Behind closed door presentations are not uncommon in this industry, but they’re especially odd when fans are invited to them. One would assume that if a game is ready to be shown to the public – albeit a hardcore subset – then that footage should be uploaded to the web, but Bethesda has put a BFG to the head of anyone attempting to record DOOM’s presentation at QuakeCon this week.
First and foremost, some top-line details: it doesn’t have a number, strap line, or subheading. It seems that legendary developer id Software is going back to basics with its impending first-person shooter, and that reflects in every area of its production – including its name. Indeed, this is a complete series reboot, rather than a sequel to the disappointing DOOM 3.
So, does it look any good? Apparently, yes. Naturally, it’s powered by proprietary engine id Tech 6, an upgraded version of the technology most recently employed in historical shooter Wolfenstein: The New Order. Unsurprisingly, it will run at 60 frames-per-second in 1080p, and will play extremely quickly – don’t expect any of that cover malarkey that’s so common these days.
Furthering its old-school inspirations, there’ll be no regenerating health, and you’ll be able to carry as many weapons as you like; to switch firearms, you’ll need to use a weapon wheel a la Ratchet & Clank. And what guns will you be able to wield in order to dispatch the spawn of Satan? Shotguns, pulse rifles, and rocket launchers will all return. Oh, and chainsaws, too.
Apparently, it’s quite brutal as well – there’ll be contextual death animations similar to Dead Space should you peg it in front of a particularly aggressive monster. Alas, the game didn’t always look like this, as it was rebooted midway through development in order to reach its current guise. It certainly sounds promising on paper, but without any footage, we’re not getting too excited yet.
[source polygon.com, via eurogamer.net, uk.ign.com]
Comments 18
Well at least it's still coming along nicely from what's heard. I can't wait to return to DOOM's roots, that was one of my most favorite games. Here's hoping for a little Online-Co-Op action!
The reactions have been unanimously positive. There were a few worrying comments in a preview elsewhere where they stated the demos were in fairly linear environments....but, i just can't seem to accept that they would make everything else old-school and not the map design....makes no sense, so i still think they will succeed in making the maps like the old games.
The only other worry may be that it could come off as a Duke Nukem rather than a Doom, but we'll see.
@get2sammyb Good article. Again. But I think Wolfenstein runs on id Tech 5.
Everything I've read sounds exactly like an HD version of the "Brutal Doom" mod, which is awesome. I just hope that Doom Guy doesn't end up being too powerful. Also...Doom 3 kicked ass, imho.
@kupo Yeah, I enjoyed Doom 3 as well...and this sounds good, too.
Is the subheading sarcastic?
@eLarkos Yes. It's hard to judge (or appreciate) a game without seeing it in action.
@Reverend_Skeeve "Naturally, it’s powered by proprietary engine id Tech 6, an upgraded version of the technology most recently employed in historical shooter Wolfenstein: The New Order."
@kupo
Glad to hear I am not the only one who loved Doom 3. I thought it was great.
And to be honest, Sammy calling Doom 3 "disappointing" is based on what exactly? Personal opinion? If that's the case, then state the comment that way. Don't just make it a general statement like it's common knowledge or something.
Doom 3 on Metacritic: 87%. Doesn't sound like that many people were that disappointed.
@Godsire- I believe it was more along the lines that DOOM was always a run-and-gun type of game, and DOOM 3 was more of a survival-horror game.
@get2sammyb Oh, my bad, sorry! Read that wrong.
@LDXD player reviews on Metacritic are a joke, as we should all know by now. I am playing MW3 right now, and that got on 88 by critics, and player reviews game it a 3.1! That is ridiculous. Reading or using player reviews on Metacritic is like pissing into the wind.....pointless.
And who are "lots of people"? I grew up playing 1 & 2 along with a lot of people I know & 3 was still liked a lot. I just don't get the hate.
I cannot comment on Doom 3 as I never played it, but I have always wanted to.
This one sounds really promising.
@LDXD I'd love to see a new Hexen. That game was fantastic!
Also, I'd mostly agree that Doom 3 was inferior to 1&2.. but I'd hardly say it3 was 'disappointing'. It was just different, as one would expect considering there was an almost 10 year gap between 2 and 3. The entire FPS genre shifted in that time and they tried to make Doom 3 more like what other FPS titles were doing.
@LDXD Co-op for Doom would be awesome, but I somehow doubt it'll happen...agreed, though: co-op is too rare nowadays. You might want to check out Destiny, though, if you haven't already...excellent co-op in that one!
@LDXD I didn't say I love Doom 3 as much as 1 & 2, but it's a great game regardless. Everyone has their own opinon, right or wrong. You would give Doom 3 a 7.5, calling that "generous" & calling the game "average" just sounds crazy to me.
Doom 3 is better than iD shoveling out the same game every time. Would you rather have them just make the same game over & over? If so, go play 'Final Doom'. Basically a more difficult add on pack dressed up as a full game.
Hopefully Doom 4 gives people some new stuff while still having that old feel to it so we can have some middle ground.
@LDXD And as I said in another article, how has 'Heretic' or 'Hexen' not been ported to consoles? Insane to me. So we are in agreement about this, at least. Lol
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