenched hellish art style." These technical limitations, though less severe on higher-end hardware, underscored the challenges of optimizing a graphically intensive title across multiple platforms. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising DOOM Eternal as a visual triumph. While platform-specific issues like the Switch’s graphical downgrades were acknowledged, they did not detract from the game’s broader appeal. Stevivor (on Xbox One) noted that "levels offer open spaces and look beautiful," while GAMINGbible highlighted the "detailed and gory visuals" that enhanced immersion. On PC, Gaming Nexus called it "impressive graphics and art direction," and Hardcore Gamer praised its "near rock-solid 60 frames-per-second" and "dynamic gore effects." Even critics who pointed out flaws, such as Everyeye.it, acknowledged the "strong artistic design" despite texture downgrades. The game’s ability to deliver a visually rich experience across platforms—whether through the Switch’s optimized performance or PC/PS4’s high-fidelity details—solidified its reputation as a technical and aesthetic success, with most reviewers agreeing that DOOM Eternal’s visuals were a key strength.

The majority of critics praised the sound design and music of DOOM Eternal, highlighting its immersive and dynamic qualities. Mick Gordon’s heavy metal soundtrack was frequently lauded as a standout element, with many noting its ability to amplify the game’s intensity and atmosphere. For instance, The Digital Fix called it a “masterpiece” that perfectly complements the gameplay, while PlayStation Country (PS5) hailed it as one of the best soundtracks of all time, describing Gordon’s work as an “adaptive and crushing metal album.” The music’s integration with combat was particularly praised: GameCrate noted the “industrial metal music that complements the action,” and Eurogamer Italy emphasized its role in capturing both chaotic battles and quieter moments. Additionally, the sound design’s attention to detail—such as impactful weapon effects and atmospheric textures—was highlighted by PCWorld and Xbox Achievements, who noted how it enhanced the visceral experience of combat. Critics like IGN Italia (XBOX ONE) and VGC also praised the soundtrack’s power, calling it “aggressive and engaging” and a key component of the game’s identity. While most reviews were positive, some critics pointed to minor flaws. GameOver.gr criticized Gordon’s music as “amateurish and unremarkable,” a rare dissenting view, while Gameblog.fr noted that some tracks could feel repetitive for fans of heavy guitar music. Player 2 observed that the soundtrack, though dynamic, lacked the memorability of its predecessor, and Metro GameCentral mentioned that certain sound effects were “underwhelming.” Additionally, Quarter to Three suggested that the music occasionally got overshadowed by the game’s chaotic action, and COGconnected noted that the guitar-heavy score evoked 90s metal aesthetics but might not appeal to all. These critiques, while valid, were outweighed by the overwhelming praise for the soundtrack’s energy and cohesion with the gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the sound design and music of DOOM Eternal being celebrated as a defining strength of the game. While a few reviewers found aspects of the soundtrack or sound effects lacking, the majority emphasized its role in enhancing immersion, intensity, and atmospheric depth. PlayStation Country (PS5) and The Digital Fix called it a “masterpiece,” while Vgames (PS4) and IGN Italia highlighted its ability to elevate the gameplay experience. Even critics who noted minor issues acknowledged the soundtrack’s overall impact, with GameCrate and Xbox Achievements praising its technical excellence. The enduring praise for Mick Gordon’s work—described as “divine” by Vgames, “fantastic aggressive heavy metal” by Xbox Tavern, and “iconic” by Shacknews—underscores its significance in making DOOM Eternal a memorable and immersive experience.

The voice acting in DOOM Eternal receives largely positive acclaim across multiple reviews, with critics highlighting its contribution to immersion and atmosphere. CGMagazine praises it as "great," noting its role in enhancing the game’s overall experience, while Hobby Consolas emphasizes "strong performances" that bolster character development and tone. Universo Nintendo commends the voice acting for being "surprisingly good" and seamlessly integrated into gameplay, avoiding disconnection from the action. PSX Extreme acknowledges the inclusion of a holographic assistant with "wacky commentary," adding a unique flavor despite its polarizing nature. Similarly, MondoXbox and ZTGD describe it as "well-executed," with the latter noting that the addition of Doom guy’s dialogue enriches storytelling. The presence of Spanish voice options, highlighted by Nintenderos and Generación Xbox, further broadens accessibility and appeal for non-English speakers. These reviews collectively underscore the voice acting’s effectiveness in amplifying the game’s intensity and narrative depth. While most critiques are favorable, some reviewers point to specific shortcomings or mixed reactions. Stevivor criticizes the Doom Slayer’s diminished intimidation factor, suggesting his character feels "less impactful" compared to previous entries, which may reflect on vocal delivery or storytelling choices. New Game Network directly calls out the dialogue as "awful," implying poor writing that could detract from voice acting quality. Additionally, USgamer notes that the Doom Slayer is largely silent, with voice acting focusing more on supporting characters, which might limit the protagonist’s presence. PCWorld’s observation of a "ridiculous and over-the-top" story, while not directly about voice acting, hints at potential tonal inconsistencies. These critiques suggest that while the voice work itself is strong, its impact may vary depending on narrative execution or player expectations. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily toward appreciation for DOOM Eternal’s voice acting, with only minor reservations. The majority of reviews—such as those from CGMagazine, Hobby Consolas, and Vandal—highlight its immersive quality and technical polish, while acknowledging niche elements like the holographic assistant’s humor or language options. Though some critics, like Stevivor and New Game Network, express dissatisfaction with specific aspects, these are outliers in an otherwise positive reception. The voice acting is consistently framed as a strength that complements the game’s action-oriented design, even if it isn’t the central focus. This balance of praise and minor critiques reflects a generally favorable view, positioning the vocal performances as a key component of the game’s identity.

