DOOM

92%
Game Brain Score Based on 74,482 reviews
  • story
  • music
  • gameplay
DOOM Game Cover
It's hard to imagine a better Doom game in 2016 than this exhilarating, darkly witty new take on id's classic.
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In DOOM , play as the lone DOOM Marine and fight off fierce demons invading a research facility on Mars. The game features fast-paced, first-person combat with impossibly destructive guns and various multiplayer modes. Use the DOOM SnapMap game editor to create, play, and share your own content.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
  • Play​Station
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
  • Xbox Game Pass
  • x_box_cloud_gaming
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

92%
Audience ScoreBased on 74,482 reviews
story2,520 positive mentions
stability324 negative mentions
  • story7,984 mentions

    The story in "Doom (2016)" is generally described as straightforward and minimalistic, serving primarily as a backdrop to the intense gameplay rather than a focal point. While some players appreciate the lore and world-building elements found in collectibles and codex entries, many agree that the primary appeal lies in the fast-paced, action-oriented combat, with the narrative often taking a backseat. Overall, the game successfully balances a simple plot with engaging mechanics, allowing players to enjoy the carnage without being bogged down by excessive storytelling.

    • “The story is engaging and the brutal world quickly draws you in.”
    • “This kind of interesting setting is a good choice of game design and story to keep the player interested, and they've done a great job.”
    • “The story is straightforward but effective, focusing on a lone marine battling an invasion from hell.”
    • “The story is fairly average, but I believe these games are more about the gameplay than the narrative.”
    • “The story is lackluster, but I kind of expected it and exploration is fun.”
    • “The story is minimal, but who cares about that do you?”
  • music7,866 mentions

    The music in Doom (2016) is widely praised as one of its standout features, with many reviewers highlighting the exceptional work of composer Mick Gordon. The heavy metal soundtrack dynamically adapts to gameplay, enhancing the adrenaline-fueled experience of slaying demons and creating a visceral atmosphere that keeps players engaged. Overall, the combination of intense action and a killer soundtrack has made it a favorite among fans, often described as a perfect fit for the game's brutal combat.

    • “The music alone could melt your face off faster than standing too close to the sun.”
    • “Combine the solid gunplay with one of the best soundtracks in gaming history and you've got a recipe for a great time.”
    • “The soundtrack, composed by Mick Gordon, plays a significant role in setting the tone.”
    • “The music is disappointing, robotic-electric-metal that sounds like TV static most of the time.”
    • “The only con is when doing an execution, the music goes down.”
    • “The music, while some songs just sound like constant farting, is mostly good.”
  • gameplay7,651 mentions

    The gameplay of Doom (2016) is widely praised for its fast-paced, fluid mechanics that encourage aggressive play, with many reviewers highlighting the satisfying "glory kill" system that rewards players for close combat. While the core gameplay loop can become repetitive over time, the combination of intense action, a diverse arsenal of weapons, and a killer soundtrack creates an exhilarating experience that resonates with both new players and fans of the original series. Overall, the game successfully modernizes classic FPS elements while maintaining the essence of what made Doom iconic, resulting in a highly engaging and enjoyable gameplay experience.

    • “The tight gameplay and dynamic stem-based soundtrack make every encounter feel like an elaborate dance that tasks you with managing your resources and using every tool at your disposal to take down the armies of demons placed in front of you.”
    • “The gameplay is fast and requires constant movement, emphasizing the importance of offense over defense.”
    • “The gameplay is where Doom 2016 truly shines, with fast and fluid movement mechanics that make for some of the most exhilarating and satisfying shooter gameplay in recent memory.”
    • “The gameplay loop is basic and flat compared to Eternal's; you just spam the super shotgun, not only because it's the most powerful weapon, but also because it's the only one in 2016 that feels good to shoot with.”
    • “The small moments of padding and fluff and the coercive reminders of your failure to jump through hoops transform these milestones into a constant handbrake on the speed of gameplay and a weight on your mind.”
    • “The gameplay does get a little repetitive after 9 levels, and the boss fights are a little bit disappointing, especially the last boss fight that feels a little clunky at certain points.”
  • graphics5,784 mentions

    The graphics of Doom (2016) have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visual fidelity and detailed environments, effectively blending modern aesthetics with the classic Doom feel. Players have noted the game's impressive optimization, allowing it to run smoothly even on lower-end hardware while maintaining high frame rates and vibrant graphics. The combination of beautiful graphics, intense action, and a heavy metal soundtrack creates an immersive experience that captures the essence of the original series while appealing to contemporary gaming standards.

