Doom (2016)
Doom is the shooter, and Doom (2016) is a nearly perfect tribute to its past achievements and future promise. It’s pure demon-ripping adrenaline, unadulterated by breathless NPCs, guided sequences, or an abundance of cover.
Many modern shooters punish you for being overly aggressive. Doom revels in it. Ultra-violent executions reward you for health, creating a feedback loop of having fun to have more fun. A cornucopia of secrets, collectibles, and Easter eggs make its horror house mazes rewarding to explore as well, but Doom never overplays its hand. You’re here to find zen by blasting a space marine-sized hole through Hell’s army, and maybe enjoy some power-ups and wiping out an entire room with a BFG along the way.
Doom does not try to make you feel guilty about that. Instead, it’s fine-tuned to help you realize that fantasy bravado and joy.
Ethan Gach, Senior Reporter
