DOOM Eternal

The story of DOOM Eternal receives praise for its expanded lore and structural improvements compared to previous entries in the series. Critics like SpazioGames and Eurogamer Italy highlight that the narrative is more cohesive and detailed, with a focus on deepening the universe’s mythology through cinematic elements and environmental storytelling. ZTGD notes the game’s effort to explore the Doom Slayer’s origins with a mix of seriousness and humor, while VGN appreciates its engagement between gameplay sessions, even if it requires prior knowledge of the series. The story also introduces new factions like the Khan Maykr and Hell Priests, offering fans a richer context for the Slayer’s mission. GameXplain acknowledges the narrative’s directness, emphasizing character development through player-driven exploration rather than overt exposition. These elements collectively create a more immersive experience, even if the plot remains secondary to action. However, several critics criticize DOOM Eternal for prioritizing gameplay over storytelling, leaving the narrative feeling underdeveloped or peripheral. PCMag and Games.cz describe the story as a “basic backdrop” for combat, with minimal emotional depth or character growth. GameXplain and Checkpoint Gaming note that the plot lacks detailed explanations for key events, such as Earth’s demonic invasion, forcing players to piece together lore through collectible text logs. Luis Alamilla and Heavy point out that the reliance on codex entries disrupts immersion, while GameZone and Slant Magazine criticize the convoluted storytelling and overreliance on fantasy tropes. Even critics like TechRaptor and Gamer.no acknowledge that the narrative’s campy, over-the-top tone often feels at odds with the series’ roots, prioritizing spectacle over substance. These critiques highlight a recurring issue: the story is more of a framework than a driving force. Overall, the consensus among critics is that DOOM Eternal’s narrative is a mixed bag—appreciated for its expanded lore and world-building but criticized for being secondary to gameplay. While SpazioGames and Eurogamer Italy praise its structured approach and mythic scale, others like PCMag and MSPoweruser argue that the story feels undercooked compared to the game’s action. The balance between storytelling and mechanics remains a point of contention: some, like VGN and GameSpot, find it effective for fans, while others, such as GameZone and Slant Magazine, see it as a missed opportunity for deeper engagement. Ultimately, DOOM Eternal’s story serves its purpose as a backdrop for the series’ signature brutality but struggles to match the impact of its gameplay or the lore-rich depth of its predecessors.

The gameplay of DOOM Eternal is widely praised for its fast-paced intensity, strategic depth, and innovative mechanics that elevate the series’ signature chaos. Critics consistently highlight the game’s refined combat systems, which emphasize fluid movement, weapon variety, and tactical decision-making. For instance, GameCritics and Gamerheadquarters commend the addition of tools like the shoulder-mounted flamethrower, grappling hook, and Glory Kills, which add layers of complexity to encounters. The emphasis on resource management—such as ammo scarcity and chainsaw mechanics—creates a sense of urgency, while TechRaptor and GameSpot note the game’s ability to balance brutality with strategic thinking. Many reviewers, including IGN and GameRevolution, praise the improved level design, which blends verticality, environmental interaction, and varied enemy types to keep combat dynamic. The game’s focus on "push-forward" action, as highlighted by Nintendo Life and COGconnected, ensures players are constantly engaged in high-octane battles that reward skill and adaptability. However, several critics point to drawbacks that occasionally hinder the experience. The increased difficulty and complexity of mechanics, such as platforming sections and enemy weaknesses, are seen as polarizing. Unboxed and Gaming Nexus note that the game’s shift from the straightforward combat of DOOM 2016 can feel restrictive, with resource management and ammo scarcity creating frustration. Impulsegamer and DarkStation criticize platforming elements for disrupting the flow, while TechRaptor and FourFaceButtons mention specific mechanics like the Marauder enemy’s counter-based gameplay as jarring. Repetition in combat encounters and uneven pacing are also recurring critiques, with New Game Network and Thumbsticks pointing to a lack of variety that can tire players over time. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Vooks and Cubed3, find certain platforming sections overly difficult or poorly integrated, suggesting the game’s ambition occasionally clashes with its core appeal. Despite these criticisms, the majority of critics agree that DOOM Eternal delivers a highly engaging and refined gameplay experience. The game’s emphasis on tactical combat, weapon customization, and vertical exploration is celebrated as a significant evolution from its predecessor, with IGN, GameSpot, and PCMag highlighting its near-perfect balance of challenge and reward. While some reviewers, like Gaming Nexus and GameRant, acknowledge the steeper learning curve and occasional overcomplication, they also recognize the game’s ability to captivate players through its relentless action and creative enemy design. The consensus leans heavily toward praise, with GameRevolution and Eurogamer Italy noting that DOOM Eternal successfully modernizes the series’ core identity while introducing mechanics that feel both fresh and faithful to its roots. Ultimately, the game’s strengths—its intensity, variety, and strategic depth—outweigh its flaws, solidifying it as a standout entry in the FPS genre.

