Doom's Take on King of the Hill Revealed

id Software has announced a new multiplayer mode for its upcoming Doom game. Dubbed "Warpath," this is Doom's take on King of the Hill--though there is a twist.

In a blog post, publisher Bethesda explained that the capture point moves in a circle around the map, though it does so in a "clearly marked path." At the same time, a "game-changing demon rune" shifts similarly on the other side of the capture point's path. Thus, a decision must be made.

"Players have to decide where they want to be: rushing toward the power-up to turn into a Marine-destroying Demon; clustered around the capture point to defend or steal control; or simply roaming around looking to pick off any errant foes," Bethesda said. "The constant motion adds a unique twist to the gameplay, spurring players to move just as quickly as they do in single-player."

A new mode wasn't the only Doom item announced, as Bethesda also took the lid off "Hack Modules." You will earn these single-use items through standard progression, unlocking more if you play more. One example of a Hack Module is a Supply Timer, which lets you see respawn timers for pickups. Others are listed below, with descriptions courtesy of Bethesda.

• Retribution-- shows location and health of the player who last killed you
• Scout -- shows location of all enemies for a few seconds after you spawn in
• Vital Signs -- shows health bars over enemies heads
• Power Seeker -- shows location of nearby power-ups

Bethesda further explains that whatever Hack Module you have active pauses when you die. Additionally, the publisher stressed that Hack Modules are "not tied to microtransactions."

"Think of Hack Modules as an emphasized awareness of your surroundings that may, if you utilize it well, make you more effective," producer Marty Stratton said. "Good players 'see' these things inherently. But none of these affect the game's balance by changing how powerful your gun is or anything like that."

The new Doom arrives in May for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC. A beta will be held ahead of launch, though Bethesda has yet to announce when it will begin.

In other Doom news, Xbox One preorders from the Xbox Store come with free copies of the original Doom and Doom II, playable by way of backwards compatibility.