4/5 ★ – Casinopolis's review of DOOM.

For a player such as myself, who has never played any of the original games, Doom 2016 provides an accessible starting point into the genre-defining title. This is exactly what you want in a reboot for a new fan. It feels faithful to the original (offering a taster of what has been missed) while smoothing out the cracks (making sure it isn't a pain in the arse to experience). For instance, Doom maintains a health points system in favour of a regenerative health like many of its first-person shooter contemporaries. But health packs, armour, restoration points and other means to heal are aplenty. Mazes and key cards remain as a design choice, but the player is given a 3D map, mission markers and checklists to help guide their way. Even when the player is low on health, it's very easy to get back into the fight. Glory kills (a gory finishing move), an arsenal of modded weapons, and temporary power-ups are effective tools to turn the tide of a fight in moments. There's no ambiguity here what the game wants you to do. Go here and shoot. Mixed with the forward momentum on offer, Doom 2016 achieves what it feels like it set out to: create a non-stop, gory power fantasy. Doom 2016 is very good at making the player feel productive, as there are numerous upgrades and goodies to earn by exploring, shooting and taking on trials. Trials can range in obnoxiousness but are generally worth an attempt at least.  But what the game is also very good at is making these feel totally optional - coming from someone who has been known to 100% many games that were not worth the effort. Levels in Doom 2016 are deep and sprawling, and they contain many secrets to find and achievement to hit. But not doing these is not a deal breaker. Doomguy feels strong out the gate, and gets progressively stronger too, so passing on obnoxious trials and doors you can't seem to unlock feels acceptable. And so the game urges you to move on swiftly to the next corridor, room or arena with hordes of enemies - and while that becomes a tad tired and repetitive come the end - it is best played that way. However, if you do happen to stop and take in your surroundings, there's an intricate level of detail in the blood trails, debris and backdrops. Story is almost entirely an afterthought and that's fine. Basic beats over-reaching any day. And that's really the bottom line. Doom 2016 knows what it is and sticks to its lane. All in all, a hell of a game.