POSTED 28/5/16


DOOM

id Software/Bethesda

Mars may need women and guitars, but at this juncture what it really needs is firepower, and plenty of it.

Yes the grandaddy of FPS’ is back, given one hell (heh) of a makeover so there isn’t a whiff of Brylcreem, naphthalene or cough lollies.

Plot? You want plot? Well, Mars has been overrun with demonic entities. Satan’s little helpers. Incredibly well-armed spawn of Hades. You’re the sole anti-conscientious objector. In other words, if it moves, kill it. You want more story? Take it up with Bethesda – or just join your local library.

Of course Doom’s rep has always been down to its crazed array of weapons. They’re back – and then some - while aesthetics have been given an impressive 21st century jolt. This works wonderfully for the amazing Martian environments. As for all the demonic spawn, the benefits of this resolutionary leap depend upon your tolerance for ick. Seriously, this thing makes Splatterhouse look like a Cooking Mama game.

The solo campaign is substantial, clocking in at somewhere around half a day (not factoring in drink, wee, drink more, wee that out too and other such breaks). Multiplayer is... well, it’s multiplayer. It involves strangers on the internet. We generally don’t like strangers on the internet. Your mileage may vary though, and there are several options. Lame summation, we know.

Meanwhile, a very funk-infused inclusion is the LEGO-like ‘SnapMap’ creation system for bespoke level design, complete with thorough tutorial.

Ultimately, what we love most about this Doom is its lack of modern FPS pretence. Fluidity seems to be its aim – and it hits that target in gloriously gory, delightfully dumb-as-a-stump style. Doors just open, ammo, health and such just picks up when you run over it. Roses wilt before you can stop to smell them. Erm, maybe not that last one...

Sometimes a blast from the past is needed to remind us how we’ve since gone astray. Is Doom, is good.

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