    • “The art style of Doom (2016) is the perfect blend of industrial sci-fi and heavy metal album cover.”
    • “The visuals are, as expected, phenomenal and the level design is some of the best I've ever seen, to be expected out of a modern iteration of one of gaming's old gods - a perfect blend of super-futuristic and downright Lovecraftian that works incredibly well together.”
    • “The graphics are sharp and vibrant, with a strong use of lighting and effects to enhance the atmosphere.”
    • “In my opinion, the graphics are downright ugly, even if drawn well.”
    • “The graphics are definitely aging, but they still hold up in 2023, just don't look too close.”
    • “The graphics, the animations, the level design, the simple but fun and challenging gameplay loop.”
  • optimization1,275 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received widespread acclaim, with many users praising its ability to run smoothly on a variety of hardware, including older systems. The implementation of the Vulkan API has significantly enhanced performance, allowing for high frame rates even at maximum settings. While some users reported minor performance issues, the overall consensus is that the game is exceptionally well-optimized, making it accessible and enjoyable for a broad range of players.

    • “The lighting and level design are top-notch, the effects near perfection and the optimization impressive.”
    • “From a technical standpoint, this game stands out as a paragon of optimization within the modern gaming industry.”
    • “I keep getting blown away on just how optimized this game is.”
    • “This game is so horrendously optimized it is unplayable.”
    • “The game can look amazing, but even on the highest setting, the performance you get is unjustified compared to the looks and scale of the game.”
    • “Despite the poor multiplayer gameplay and weapons performance, I still have to say that the campaign story, graphics, and mechanics saved the game from suffering horribly wrong.”
  • atmosphere773 mentions

    The atmosphere in Doom 2016 is widely praised for its gritty, immersive quality that effectively combines dark, hellish environments with vibrant graphics and a powerful soundtrack. Players appreciate the game's ability to evoke a sense of adrenaline and chaos through its intense combat and atmospheric sound design, while also capturing the essence of the original Doom series. However, some critiques mention a lack of the suspenseful horror atmosphere found in Doom 3, with a more arcade-like feel that may not resonate with all fans of the franchise.

    • “Doom 2016 combines the kinetic flow of fast movement, weighty and impactful weapons, atmospheric graphics and audio, daemonic enemy creature design, excellent platforming and area layouts, great music with just enough story, humor and a whole load of no-nonsense attitude to make one of the most thrilling and fun games out there...”
    • “The heavy beats, pulse-pounding rhythms, and electrifying guitar riffs create an atmosphere that perfectly complements the chaos on screen.”
    • “The atmosphere is dark, the gameplay is satisfying, the story is great, and the lore is... alright.”
    • “I played Doom Eternal and I really enjoyed it, but when I bought Doom 2016 on Steam (with the hope that it is not a big difference between these two), I was welcomed with a boring atmosphere and without interest at all.”
    • “The game does not rely on a subtle horror atmosphere like its direct predecessor, but on pure adrenaline.”
    • “This version is just another frantic shooter which has no atmosphere...for me anyway.”
  • replayability712 mentions

    The replayability of Doom (2016) is generally regarded as high, with many players appreciating the variety of collectibles, challenges, and difficulty settings that encourage multiple playthroughs. The inclusion of modes like arcade and SnapMap, which allows for user-generated content, further enhances its replay value. However, some reviewers noted that the campaign's relatively short length and linearity may limit long-term replayability for those not interested in completing every challenge or finding all secrets.

    • “The game also offers a surprising amount of single-player replayability via collectibles, challenges, higher difficulties, and secrets.”
    • “This adds significant replay value and fosters a creative community around the game.”
    • “The replayability is there if you enjoy the gameplay, but don’t expect a ton of content here.”
    • “It's not as adrenaline pumping or as replayable as Eternal, but it's still well worth your time and money.”
    • “Unfortunately, it has very very low replayability.”
    • “The single player is short but with replayability that extends the longevity of the game substantially.”
  • stability485 mentions

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting a range of bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay, including freezing, crashing, and issues with save files. While some users noted that the game runs smoothly on high-end systems and praised its overall performance, others experienced significant frustrations due to persistent technical problems, particularly on lower-end hardware. Overall, while the game offers an enjoyable experience, its stability issues remain a notable concern for many players.

    • “The game feels so polished, bug free, it's unbelievable.”
    • “It's an absolute masterpiece: looks great, runs great, plays great and feels great.”
    • “The graphics are beautiful, and the game runs great for me, no hiccups, no glitches, only one frame drop in my entire 3.7 hours I have put into this game so far.”
    • “The game is fucking broken; every time I try to do the beginning of the end, the screen glitches and I'm stuck looking up from the bottom of the map.”
    • “It's 2023 and the glitches/bugs are still plentiful.”
    • “I was thrilled; I bought this game and it was all good for 9 hours of gameplay, until I reach an area where there should be a big explosion and... boom, the game freezes every time I get there, very disappointing.”
  • humor423 mentions

    The humor in the game is described as dark, absurd, and often self-aware, with players finding joy in the over-the-top violence and absurdity of slaying demons. Many reviews highlight the game's tongue-in-cheek moments, clever easter eggs, and the comedic contrast between the brutal gameplay and the lighthearted tone, making it a source of consistent laughter. Overall, the humor enhances the chaotic experience, providing a fun and engaging backdrop to the intense action.