The majority of critics overwhelmingly praised the graphics and visual design of DOOM Eternal, highlighting its stunning environments, cohesive art style, and technical prowess. Reviewers consistently noted the game’s vivid use of color, intricate level designs, and immersive atmospheric details. Games.cz lauded the “impressive visuals with varied environments,” while GameXplain emphasized the “visually stunning” locales that expanded on the previous title’s settings. ZTGD praised the “vibrant colors, outstanding level designs, and massive set pieces,” and Luis Alamilla highlighted the “hellish aesthetics” and dynamic vistas that avoided a confined feel. Blast Away the Game Review called it “one of the best-looking games of the generation,” citing the id Tech 7 engine’s ability to deliver “atmospheric design” and “smooth performance.” Critics like VGN and GotGame praised the “stunning visuals” and “detailed level design,” with PCMag noting the “distinct art style with hellish landscapes” that, while not photorealistic, felt “visually stunning.” The game’s ability to blend grotesque horror with sleek, futuristic elements was a recurring theme, as seen in Echo Boomer’s praise for its “vibrant color contrasts” and “fluid character animations,” while Paste Magazine compared the aesthetic to a “rave at a shooting range inside a Dio album cover.” However, some criticisms emerged, particularly regarding platform-specific compromises. The Nintendo Switch version faced significant downgrades, with SpazioGames noting “noticeable downgrades in resolution and texture quality,” and Nintendo Insider acknowledging that it was “visually inferior” despite still looking “fantastic.” Critics like TheGamer (Switch) pointed out readability issues due to small text, while COGconnected (Switch) described the port as resembling “an early PS3/360 game.” Other concerns included occasional generic environments and design choices that disrupted immersion. LevelUp criticized the “more generic aesthetic” resembling other franchises, while GameGrin noted some levels felt “out of place” compared to DOOM 2016. TechRaptor mentioned “visceral satisfaction” in combat but noted “occasional inconsistencies in texture quality.” While these critiques were less frequent, they underscored the game’s technical and artistic trade-offs, particularly on lower-powered hardware. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive. The majority of reviews celebrated DOOM Eternal as a visual triumph, with its “stunning” environments, “impressive” level design, and “cohesive art style” earning widespread acclaim. Critics like PC Gamer praised the “beautifully crafted environments,” while GameRevolution noted that the game’s “visual design is bold and varied.” Even on the Switch, despite graphical compromises, reviewers like Nintendo Life acknowledged its “clever optimizations” and “decent performance.” The game’s ability to balance technical polish with creative storytelling—whether through grotesque hellscapes or futuristic Earth settings—was a key strength. As The Digital Fix noted, while some level designs felt dated, the overall visual fidelity and atmospheric depth made it one of the most visually striking entries in the series. For most critics, DOOM Eternal stood as a testament to the power of modern game engines and artistic vision, with its graphics and design elevating the experience far beyond mere technical achievement.

