DOOM VFR

The story of DOOM VFR is generally viewed as a functional, if unambitious, framework that prioritizes gameplay over narrative depth. Several critics acknowledged its role in providing context for the game’s mechanics and setting, such as Push Square noting the protagonist’s transition into an AI to fight demons on Mars, which ties into features like teleportation. Multiplayer.it highlighted the minimalistic approach, emphasizing how the narrative serves as a pretext for action rather than a central focus. Similarly, GameStar praised its brevity and alignment with the DOOM universe, while GameWatcher noted that it “aligns with the DOOM universe” despite being brief. These reviews suggest that while the story lacks complexity, it effectively supports the game’s core identity as an action-oriented experience, particularly for fans of the series who expect a focus on combat over storytelling. However, the majority of critics panned the narrative as shallow, repetitive, and unengaging. Eurogamer Italy and GameCrate criticized the lack of depth, with the former calling it “minimalistic” and the latter noting that the plot is “not meant to be complex or engaging.” IGN and GameCrate specifically highlighted the protagonist’s passive role, with IGN describing him as a “major letdown” for failing to capitalize on the premise of a transferred consciousness. DarkStation criticized the disinterested voice acting, while GameSpot called the character “a generic UAC employee” who lacks the brutality of previous DOOM protagonists. Many reviewers also pointed out that the story reuses elements from the 2016 game without adding originality, as noted by UploadVR and Eurogamer Italy, who described it as a “recycled remix.” The lack of character development, jarring narration, and simplistic puzzles further undermined its impact, with XGN and Road to VR calling it “insipid” and “inconsequential.” Overall, the consensus among critics is that DOOM VFR’s story is a minor component of the experience, serving more as a backdrop for action than a compelling narrative. While some reviewers, like Multiplayer.it and Push Square, appreciated its minimalism as consistent with the series’ ethos, most found it lacking in originality, emotional resonance, and structural coherence. The game’s focus on combat and VR mechanics overshadowed its storytelling, leading to mixed reactions. Critics like GameStar and GameWatcher acknowledged its brief but functional narrative, while others, such as IGN and GameCrate, deemed it a significant weakness. Ultimately, the story of DOOM VFR is seen as a necessary but unremarkable element that fails to elevate the experience beyond its gameplay-driven core.

The gameplay of DOOM VFR is widely praised for its faithful adaptation of the original DOOM’s frenetic combat and intense action, with many critics highlighting its immersive VR execution. Game Informer and IGN Italy commend the game’s retention of core mechanics like Glory Kills, weapon variety, and arena-based design, while Eurogamer Italy notes tight controls (especially with the DualShock 4) and innovative features such as finisher moves that restore health. The teleportation mechanic is frequently lauded as a clever solution for VR movement, with IGN and PlayStation LifeStyle praising its role in maintaining fast-paced action. Critics like GameGrin and Vandal also appreciate the game’s focus on demon-slaying and dynamic enemy encounters, emphasizing its ability to capture the series’ essence despite being reimagined for VR. The use of motion controllers (e.g., PS Move) and the Aim Controller is seen as a standout feature by some, with App Trigger and PlaySense noting their physicality and immersion. However, the gameplay faces significant criticism due to inconsistent and clunky control schemes across platforms. Multiple reviewers, including GamingTrend, Metro GameCentral, and Gameblog.fr, highlight issues like delayed teleportation, awkward aiming, and problematic weapon wheels that disrupt combat flow. The lack of melee options (e.g., chainsaws or Glory Kills) and simplified mechanics are also recurring complaints, with GameGrin and Gameblog.fr noting these omissions reduce the game’s brutality compared to previous entries. LaPS4 and Attack of the Fanboy criticize the slower pacing and repetitive teleportation, which they argue dilute the original’s intensity. Additionally, control schemes vary widely in effectiveness: while some (like the DualShock 4) offer smoother movement, others (e.g., PS Move) suffer from motion sickness and limited mobility, as noted by DarkStation and Gaming Nexus. These technical flaws often overshadow the game’s strengths, creating a fragmented experience. Overall, critics agree that DOOM VFR successfully translates the core gameplay of DOOM into VR but struggles with control implementation and pacing. While Game Informer and IGN Italy praise its immersive combat and faithful design, many (e.g., Metro GameCentral, GamingTrend) argue that the VR adaptation sacrifices the original’s fluidity for mechanics like teleportation, which feel outdated compared to free movement in other VR titles. Despite these issues, there is a consensus that the game remains an enjoyable, if imperfect, experience for fans of the series. Vandal and Push Square highlight its "faithful execution" of DOOM’s essence, while Road to VR and GameStar acknowledge the thrilling combat despite technical shortcomings. Ultimately, DOOM VFR is seen as a bold but flawed attempt to bring the classic action into VR, with its strengths in intensity and immersion tempered by control challenges that limit its potential.

