Doom 64

The atmosphere of Doom 64 is widely praised for its dark, moody, and immersive qualities, which significantly diverge from the more action-oriented tone of its predecessors. Reviewers highlight the game's effective use of ambient soundtracks, eerie lighting, and gothic visuals that create a sense of horror and tension, making it feel more like a horror game than a traditional shooter. While some players miss the heavy metal soundtracks of earlier titles, many appreciate the unique atmospheric experience that Doom 64 offers, solidifying its place as a standout entry in the series.

The graphics of Doom 64 have received mixed reviews, with many praising the updated visuals and atmospheric enhancements that create a darker, more immersive experience compared to its predecessors. While some players appreciate the nostalgic charm and improved sprite work, others criticize the graphics as dated or lacking in detail, particularly when viewed on modern displays. Overall, the game is noted for its unique art style and effective use of lighting, contributing to a distinct horror aesthetic that sets it apart from earlier Doom titles.

The gameplay of Doom 64 retains the classic fast-paced run-and-gun mechanics familiar to fans of the series, while introducing a darker atmosphere and more puzzle elements that some players find engaging, though others may see them as tedious. While the core experience is largely unchanged from previous entries, the game features new weapons and enhanced graphics, making it a nostalgic yet fresh experience for both new and returning players. However, some players note that the gameplay can feel slower and less dynamic compared to earlier titles, with occasional frustrating design choices that may hinder enjoyment.

The story of Doom 64 serves as a direct sequel to Doom II, focusing on the resurrection of demons by the "mother of all demons" and the protagonist's struggle against them. While some players appreciate the simplistic narrative and its connection to the broader Doom lore, many agree that the story is secondary to the gameplay, often described as minimal or forgettable. The inclusion of "lost levels" in the re-release attempts to bridge the game to Doom 2016, adding some depth but still leaving the overall plot feeling less significant compared to the action-oriented gameplay.

The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with some players experiencing stuttering and performance issues, particularly on certain systems and after updates. While many appreciate the modern controller support and overall smooth performance, others prefer alternative versions like Doom64EX for better optimization. Overall, the port shows potential but requires further refinement to address the reported performance inconsistencies.

Overall, the game's replayability is viewed positively, with many players noting its infinite replay potential due to secrets, hidden maps, and multiple difficulty levels. However, some reviewers mention that the puzzle-solving aspect can hinder replayability, as players may forget solutions. While the game offers substantial replay value, particularly for those interested in challenges or mods, the absence of additional modes like multiplayer is seen as a missed opportunity to enhance it further.

Overall, the game's stability is generally praised, with many users reporting smooth performance on various platforms, including the Steam Deck and modern hardware. However, some players have encountered occasional visual glitches and technical issues, such as crashes when alt-tabbing, which detracts from the experience for a few. Despite these minor setbacks, the game is largely considered well-ported and bug-free, especially compared to its original version.

The grinding aspect of the game has been widely criticized for being excessively tedious, with many players noting the need for extensive backtracking, repetitive puzzles, and a lack of engaging combat. While some appreciate the atmospheric design and overall fun, the consensus is that the gameplay can feel like a long, drawn-out grind, detracting from the overall experience. Players recommend approaching the game with caution, suggesting it may be best to wait for a sale due to its grind-heavy nature.

The humor in the game is characterized by a mix of nostalgic references and playful absurdity, with players finding amusement in the juxtaposition of horror elements and comedic gameplay mechanics. Many reviews highlight the funny sound effects and quirky level designs, while also noting the irony of a horror-focused game being associated with Nintendo. Overall, the humor adds a lighthearted touch to the otherwise intense gameplay experience.

The monetization aspect of the game has drawn criticism for feeling like a cash grab, particularly due to Bethesda's push for advertising and the presence of unnecessary features that detract from the experience. Despite these concerns, some players still advocate for the game's quality, hoping that positive reception will encourage the developers to adopt a more player-friendly approach in the future, free from microtransactions and excessive marketing.

The emotional responses to the game are mixed, with some players feeling a sense of excitement and nostalgia, particularly enjoying the art style and classic violence. However, others express disappointment with the port's execution, feeling it detracted from the overall experience, and some mention moments of fear and discomfort that were impactful. Overall, while the game evokes strong feelings of nostalgia and intensity, the quality of the port has left some players disheartened.

While the character designs and art style are praised for their brilliance and unique color palette, there are no specific comments on character development itself, suggesting that this aspect may not be a focal point in the game.