Doom Eternal: Game Of The Year 2020 - A Hellish Masterpiece

Hey guys! Let's dive into the chaotic, adrenaline-fueled world of Doom Eternal. Seriously, can we just talk about how utterly insane and awesome this game is? When it dropped in 2020, it wasn't just another first-person shooter; it was a freakin' experience. So, yeah, let's break down why Doom Eternal snagged so many Game of the Year awards and why it still rips and tears its way into our hearts today. Buckle up, because this is gonna be one wild ride!

Relentless Carnage: The Core Gameplay Loop

Doom Eternal's gameplay is the beating, blood-soaked heart of what makes it so incredible. It's not just about shooting demons; it's about engaging in a violent, strategic dance where every move counts. The "push-forward combat" philosophy forces you to be aggressive, constantly moving, and utilizing every tool at your disposal. You can't just hunker down behind cover and pick off enemies one by one. Oh no, you've got to get up close and personal, chainsawing zombies for ammo, flame belching demons for armor, and glory killing anything that dares to stand in your way for health. This creates a gameplay loop that is both incredibly challenging and immensely rewarding. You're always on the edge, always scrambling for resources, and always thinking on your feet. Honestly, it's exhausting in the best possible way. The game constantly throws new enemy types at you, each with its own weaknesses and attack patterns. Learning how to prioritize targets and effectively use your arsenal is key to survival. Whether it's using the Super Shotgun's meat hook to grapple onto a Revenant or detonating a sticky bomb on a Mancubus, there's always a creative and satisfying way to dispatch your foes. And let’s not forget about the level design, which encourages exploration and rewards players who take the time to uncover its secrets. Hidden throughout each level are collectibles, weapon mods, and even cheat codes that add to the game's replayability.

A Symphony of Destruction: Weapons and Combat

Speaking of arsenal, Doom Eternal boasts one of the most satisfying weapon selections in video game history. Each gun feels powerful and impactful, with a distinct purpose in the demon-slaying ecosystem. The Super Shotgun is a classic for a reason, delivering devastating blows at close range. The Heavy Cannon is perfect for mowing down hordes of weaker enemies, while the Plasma Rifle melts through armored foes with ease. And then there's the BFG 9000, because sometimes you just need to obliterate everything in sight. But the weapons are only half the equation. The mods you can unlock and equip for each gun add another layer of depth and customization to the combat. Want to turn your Rocket Launcher into a homing missile launcher? Go for it. Prefer to use the Plasma Rifle to generate a persistent damage field? You can do that too. These mods not only enhance the weapons' effectiveness but also encourage experimentation and allow you to tailor your playstyle to your preferences. The combat arenas in Doom Eternal are meticulously designed to be both challenging and engaging. They're filled with platforms, obstacles, and environmental hazards that you can use to your advantage. Mastering the art of movement is crucial for survival. Dashing, jumping, and climbing are all essential skills that you'll need to utilize to avoid enemy attacks and maintain your momentum. The game also introduces new traversal mechanics, such as monkey bars and wall climbing, that add even more verticality and dynamism to the combat. Each encounter feels like a carefully orchestrated dance of death, where you're constantly adapting to the changing circumstances and pushing your skills to the limit.

Visual and Auditory Hellscape: Graphics and Sound Design

The visual and auditory presentation of Doom Eternal is a masterclass in creating a truly immersive and hellish experience. The graphics are stunning, with detailed environments, grotesque demon designs, and fluid animations. The game runs incredibly smoothly, even during the most chaotic battles, thanks to the optimized id Tech 7 engine. But it's not just about technical prowess; the art style of Doom Eternal is also exceptional. The environments are varied and imaginative, ranging from the ruined cities of Earth to the demonic landscapes of Hell and the futuristic UAC facilities on Mars. Each location is filled with intricate details and hidden secrets that reward exploration. The demon designs are both terrifying and iconic, with each creature possessing its own unique visual characteristics and attack patterns. From the hulking Mancubus to the agile Marauder, every enemy is instantly recognizable and poses a distinct threat. The sound design of Doom Eternal is equally impressive. The soundtrack, composed by Mick Gordon, is a pulse-pounding mix of heavy metal and industrial music that perfectly complements the game's frenetic action. The sound effects are visceral and impactful, from the roar of the Super Shotgun to the screams of the demons as they're ripped apart. The game also features excellent voice acting, with Doom Slayer's stoic grunts and the demonic taunts of the Maykr Angels adding to the overall atmosphere.