The graphics and visual design of DOOM VFR receive a mix of praise for their immersive VR execution and atmospheric depth, despite technical limitations. Many critics highlight the game’s ability to leverage VR to create a visceral, scale-driven experience, with GameSpot noting that VR makes Hell feel "more immersive and harrowing," while Push Square praises its "so pretty" sci-fi environments and glowing weapons. The attention to detail in demon designs, such as the terrifying close-ups of enemies like the Mancubus (as noted by Hobby Consolas) and the cohesive sci-fi gothic art style (from GameCrate), is frequently lauded. Additionally, Areajugones and PlayStation Universe commend the game’s near-perfect replication of the original DOOM’s graphics in VR, with IGN acknowledging its "respectable" visuals for a PS4 VR title. The game’s ability to translate the chaotic, hellish aesthetic into a 3D space is seen as a strength, particularly in how it enhances tension and environmental interaction. However, several critics point to significant technical shortcomings that detract from the visual experience. Game Informer and GMW3 criticize the graphics as "blurry," "muddy," and "dramatically downgraded" compared to non-VR versions, with Gamer.no noting poor texture quality and low draw distance in VR. Issues like recycled assets (per Digital Chumps) and inconsistent enemy animations (from GameCrate) further undermine the visual fidelity. Road to VR highlights compromises such as reduced poly counts and "scale issues," while Impulsegamer mentions minor pop-in problems. The original 1993 levels are also criticized for being "not optimized for VR" (InsideGamer.nl), and some feel the game fails to fully exploit VR’s potential, as noted by Gamer.nl. These critiques suggest that while DOOM VFR excels in immersion, its technical constraints limit its graphical ambition. The overall consensus among critics is cautiously positive, with praise for the game’s immersive VR design and atmospheric elements outweighing its technical flaws. While GameCrate and Metro GameCentral highlight the game’s "fantastic" visuals and attention to detail, others like IGN and GameStar acknowledge that PC versions offer superior clarity. The trade-off between visual quality and performance is a recurring theme, with many recognizing DOOM VFR as a standout VR title despite its compromises. PlaySense even calls it "the best PS VR title available," while Areajugones celebrates its "near-perfect" replication of the original’s graphics. Though not without flaws, the game is widely seen as a successful adaptation of DOOM’s iconic aesthetic into VR, balancing nostalgia with innovative spatial design.