The majority of critics overwhelmingly praised the sound design and music of DOOM Eternal, highlighting its role in amplifying the game’s intensity and immersive atmosphere. Mick Gordon’s Heavy metal soundtrack was consistently lauded for its energy, with reviewers noting how it “ramps up the encounters” (ZTGD) and “complements the game’s aggressive tone” (GameXplain). The music’s dynamic shifts during combat—such as escalating riffs during boss fights or chaotic sequences—were described as “intense and immersive” (VGN) and “perfectly synced with the action” (Kakuchopurei). Critics like Games.cz and SpazioGames emphasized how the soundtrack enhances gameplay, with the former calling it a “heavy-metal soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience” and the latter noting its quality on Switch, especially with good headphones. Tracks like Rip and Tear and The Only Thing They Fear Is You were singled out for their ability to “urge the player onward” (Guardian) and “elevate the adrenaline-fueled experience” (Gamers Heroes). The blend of industrial, electronic, and choral elements also stood out, with critics like VG247 and PCGamesN praising its “explosive fusion of metal and industrial sounds” and “intense, frenetic music” that matches the game’s brutal action. While the consensus was largely positive, some critiques pointed to minor shortcomings. A few reviewers felt the soundtrack, though powerful, lacked originality or innovation compared to previous entries. GameOver.gr criticized it as “amateurish and unremarkable,” while Game Debate noted it felt “more ambient and less integrated into the gameplay experience” than DOOM (2016). Others, like Metro GameCentral, mentioned that some tracks “could be repetitive for fans of Heavy guitar music,” and GamePro Germany observed that certain sound effects, such as enemy growls, were “less visceral than in previous entries.” Additionally, a handful of critics, including Generación Xbox, noted that the music leaned more toward “epic” than purely “metallic” compared to its predecessor. Despite these points, even the most critical reviews acknowledged the soundtrack’s effectiveness in enhancing the game’s atmosphere, with GameOver.gr admitting it “fits the game’s brutal tone” despite its flaws. Overall, the critics’ opinions reflect a strong consensus that DOOM Eternal’s sound design and music are a standout feature, deeply integrated into the gameplay experience. While a few voices expressed minor reservations about repetition or innovation, the overwhelming majority celebrated Mick Gordon’s work as a “masterful contribution” (Gaming Professors) and a “symphony of blood and metal” (The Games Machine). The soundtrack’s ability to heighten tension during combat, evoke nostalgia through classic DOOM motifs, and create an immersive, chaotic atmosphere was universally praised. As TechRaptor noted, the music “demands headbanging,” while IGN Italia called it “powerful and immersive.” Even critics who pointed out flaws acknowledged its significance, with VGChartz stating it “fits the violent, fast-paced gameplay” and Digital Trends highlighting its role in “keeping the action exhilarating.” For most reviewers, DOOM Eternal’s audio design was not just a complement to the game but an essential element that defined its identity.

The voice acting in DOOM Eternal receives generally positive feedback from multiple critics, who highlight its contribution to the game’s atmosphere and storytelling. ZTGD praises the voice acting as “good,” noting that it adds a new dimension to the narrative through the Doom Slayer’s dialogue, while VGN acknowledges the Italian voice acting as “generally good” despite some characters lacking vocal emphasis. Multiplayer.it, Vandal, and CGMagazine all commend the performances for being “well-executed” and enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, Universo Nintendo describes it as “surprisingly good,” emphasizing its seamless integration with gameplay, while Hobby Consolas and MondoXbox highlight strong character development through voice work. The inclusion of Spanish dubs, noted by Generación Xbox and Nintenderos, further enriches the experience for non-English speakers, showcasing the game’s accessibility and quality. Even Wccftech and PCWorld recognize the voice acting as a key element in balancing the game’s over-the-top storytelling with a sense of seriousness among characters. However, some critics point to specific shortcomings. Stevivor argues that the Doom Slayer feels “less intimidating” compared to previous entries, suggesting the voice acting fails to fully capture his menacing presence, while PCGamesN notes that dialogue serves more as a contrast to the Slayer’s actions than a focal point. New Game Network explicitly criticizes the dialogue as “awful,” implying poor voice acting quality, and PSX Extreme finds the holographic assistant’s “wacky commentary” jarring compared to the series’ traditionally serious tone. Atomix and ACG describe the voice acting as “fine” or “gritty,” which could signal a lack of standout performances, while USgamer points out that the Slayer rarely speaks, limiting the impact of voice work. These critiques suggest that while the voice acting is competent, it occasionally falls short in delivering the same level of intensity or memorability as other aspects of the game. Overall, the consensus leans toward appreciation for DOOM Eternal’s voice acting, with most critics agreeing it enhances immersion and storytelling despite minor flaws. While some reviewers like ZTGD and VGN acknowledge room for improvement—such as uneven character delivery or a lack of focus on the Slayer’s persona—the majority view it as a strong component of the game. The praise for Spanish dubs and the balance between humor and seriousness in dialogue (as noted by Wccftech and PCWorld) underscores its effectiveness, even if not universally flawless. Critics like Hobby Consolas and Universo Nintendo emphasize that the voice acting “adds depth” and “connects with the action,” reinforcing its role as a key strength despite occasional criticisms. The mixed feedback reflects a game where voice work is competent but occasionally overshadowed by other elements, such as gameplay or narrative execution.

