It so far feels unfortunately the most generic and far removed from the doom franchise that I have loved. DOOM 2016 still feels the most like doom compared to eternal and now the dark ages. Eternal seems to have the most enjoyable game play, I am aware you can modify the speed of this game, but at 100% it feels too slow. Dark ages does do better combat than 2016 in that I am more engaged with the combat than 2016 but doesn't top what eternal perfected.
The biggest noticeable absence is honestly the soundtrack. Too often I have found myself in levels where no music or music in the background. This tied with the slower pace of the combat makes the game feel significantly weaker in the game play department. You just don't realise how much of an affect Mick Gordon's soundtracks had on the game play on the previous two until it is gone. There just isn't enough, and the existing amount, is good, but it doesn't feel like doom and is far too lacking.
Example, I had a boss fight that had gold armour that I had to deflect its attacks back at it, on ultra violence it was significantly too easy, I spent a lot of the time waiting for the boss to attack and then to top it all off, there was no boss music or anything.
Overall, the game is fun although slow. The story is significantly better than eternal although feels the most removed from the Doom franchise. The lack of music really affects the game play and often makes me zone out of combat due to the silence that follows. Honestly, very much so a let down from the previous two entries. I am concerned about the future of the doom franchise without the music by Mick Gordon and the story becoming more prominent. I would advise waiting for a sale, and honestly not worth picking up at launch.
Edit after 5hrs of game play:
I modified the game speed to 120%. This has significantly increased my enjoyment of the game however I am concerned that 100% is still just too slow. I think the game speed change is also a mixed bag, I think in some regards, Eternal was a bit too difficult however it did make you play better once you got the hang of it. I think adding something like a speed modifier, heavily impacts on the games enjoyment factor and also significantly affects the difficulty.
Honestly, if you want a more Eternal like experience, 120% to 150% speed modifier is great, I also have permernant sprint on too to add to the fast paced action.
Music has gotten slightly better, however still not really impressive and a lot of quiet moments still. The game has become more engaging as they throw more at you, but those first probably 2 hours are the most boring and could potentially put people off.
I may be the only one, but the turret on rails sections, dragon flying and mech control just feel kinda cheesy and not really fun, I like the concept, but it just doesn't beat ripping and tearing.
Overall, my original statement still is an accurate way of how I feel about the game, still wait for a sale and not worth getting for the price asked.
Random steam review
