Early gameplay footage of new Doom game from id Software, a new Noclip documentary demonstrates what the series could have become in 2016.
The original Doom games are considered pioneers of the first-person shooter genre, having broken new ground by letting players explore 3D environments and wield an arsenal of powerful weapons. After Doom 3, which focused on survival horror more than action, the long-running series received a 2016 reboot simply titled Doom. This game returned the franchise to its roots by emphasizing aggression, speed and reflexes as players traverse Mars and tear apart demon invaders. This game led to a direct sequel, 2020's Doom Eternal, which brought the fight to Earth with even faster and more brutal combat. The storyline that began in 2016's Doom seemed to conclude in the Doom Eternal DLC The Ancient Gods, but that infernal reboot could have been a totally different game.
A new video from YouTube game documentary channel Noclip reveals early footage of Doom 4 before it became the 2016 Doom reboot. The project shares much in common with its final version, including fast-paced gunplay and brutal melee kills, but its level and enemy designs are much more grounded than the 2016 game. Players would have apparently used modern firearms rather than intense sci-fi weaponry, and the action seems to take place on Earth instead of Mars. In general the Doom 4 prototype seems to draw inspiration from other popular shooters like Call of Duty and Gears of War, while the final version of the game returned to the hellish sci-fi aesthetic of the original Doom games.
While many fans are waiting for the next Doom game, rumors suggest that a new Quake game from id Software is currently in development instead. The first installment in the first-person shooter series, which released in 1996, built upon the foundation laid by Doom to create a wholly original experience. Enhanced graphics and gameplay helped the title stand out, and its impressive online multiplayer capabilities are still celebrated today. Quake received several sequels, with the franchise exploring various settings ranging from medieval fantasy to futuristic sci-fi. Many fans believe that id Software will soon reboot the Quake series, similar to how it rebooted Doom in 2016.
2016's Doom successfully rebooted the legendary franchise by returning to its roots of fast-paced sci-fi demon slaying. However, Noclip's gameplay footage reveals that the game was originally much grittier and more grounded, like popular shooters of the past. While this vision for the game does look interesting, the final version of 2016's Doom is much more unique and memorable.
Source: Noclip/YouTube