The technical performance of DOOM Eternal is widely praised across platforms, with critics highlighting its stability, optimization, and responsiveness. On the Nintendo Switch, despite hardware limitations, many reviewers note smooth gameplay at 30fps, with some acknowledging minor frame rate dips during intense action (e.g., GamingTrend mentions "dips in more hectic encounters" but praises overall performance). The Switch version is also commended for fast load times and stable frame rates, as noted by Nintendo Life and TheSixthAxis. On PS4, the game runs smoothly at 60fps with minimal issues, with Destructoid praising its "consistent 60FPS" and GamePro Germany calling it "technically excellent." The PS5 version receives acclaim for enhanced visuals, ray tracing, and improved frame rates, as highlighted by PlayStation Country. For PC, critics like AusGamers and PCMag praise its "polished technical performance," with high frame rates even at 4K resolution, while Xbox One reviewers (e.g., Xbox Achievements) highlight stable 60fps and excellent HDR implementation. Overall, the game’s optimization is seen as a triumph, with many calling it a benchmark for technical excellence. However, platform-specific challenges are noted. On the Switch, frame rate inconsistencies and lower graphical fidelity remain concerns. Impulsegamer and Switch Player mention "frame rate drops" and "movement slowdowns," while GamingTrend notes that cutscenes halve the framerate. The PS4 version faces minor issues like online login hiccups (Power Unlimited) and occasional stuttering during cutscenes (Destructoid). On PC, some critics, including PLAY! Zine, warn that older systems may struggle due to high requirements, while Jeuxvideo.com points to "minor collision bugs." The Xbox One version has isolated platforming issues (Xbox Achievements) and occasional glitches in Battlemode (Game Revolution). While these flaws are generally minor, they underscore the challenges of porting a demanding title across diverse hardware. The overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that DOOM Eternal delivers exceptional technical performance despite its complexity. Even on the Switch, where hardware constraints are evident, reviewers like Nintendo Life and TheSixthAxis praise its "surprisingly well-optimized" port, while PC and console versions receive acclaim for their stability and polish. Critics like PCMag and Cubed3 highlight its "practically flawless performance," and IGN Spain notes that the game prioritizes "gameplay fluidity over native 4K resolution." While no platform is without minor issues, the majority of reviews emphasize that DOOM Eternal stands as a technical achievement, showcasing strong optimization across all platforms. As Game Revolution aptly summarizes, "the game performs well overall," with its challenges largely overshadowed by its polished execution.

The majority of critics praised DOOM Eternal for its robust replay value, highlighting its abundance of secrets, collectibles, and challenges that encourage multiple playthroughs. Many reviewers emphasized the game’s emphasis on exploration, with titles like Wccftech noting the wealth of codex entries, challenges, and hidden areas to uncover, while Game Informer and Twinfinite praised the campaign’s depth and post-game content such as Master Levels and upgrades. The inclusion of Battlemode multiplayer was frequently cited as a key factor in extending longevity, with Giant Bomb and Xbox Achievements pointing to its variety of combat options and competitive appeal. Additionally, critics like Nintendo Life and Impulsegamer highlighted the game’s accessibility for completionists, citing features like hub areas, unlockable buffs, and remixed levels that reward revisiting familiar territory. The game’s difficulty scaling and mod support further enhanced its replayability, as noted by COGconnected and The Digital Fix, who emphasized the flexibility to tailor gameplay experiences. However, some critics pointed to limitations that could deter repeated play. New Game Network criticized the multiplayer mode as “bland” and unlikely to sustain a strong community, while Switch Player noted that movement issues might hinder replayability for some players. Riot Pixels and God is a Geek mentioned that the multiplayer lacked classic duel options, and DarkStation warned that punishing platforming sections could frustrate completionists. Additionally, IGN Italia and Player 2 suggested that while the game offers depth, its appeal might be niche, with some reviewers questioning whether they would revisit it beyond a single playthrough. These critiques often centered on specific mechanics or design choices rather than the game’s overall structure, indicating that replay value was more about personal preference than systemic flaws. Despite these reservations, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive regarding DOOM Eternal’s replay value. Over 80% of reviews highlighted its enduring appeal through collectibles, challenges, and post-game content, with many emphasizing that the game’s design caters to both casual and hardcore players. Critics like GameCrate and PlayStation Universe underscored the game’s “complete package” of secrets, upgrades, and multiplayer modes, while Attack of the Fanboy and GamePro Germany praised its ability to keep players engaged with higher difficulty levels and remixes of campaign areas. Even critics who noted flaws, such as Digital Chumps and Shacknews, acknowledged that the game’s core mechanics and content justified multiple playthroughs. Ultimately, while no game is without its drawbacks, DOOM Eternal’s replay value was widely regarded as a standout feature, making it a compelling experience for fans of the franchise and action enthusiasts alike.