The sound design and music of DOOM VFR received widespread acclaim for their intensity, immersion, and alignment with the game’s chaotic, high-octane aesthetic. Critics consistently praised Mick Gordon’s metal soundtrack as a standout element, with GameSpot highlighting its role in driving combat experience, while Hardcore Gamer described it as “kick-ass” and “adrenaline-fueled.” The fusion of heavy metal, synth, and dubstep elements—noted by Impulsegamer and PlaySense—was lauded for amplifying the game’s visceral energy. Additionally, spatialized sound design, such as enemy audio cues that prompted players to physically turn their heads (JeuxActu), and ambient sounds like growls and explosions (Worth Playing) were celebrated for enhancing immersion. IGN Spain called the soundtrack “magnífica banda sonora,” emphasizing its contribution to atmosphere, while LaPS4 highlighted the localized Spanish dub as a plus for accessibility. Overall, the music was seen as a critical pillar of the game’s identity, with many reviewers noting how it elevated the VR experience through its relentless, immersive quality. While the soundtrack and sound design were largely praised, some critics pointed to areas where details felt underexplored or less impactful. CGMagazine noted that while creature sounds contributed to immersion, the sound design “isn’t fully realized,” suggesting room for refinement. Similarly, Hobby Consolas and Worth Playing mentioned a lack of specific elaboration on sound effects beyond general praise, and JeuxActu acknowledged spatialization as a strength but omitted deeper analysis of musical elements. Digital Trends and GamingTrend praised the “top-notch” sound design but offered little in terms of technical or creative specifics. These critiques highlight a recurring theme: while the audio aspects were effective and immersive, they occasionally lacked the depth or innovation to stand out as groundbreaking, leaving some reviewers wanting more detailed exploration of how soundscapes and musical composition interacted with gameplay mechanics. The overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with nearly all acknowledging the soundtrack and sound design as integral to DOOM VFR’s success. The music’s intensity and alignment with the game’s aggressive tone were universally praised, particularly by outlets like GameCrate, which highlighted its “visceral satisfaction,” and Vandal, which emphasized how it enhanced the VR experience. While some reviews, such as those from CGMagazine and JeuxActu, noted minor shortcomings in sound design depth or specificity, these were overshadowed by the general enthusiasm for the audio’s role in creating an immersive, adrenaline-fueled atmosphere. The combination of Mick Gordon’s iconic metal score, spatialized enemy sounds, and ambient effects created a cohesive auditory experience that resonated across platforms, cementing DOOM VFR’s reputation as a standout title in VR gaming.

The voice acting in DOOM VFR received mixed but notable praise, particularly for its localized efforts and unique narrative approach. IGN Spain highlighted the Spanish voice acting (doblaje al castellano) as a positive aspect, emphasizing how it enriched the overall experience, especially for non-English speakers. Meanwhile, GMW3 praised the protagonist’s narration for offering more depth than previous DOOM games, noting that it moved beyond simple groans and quips to provide a more immersive VR experience. These elements showcased the game’s potential to innovate within its genre, leveraging voice work to enhance player engagement in ways distinct from traditional first-person shooters. However, the majority of critics found the voice acting lacking in key areas. DarkStation criticized the protagonist’s delivery as overly casual and disinterested, contrasting it with the iconic, stoic presence of the Doom Slayer in earlier titles. GameSpot echoed this sentiment, calling the character a “generic cypher” who failed to add charisma or narrative depth, instead serving only as an exposition tool for UAC equipment. Game Informer and Gamer.no similarly condemned the voice acting as unengaging, with the former criticizing excessive and annoying dialogue that undermined the experience. Even Vandal, while noting the importance of Spanish translation in VR, admitted there were no specific details on the quality or performance of the voice actors, highlighting a gap in critical evaluation. Overall, the consensus leans toward criticism, with most reviewers feeling the voice acting fell short of expectations. While localized efforts and VR-specific narration offered some positives, the protagonist’s unremarkable delivery and lack of emotional depth overshadowed these aspects. The disconnect between the character’s performance and the game’s high-octane action likely contributed to a sense of detachment for players. Despite occasional praise for innovation, the voice acting in DOOM VFR struggled to match the impact of previous entries in the series, leaving many critics underwhelmed by its execution.

