There's a cliché phrase that gets repeated to death often: "you can't beat the classics." I find this quote to be not only overused, but just plain tedious, and I tend to flip it around by saying, "If you can't beat the classics, make new ones." id Software seems to really understand that: their ever-popular "DOOM" franchise is one of gaming's classics, and is one of the most iconic and well-known franchises in the history of gaming. While I've recently played the early "DOOM" games and felt that a few of them showed a bit of their age, the series is still very enjoyable and I can totally understand why "DOOM" is considered a classic. In 2016, id Software decided to revitalize the series with their "DOOM" reboot, which was a massive hit. I would even go as far as to call 2016's "DOOM" one of the best shooters in recent memory, and easily one of the best FPS titles of this generation. So, when "DOOM Eternal" was announced, my hype was through the roof: sure, Bethesda has been on a bit of a cold streak with games like "Fallout 76," "Rage 2" and "Wolfenstein: Youngblood" receiving reviews that ranged from mixed to extremely negative, but a part of me had a feeling that "DOOM Eternal" would be the shot in the arm Bethesda needed. And sure enough, it is: dare I say, for as much as I just praised the last "DOOM" game, "DOOM Eternal" actually stands even taller and not only lives up to the last entry, but even surpasses it (no easy task indeed).
"DOOM Eternal" retains a lot of what made 2016's "DOOM" work so well: it's extremely faithful to the legacy of the franchise, yet still featuring plenty to entice gamers that may have never experienced the classic "DOOM" games. I also appreciate a lot of the game's references to "DOOM II," with the return of a number of enemies and gameplay ideas that propped up in that game, making this almost feel like a "DOOM II" for a new generation. That said, while the original "DOOM II" felt to me a bit like "DOOM More" compared to the first "DOOM," "DOOM Eternal" doesn't feel like that: the game makes several great changes and adds a number of new things to the gameplay that help it feel even better than the last one. The gameplay is even faster than before, the gunplay remains as smooth as ever, with a lot of weapons receiving fantastic upgrades that make them even more fun to use, there are several new weapons that are extremely fun to use, and the level design is even tighter than before. 2016's "DOOM" already had some great level design to it, but I feel like "DOOM Eternal" comes through with some even more varied levels and areas, and they're a pleasure to explore. The game also relies on platforming quite a bit, something the original "DOOM II" also did, but here, I think the platforming is smooth and controls well, and it feels more layered than "DOOM" games of the past. Visually, the game is still an absolute stunner, with some of the best graphics out there today, the soundtrack is still a blast, the combat is even more tense than before, and there's a nice added challenge to the game, even if you play it on the lower difficulties like I did. The campaign is also a rip-roaring good time that feels even beefier than before, and getting to play as the demons themselves is a fantastic concept that's executed very well.
I honestly can't think of too many problems I had with the game. I know some critics have felt that some of the additions to the arsenal felt a bit overwhelming to manage, but to me, I totally enjoyed that, and I think a lot of the new additions (like the flamethrower, rechargeable chainsaw, dash button, and climbing ability) just motivated me even more to want to learn the game. In terms of other flaws...maybe the excitement that the game provides might make you headbang so hard that you get overly excited and give yourself a nosebleed? Yeah, that's the best I've got.
All in all, "DOOM Eternal" rises above its already-fantastic predecessor and continues to establish why the new "DOOM" games belong in a first-person shooter masterclass. "DOOM Eternal" pushes the series forward in meaningful ways, and honestly might even stand tall as the best entry in the franchise. Definitely give this game a shot, it's well worth your time. With how much Bethesda has slumped as of late, leave it to id Software to pick up the pieces of their struggles and make something that'll hopefully breathe some new life into the company. Whether or not they improve as a result is yet to be seen, but at least we can safely say "DOOM Eternal" will definitely be one of this year's best games, and one of the best shooters of this generation of gaming.
Final rating: 10 out of 10 "Fantastic"