The technical performance of DOOM Eternal across platforms is largely praised for its stability, optimization, and consistent frame rates. On PC, critics like Games.cz, PCMag, and VGChartz highlight seamless gameplay with minimal crashes, high frame rates (often exceeding 60fps), and excellent graphical options, including support for 4K resolution. The Xbox One and PS4 versions also receive strong marks, with reviewers such as Eurogamer Italy, IGN Italia, and VGChartz noting stable 60fps performance, short load times, and polished visuals. For the Nintendo Switch, while some graphical compromises are acknowledged (like lower resolution and frame rates capped at 30fps), critics like Nintendo Insider and Nintendo World Report commend Panic Button’s optimization efforts, calling it a “miracle port” despite hardware limitations. The game’s technical prowess is further underscored by VGN, who praised high-resolution options on Xbox One X and PS4 Pro, and Rectify Gaming, who highlighted silky-smooth frame rates across all platforms. Despite the overall positive reception, some platform-specific challenges were noted. On PC, minor issues like texture loading glitches (ACG) and occasional clipping problems (Everyeye.it) were mentioned, though these were deemed negligible. The Nintendo Switch faced more significant hurdles, including frame rate drops during cutscenes (God is a Geek, TheSixthAxis), lower resolution (VGN, Eurogamer Italy), and control responsiveness issues with Joy-Cons (Game Rant). On consoles, while most reviewers praised stability, some noted minor bugs: Jeuxvideo.com mentioned collision glitches on PS4, and Cubed3 highlighted occasional frame rate dips during intense combat. Additionally, Switch Player criticized movement slowdowns impacting platforming, and GameOver.gr pointed to a “locked 30fps” on Switch, which some found limiting in later stages. These issues, however, were often framed as trade-offs for the game’s ambitious design rather than major flaws. The overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority agreeing that DOOM Eternal delivers exceptional technical performance across all platforms. As noted by Games.cz and PCMag, the PC version exemplifies id Software’s engineering excellence, while SpazioGames and VGN praised the console ports for their stability and optimization. Even the Nintendo Switch version, despite its limitations, was lauded for its “remarkable” performance (Nintendo World Report) and “solid 30fps” (ZTGD). Critics like Blast Away the Game Review and Pixel Arts emphasized the game’s lack of major bugs or crashes, with Player.One highlighting its “excellent optimization” on PC. While platform-specific quirks existed, the technical execution was universally recognized as a standout achievement, with many reviewers—such as VG247 and Giant Bomb—calling it a testament to the id Tech 7 engine’s capabilities. The game’s ability to maintain fluidity across diverse hardware underscores its status as a technical benchmark in the action genre.

The majority of critics highlight DOOM Eternal's robust replay value through its emphasis on collectibles, secrets, and dynamic gameplay mechanics. Many praise the game’s Master Levels, cheat codes, and difficulty settings as key drivers for multiple playthroughs. For instance, Games.cz notes that cheats and Master Levels encourage revisiting the campaign, while MSPoweruser emphasizes collectibles, timed firefights, and Slayer Gates as incentives for dedicated players. PCMag and GameXplain also commend the game’s secrets, upgrades, and optional challenges, which reward exploration and experimentation. Additionally, the inclusion of Battlemode multiplayer and the Fortress of Doom hub adds layers of engagement, with critics like IGN Italia and XboxEra highlighting how these features extend the experience beyond the single-player campaign. The ability to revisit levels for hidden content, weapon customization, and varied combat strategies (e.g., Slayer Gates) further solidifies its appeal for completionists. However, several critics point out limitations in long-term replayability due to repetitive elements and structural constraints. Thumbsticks criticizes the game’s “repetitive level design” and “formulaic combat,” suggesting that even with secrets and challenges, the core mechanics may grow tiresome over time. Cerealkillerz and VGN note that Master Levels offer limited value, while some multiplayer modes like Battlemode lack depth or balance, reducing their appeal for sustained engagement. Additionally, the campaign’s 15–20 hour runtime is seen as a double-edged sword: while it provides substantial content, critics like 3DNews and GameRant argue that it feels padded or insufficient for players seeking extended post-game experiences. The reliance on collectibles and secrets, though praised by many, is occasionally criticized as “tedious” (e.g., Just Push Start) or overly reliant on mobile game-style incentives (LevelUp). These critiques underscore a tension between the game’s design philosophy and its ability to maintain player interest beyond initial playthroughs. Overall, critics agree that DOOM Eternal offers strong replay value for fans of its core mechanics, but opinions diverge on how effectively it sustains engagement. The consensus leans toward positive assessments, with outlets like GameXplain, PCMag, and IGN Italia emphasizing the game’s depth through secrets, challenges, and customization. However, the recurring criticism about repetition, limited post-game content, and uneven multiplayer appeal (e.g., Rely On Horror, New Game Network) suggests that its replayability is more appealing to completionists or hardcore fans than casual players. While some critics, like Games.cz and XboxEra, view the game as a “complete package” for multiple playthroughs, others, such as Thumbsticks and 3DNews, feel it falls short of the franchise’s legacy in terms of long-term appeal. Ultimately, DOOM Eternal’s replay value is seen as a mixed bag: a well-structured, content-rich experience with clear incentives for exploration, but one that may struggle to retain players beyond its initial charm.