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Regarding FPS games, few have reached the iconic status the Doom series has managed to achieve. What started as shareware in the early ’90s has exploded into a series other games in the genre are compared to. Today, we will look at and rank all six mainline games in the series and see how they stack against each other.
6. Doom 3
The third entry in the Doom series is the most different in terms of tone. While the other games are more action horror, this one takes on a more survival horror role. Other entries have a heavy focus on weapons and getting things done with as much carnage as possible. Here things are much slower, and more focus is given to atmosphere. There are certainly elements fans will recognize, but it isn’t as intense here. The game is still a worthy entry in the series, even if it is the weakest in the eyes of many. The gameplay is fun, as always, and the atmosphere here is unmatched in other games in the franchise. The game stands out, giving a unique feel that helps add some variety should fans want to play through all of the mainline games.
5. Doom
This is where it all started. This original game was far from the first first-person shooter, but it pioneered many elements that would become staples of the genre. It also pushed the envelope of what could be allowed in video games in terms of violence. This classic game still holds up extremely well and is still a thrilling game to play today. The mainline games mostly improved on previous entries as the series went on, so many of the elements fans associate with the franchise aren’t present in the first game. Still, any fan of action games owes it to themselves to play this original classic. Another legendary element of this original game is the soundtrack. This soundtrack helped change the way video game music was made from this point forward. One listen to the iconic E1M1 theme, and it is clear why this game is so revolutionary.
4. Doom: Eternal
The most recent game in the Doom series is jam-packed with action, gore, and carnage. Many fans’ main critique of the game is lower difficulties may make the game too easy. Using certain moves on certain enemies gives the player tons of ammo and health, making it easy to prevent dying. To many, this makes it too easy to progress and forces the player to turn up the difficulty for any real challenge. Regardless, the game is fast-paced, intense, and even scary at times. Everything that makes the series so great is present here.
Even the lore of the franchise is expanded upon as the story goes deep into the legend of the one demons fear most. From the moment the game was released, fans latched onto it and loved every minute. The game even has an iconic villain from the series’ past return for a final fight, forcing players to use every skill they learned. Eternal is also filled to the brim with collectibles that help deepen the lore, as well as reward players with powerful weapons and skins.
3. Doom II: Hell on Earth
With the success of the original game, a follow-up was a no-brainer. With some add-ons later released to expand on the original’s ending, this sequel is where things begin to take shape. Some fan favorite weapons make their first appearance here, and the levels are some of the best in the series. The carnage and mayhem all lead to a legendary battle with the Icon of Sin. To this day, few boss fights fill players with dread quite like this fight.
The player must use everything they learned up to this point to be able to stand a chance, and emerging victorious is one of the best feelings any of the mainline games can give. Depending on who is asked, this is where the franchise really began to transform into the juggernaut it was destined to become. The original game is nearly flawless, but this one is close to perfection.
2. Doom (2016)
Fans were desperate for a fourth game in the Doom series for years. It seemed as if each time one was close to release, it was canceled or postponed. Finally, in 2016, their wishes were fulfilled. Doom 2016 (also known as Doom 4 by some fans) took everything from the original mainline games and brought it to the current generation. Being able to blast through hordes of demons made the player feel like an unstoppable force.
Each and every kill performed by the player was as satisfying as ever, and the Glory Kills just added to that satisfaction. The game mixed the classic games with elements from the third entry. This meant that fans still had to rely on their instincts and survival skills but were able to plow through armies of demons at the same time. Fans love how fast-paced and intense the game can get. This is an excellent place to start for modern players who aren’t familiar with the series.
1. Doom 64
The Nintendo 64 was arguably the most popular console of its time. Fans were thrilled when the already iconic Doom series made the leap to the console. The game takes everything from the series so far and mixes it together for a fun, scary, and of course, violent time. For many at the time, this was the best way to play the classic formula. Despite the title, this game was a new and original entry for the mainline games. Today, it stands the test of time as not only one of the best Nintendo 64 games but one of the best FPS games.
The second the game is booted, fans are treated to an incredible intro that perfectly encapsulates the franchise. Like the second game, it all leads up to an incredible boss fight. The fight can be hard as nails or incredibly simple, depending on how well the player searched through the game.