Doom 4, now going simply by Doom, will be a reboot of sorts, returning to the series’ roots of fast-paced, run-and-gun action. The long delayed title was given its first trailer — no gameplay, just cinematics — at QuakeCon 2014, after being teased at E3 earlier this year.
Not much is known about the title at this point, aside from what was shown and reported from QuakeCon. Publisher Bethesda Softworks opted to make the Doom gameplay reveal a QuakeCon treat, presumably with more to be shown at 2014’s subsequent trade shows. Executive producer Marty Stratton was on hand to show off the game and describe the kind of action to expect in this reboot of the storied franchise. He focused on the series’ fast-paced combat, over-the-top demonic enemies, huge and inventive weapons, and non-regenerating health as being staples of the game.
The presentation was reportedly steeped in gore, from dismemberment to crushed skulls. The statement is clear: This is Doom through and through. The demo shown to attendees at QuakeCon was split into two parts, the first being all action, set in a mining facility where our hero proceeded to obliterate every demon thrown his way either shredding them with bullets or pulverizing them with melee attacks. The second part slowed the pace down, showing off character maneuverability before returning to the bread & butter of the series, graphic violence.
A Polygon report and a tweet from Spike TV’s Geoff Keighley indicate the game runs on the id Tech 6 engine, and at 60 fps in 1080p. Rock, Paper, Shotgun reports that the game features fast-paced, competitive multiplayer.
“We’re creating Doom to make you feel like a fast, improvisational, brutal killing machine” said Stratton, once again emphasizing the breakneck pace of the game. After being stuck in development hell for many years, the id Software team have refocused their efforts on delivering a game that fans of the series — or anyone with a penchant for gore — are meant to love.
