Hell’s armies have invaded Earth, and it’s up to you—the Doom Slayer—to wipe out demons and save humanity. DOOM Eternal was developed by id Software and published by Bethesda. It delivers a pulse-pounding mix of speed and strength. This gripping single-player campaign spans dimensions and worlds. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, this 2020 release is packed with action, intense combat, and stunning visuals. These elements keep you on the edge of your seat.
Intense, Push-Forward Combat
Right from the first level, DOOM Eternal brings back the series’ signature push-forward, first-person action. You’re never allowed to sit back and snipe enemies from afar. Instead, you have to keep moving, stay aggressive, and maintain pressure. For example, when you sprint into a room filled with Imps and Revenants, you’ll need to dodge projectiles. Then chain melee kills. Finally, use your flame belcher or wrist blade to refill your health and armor. This “unholy trinity” of health, armor, and ammo management adds a strategic layer. Every time you tear off a demon’s head, you refill your armor. Shotgun blast up close refills your health. Every glory kill drops armor orbs. You’re constantly juggling resources.
Moreover, the variety of upgraded weapons and mods keeps combat feeling fresh. You’ll unlock a shoulder-mounted flamethrower early on. This tool lets you melt weaker demons’ armor to expose more health. Later, you get the Plasma Rifle with a scorching overdrive mod. You also get the Rocket Launcher with a lock-on upgrade. Each tool is designed for specific situations. If you see a Mancubus, you might target its fire cannons with a precision bolt. Against a Cacodemon, you’ll want to drain its shield with your multi-shot rocket. The improved movement mechanics—double jump, dash, and climbable walls—grant freedom to weave in and out of danger. Every encounter then feels like a carefully choreographed dance.
Player Experience
Of course, this fast pace can be overwhelming at first. Constant resource management might feel daunting. This is especially true if you’re not used to keeping one eye on your health bar. At the same time, you must dodge fireballs and gun down hordes of foes. On the bright side, completionists have plenty to explore. Hidden Sentinel Batteries, collectibles, and weapon upgrade points are scattered throughout each level. If you like hunting for secrets, you’ll spend extra time scouring arenas. You’ll find secret passages and unlock powerful bonus items. These rewards can turn the tide of battle.
Jaw-Dropping Graphics and Smooth Performance
Visually, DOOM Eternal impresses from the start. The game greets you with highly detailed environments. You explore cracked city streets overrun by demonic growth. Witness fiery Hellscapes filled with lava rivers. You navigate corrupted UAC facilities. The developers crafted each area with care. You’ll see flickering neon signs on ruined billboards. Grotesque demon textures look ripped straight from nightmares. The game uses vibrant color palettes—bright reds, sickly greens, and industrial grays—to make enemies stand out. This visual clarity helps you spot threats instantly.
Also, the idTech 7 engine drives a buttery-smooth frame rate. You never see slowdowns, even when dozens of enemies fill the screen. Explosive particles and chaotic lighting remain fluid. On a mid-range gaming PC or the latest consoles, you maintain a steady 60 FPS at 1080p. You won’t sacrifice graphic detail. In a game this fast, consistent performance matters. Developers polished and optimized every scene for high performance. From the blazing fires of Hell to the burning wreckage on Earth, you experience polished and detailed visuals.
A Straightforward Story That Moves Quickly
If you’re looking for a complex narrative full of twists, you might be disappointed—DOOM Eternal’s story is pretty straightforward. You play as the Doom Slayer, a nearly unstoppable warrior awoken to stop the demonic invasion. Early on, you learn that Hell has launched a full-scale attack on Earth. It’s up to you to travel between dimensions, reclaim lost artifacts, and lock Hell’s portals shut. There are side missions—like rescuing trapped humans or recovering data logs—that flesh out the backstory. Yet the main plot moves at breakneck speed.
The game does offer extra lore through environmental storytelling and a detailed codex. If you pause during certain cinematic moments, you’ll see hidden details in every frame—etched runes, scattered documents, or strange symbols hinting at the Doom Slayer’s origins. Codex entries unlock after certain kills or collectibles and give more information on demon hierarchies, UAC experiments, and the ancient Sentinel race. Overall, the story isn’t groundbreaking. It fits the game’s “action-first” design and keeps the pace moving.
Innovative Battlemode Multiplayer
For those who want a break from the single-player campaign, DOOM Eternal’s Battlemode offers a fresh twist on multiplayer. Essentially, it’s a 2-versus-1 format: two player-controlled demons team up and face off against a fully loaded Doom Slayer. This mode balances asymmetrical gameplay—demons have unique powers and abilities, like summoning minions or healing in lava pits. The Slayer has all his single-player weapons and upgrades. Matches are quick, intense, and force both sides to adapt on the fly.
Battlemode isn’t for everyone. If you thrive on the high-octane pace of the solo game, you might find the multiplayer’s slower, tactical approach jarring. Also, since it launched at release, there isn’t a huge player base. Finding matches can sometimes be a challenge. However, if you have a couple of friends interested in trying something different, it’s a fun diversion. It adds replay value—especially if you’re craving PvP action between demon-slaying runs.
Why DOOM Eternal Stands Out
Overall, DOOM Eternal is a standout in the first-person shooter genre. The combat systems are brilliantly designed, making every fight feel rewarding. The game’s performance and visual fidelity set a new standard—each arena feels alive, and you never worry about frame rate dips during boss fights. For example, battling the Doom Hunter on a speeding Hell train with embers flying and explosions everywhere holds a solid 60 FPS. You stay completely immersed.
Completionists will appreciate the generous amount of secrets and upgrades. Whether you’re collecting Sentinel Crystals to improve your health and ammo capacity or hunting Praetor Suit tokens to unlock new armor skins and cheats, there’s always a reason to explore. Tracking down Slayer Gates to earn bonus weapon mods further enriches the experience. However, bear in mind that juggling health, armor, and ammo can sometimes interrupt the fast flow. If you run out of resources in a fiery arena, you’ll need to play cautiously until you refill. This pause can slow the adrenaline rush.
While the single-player campaign is the star attraction, Battlemode offers a unique multiplayer experience for those looking to test their skills against human opponents. It’s not as fleshed-out as traditional deathmatch modes. Still, it injects variety and encourages strategic play when facing off as a demon or as the Slayer.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Conclusion: A Must-Play Shooter
In short, DOOM Eternal is a high-octane, must-play title for any fan of fast-paced shooters. The blend of relentless combat, breathtaking visuals, and satisfying weapon variety makes it hard to put down. Even if you find resource management a bit demanding, the overall experience—a hellish rollercoaster ride—more than compensates. If you’re ready to dive into a world where demons roam free and only the Slayer can stop them, add DOOM Eternal to your Steam collection today.