    • “Remember: in hell, no one can hear you scream… because you’re too busy laughing maniacally while mowing down the hordes of the underworld.”
    • “The enemy variety, the gun roster, the boss fights, the level design, and so much humor... I really can just recommend it with a huge grin on my face.”
    • “Ripping demons apart and blowing them to bits brings forth such a child-like giddy joy to my heart, and the tone and humor are perfectly meshed with the pure, unadulterated metal that the rest of the game is.”
    • “After the first 50 demons you slay, it's not funny anymore to see a scripted animation of a demon face exploding; it just interrupts the pace of the game, which is already slow for an old-style FPS.”
    • “It's not funny, and real Doom 3 fans will be very frustrated about this final release.”
    • “You're not funny!”
  • grinding370 mentions

    The reviews indicate that grinding in the game can often shift from enjoyable to tedious, particularly in the later stages where repetitive tasks, backtracking for collectibles, and combat encounters become monotonous. While some players appreciate the fast-paced action and satisfying mechanics, many express frustration with the grind required for upgrades and secrets, leading to a less engaging experience as the game progresses. Overall, the grinding aspect is seen as a mixed bag, with some players finding it manageable while others deem it overly tedious.

    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “There's no grinding, and mechanics aren't difficult to figure out.”
    • “No side-quests, no grinding, no boring moments.”
    • “This wasn't terrible to play and again, by no means a terrible game, but for something to be called fast-paced and chaotic it got awfully tedious at some parts.”
    • “I thought this game was about fun, but for me it ended up being too tedious.”
    • “The gameplay is repetitive: enter arena, kill everything, tediously search for keys or collectibles, run down hallway, repeat ad nauseam.”
  • emotional219 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by a mix of empowerment and nostalgia, with many players expressing feelings of invincibility and joy while engaging in its fast-paced, demon-slaying action. While some reviews highlight a lack of deep emotional storytelling, others appreciate the game's ability to evoke strong feelings through its gameplay and soundtrack, creating a wholesome and fun experience that resonates with both new and returning players. Overall, the game is seen as a thrilling, albeit simplistic, emotional journey that prioritizes exhilarating combat over complex narratives.

    • “This game made me feel like the man my father always wanted me to be.”
    • “And especially at 6:34 that part was just so truly heart touching words cannot describe the series of emotions I felt.”
    • “I cried when Vega died, the final big money shot on the end boss was deeply satisfying.”
    • “Constantly pulls you out of the action for some boring story.”
    • “I wasn't too impressed with the tired and boring story.”
    • “The gameplay is top, the action is fast-paced and the boring story is even beaten up by Doom Guy.”
  • monetization114 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many users praising the absence of microtransactions, DLC, and intrusive ads, which are often seen as detrimental to the gaming experience. Players appreciate that all upgrades and collectibles can be unlocked through gameplay alone, allowing for a more authentic and enjoyable experience reminiscent of classic titles. However, some criticism exists regarding ads on the main menu and the overall design of the menu itself, which detracts from the otherwise solid gameplay experience.

    • “It's worth mentioning that all upgrades and collectibles are unlockable just by playing the game, so no DLCs or microtransactions.”
    • “Truly a great game, one of the best FPS I have played, and it doesn't have microtransactions; you can unlock everything by just playing the game, which is so much fun.”
    • “The game is extremely well polished and contains no microtransactions.”
    • “I've had more fun doing this dumb review than the hours spent downloading dozens of gigabytes for locale support I didn't select, videos I didn't watch, non-gameplay I didn't non-play, ads for products I don't want, and levels with checkpoints.”
    • “What bothered me was the quake-like combat arenas, and an advertising effort around that, but not quake-like speed.”
    • “This game, however, just felt like a cash grab on the Doom name.”
  • character development62 mentions

    Character development in the game is generally viewed as minimal, with many reviewers noting that the focus is primarily on fast-paced gameplay and action rather than deep storytelling or character arcs. While some appreciate the unique and visually impressive character designs, they often emphasize that the game is not intended for those seeking rich narrative experiences. Overall, the character development is seen as secondary to the exhilarating combat and aesthetic elements, with a few acknowledging some clever execution in conveying character traits through gameplay rather than dialogue.

    • “The character development is questionable and the story progression is organic at best.”
    • “While Doom's plot is streamlined and character development done without any dialogue from or direct information about the player character, it is clever in its execution, as his behavior and reactions inform us about him.”
    • “Every aspect of this – from the character design, the sound, the score, the environments, the animations and even the ending credits – is crafted with such obvious love and care and I really hope the dev team are proud of themselves for what they’ve accomplished.”
    • “I guess if you like generic run and gun shooters which give zero shits about story, character development, interesting visuals or any video game developments this side of the millennium then this is the game for you.”
    • “If you want character development and story, you are not in the right place.”
    • “The missing 2/10 is lack of any real story and character development.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

88% average critic score

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Play time

12hMedian play time
24hAverage play time
12hMain story
27hCompletionist
6-23hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 223 analyzed playthroughs

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