Story That Slaps: Narrative and World-Building

While Doom has never been known for its intricate plots, Doom Eternal actually delivers a surprisingly engaging narrative. The story expands upon the lore established in Doom (2016), delving deeper into the origins of the Doom Slayer and the war between Heaven, Hell, and Earth. You play as the Doom Slayer, an ancient warrior tasked with stopping the demonic invasion of Earth. Along the way, you'll uncover the secrets of the Maykrs, a technologically advanced race of beings who have been manipulating events from behind the scenes. The story is told through a combination of in-game cutscenes, environmental storytelling, and collectible codex entries. While the plot may not be groundbreaking, it provides a solid framework for the action and adds depth to the world of Doom. The game also features a cast of memorable characters, including Samuel Hayden, the enigmatic chairman of the UAC, and Vega, the Doom Slayer's AI companion. These characters help to flesh out the story and provide context for the events that unfold. But the real strength of Doom Eternal's narrative lies in its world-building. The game does an excellent job of creating a rich and believable universe, filled with its own history, mythology, and internal logic. By the time you reach the end of the game, you'll have a much deeper understanding of the Doom universe and the forces that shape it.

Why It Won: Factors Contributing to GOTY Status

So, why did Doom Eternal win so many Game of the Year awards? Well, it's a combination of factors. First and foremost, the gameplay is simply outstanding. The push-forward combat, the satisfying weapons, and the challenging level design all come together to create an experience that is both exhilarating and rewarding. But it's not just about the gameplay. Doom Eternal also excels in its visual and auditory presentation, its surprisingly engaging narrative, and its overall level of polish. The game is a true technical achievement, running smoothly and looking gorgeous even during the most intense battles. It's also clear that the developers at id Software poured their hearts and souls into this project, and their passion shines through in every aspect of the game. Doom Eternal is not just a great game; it's a love letter to the Doom franchise and a testament to the power of video games as an art form. Ultimately, Doom Eternal won Game of the Year because it was the most exciting, innovative, and memorable game of 2020. It's a game that will stay with you long after you've finished playing it, and it's a game that you'll want to revisit again and again. So, if you haven't already, do yourself a favor and pick up Doom Eternal. You won't regret it.

Still Ripping and Tearing: The Game's Enduring Appeal

Even now, years after its release, Doom Eternal maintains a dedicated following and continues to be praised for its groundbreaking gameplay and relentless action. The game's replayability is a major factor in its enduring appeal. The various difficulty levels, the collectible secrets, and the customizable weapon mods provide plenty of reasons to revisit the game again and again. And let's not forget about the Master Levels, which offer an even greater challenge for experienced players. But beyond its replayability, Doom Eternal also has a certain intangible quality that keeps players coming back for more. It's a game that makes you feel powerful, skilled, and just plain badass. There's nothing quite like the feeling of mowing down hordes of demons with a Super Shotgun or glory killing a Baron of Hell with your bare hands. Doom Eternal is a power fantasy come to life, and it's a fantasy that continues to resonate with players around the world. The game has also spawned a vibrant modding community, with players creating their own levels, weapons, and enemy types. These mods add even more variety and replayability to the game, ensuring that there's always something new to discover. Whether you're a seasoned Doom veteran or a newcomer to the franchise, Doom Eternal is a game that is definitely worth checking out. It's a hellish masterpiece that will rip and tear its way into your heart.