The technical performance of DOOM VFR on PS4 is generally praised for its stability and smooth frame rates, with several critics highlighting its ability to run without significant lag or crashes. Gameblog.fr notes a consistent 90fps even during intense action, while JeuxActu emphasizes the game’s solid technical execution despite high system demands. The PlayStation Move controllers, though criticized by some, are acknowledged as functional for certain playstyles, and the DualShock 4 offers a more comfortable alternative for those avoiding VR-specific motion sickness (GameOver.gr). On PC, the game also demonstrates strong performance, with GamingTrend noting a stable framerate and IGN praising its efficient hardware usage. UploadVR and others mention that while PC versions require powerful systems, they avoid some of the PS4’s VR-specific limitations, such as tracking issues. However, both platforms face significant technical challenges. On PS4, critics like App Trigger and Critical Hit highlight persistent control issues with the Move controllers, including awkward weapon handling, poor tracking, and motion sickness caused by fast-paced movement. CGMagazine and GameSpot point to limitations in locomotion mechanics, such as the lack of full freedom of movement and clunky teleportation systems, while Road to VR criticizes glitches like clipping and inconsistent interactions. On PC, issues like glitchy grenade mechanics (GameCrate), delayed teleportation (Game Informer), and UI inconsistencies (UploadVR) plague the experience. Additionally, motion sickness remains a recurring concern across both platforms, with Areajugones and DarkStation noting discomfort for new VR users, while Gamer.no criticizes the lack of natural movement options. Overall, critics agree that DOOM VFR is technically stable but marred by platform-specific flaws. PS4 reviewers emphasize hardware constraints—particularly the PSVR’s tracking limitations and Move controller shortcomings—as major hurdles, though some praise its optimization (Gameblog.fr). PC users face different challenges, including higher system requirements and control scheme inconsistencies, yet many acknowledge the game’s potential when these issues are addressed (IGN). Despite mixed feedback, there is a consensus that DOOM VFR represents an ambitious VR adaptation of a classic FPS, with technical shortcomings largely attributed to the evolving nature of VR technology. While some critics like GameOver.gr and Road to VR find the experience frustrating, others, such as Hobby Consolas and ZTGD, highlight its fluidity and adaptability when played with optimized controls. The game’s success ultimately hinges on balancing its core mechanics with the limitations of its platforms.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of DOOM VFR is mixed but leans toward cautious optimism, particularly for fans of the franchise and VR enthusiasts. Several critics highlight elements that encourage multiple playthroughs, such as difficulty tiers, collectibles, and unlockable content. For instance, App Trigger emphasizes the game’s “intense gameplay” and desire to master controls, suggesting replayability through skill development. Gaming Nexus notes that secrets, bonus levels from the original DOOM, and harder difficulties provide incentives for revisiting the campaign. Similarly, IGN and PlayStation LifeStyle point to achievements, classic maps, and challenge modes as factors that enhance replay value, even if the core experience is brief. The VR aspect itself is seen as a unique draw, with critics like GameCritics acknowledging its immersive appeal despite limitations. However, the negatives dominate the critique, with most reviewers agreeing that DOOM VFR suffers from a short runtime (typically 3–5 hours) and limited content. Critics like CGMagazine, GameGrin, and Eurogamer Italy describe the game as a “three-hour experience” or “four-hour clock,” emphasizing that its brevity restricts long-term engagement. Many point to recycled assets from the 2016 DOOM release, with Gameblog.fr and GameOver.gr criticizing the lack of original content beyond three classic maps. The repetitive nature of exploration, such as “moving from A to B” (InsideGamer.nl), and minimal post-game incentives further diminish replayability. Additionally, issues like frustrating controls (Metro GameCentral) and a lack of progression systems (DarkStation) are cited as barriers to repeated play. Even the low price point (e.g., PlaySense) is seen as a mitigating factor but not a solution to the game’s core shortcomings. The overall consensus among critics is that DOOM VFR offers moderate replay value, primarily appealing to fans of the franchise and VR enthusiasts rather than general audiences. While elements like difficulty scaling, collectibles, and nostalgic content (e.g., classic DOOM maps) provide some incentive for multiple playthroughs, the game’s short length and lack of substantial post-game content are major drawbacks. Critics like App Trigger and Gaming Nexus acknowledge its replayability potential, but others, such as GameGrin and Eurogamer Italy, argue that these features are insufficient to justify repeated engagement. Ultimately, DOOM VFR is seen as a flawed but enjoyable VR experience that prioritizes novelty over longevity, leaving its replay value dependent on individual tolerance for brevity and repetition.