The age of darkness has descended upon the world of DOOM with id Software’s latest chapter in the decades long first person shooter franchise.

With a focus more on combat than the hectic fast paced slaughter we have seen in prior games, DOOM: The Dark Ages is a slower jaunt through hellish planets.

Storywise this is a prequel to 2016’s DOOM and furthers the story of the rise of the Doom Slayer, being the Kingdom’s last hope.

Still retaining the first person play and gore fest that we know and love in this mech-tech / horror crossover you are eqipped with the Gauntlet for some up and close melee, an array of automatic weapons and a few new editions such as the bone firing Skull Crusher and Shield Saw for blocking and long range.

Take downs of larger enemies, especially the ‘Leaders’ offer the opportunity to enact a brutal finisher and the environments (Planets) you find yourself in are mostly free roam.

Kill a ‘Leader’ and reap their essence for vitality upgrades and more.

There’s pick ups everywhere, but to find the real good stuff you need to look out for hidden spots, and most are not easily discovered. But there are secrets everywhere, but nowhere. From Codex, gold, chests through to DOOM collectables and more to be located.

Gold can also be gained from completing Mission Challenges.

Finding Sentinel shrines enable upgrades of armor and weapons. You need gold, rubies or wraithstones to spend

Life sigils are another hidden goodie. These if needed will ressurect you on the spot, without, you’ll restart at the last checkpoint if you’re taken down.

DOOM: The Dark Ages is a solid play, if you don’t spend the time to look around for hidden treasures it can also be a quick playthrough to with 22 chapters in total.

The game also has unlockable cosmetics include unlockable or secret skins for your character and weapons and there’s a Milestones from the main menu where you can track your play.

At the end of each chapter you are given a summary on your exploits. Something Milestones does not do is allow you to warp back to a Planet you have previously finished, to do this, you need to go to Chapter Select so us completists can revisit an area to find hidden secrets that were missed.

In all DOOM: The Dark Ages gives us the demon filled, blood-lust that we love from the DOOM games, but it paces itself without the chaos and plays out like a satisfying mech, tech, hellish gore fest.

The post Doom: The Dark Ages (PlayStation 5) Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

A quarter of a decade ago a PC game like nothing else ever before released that set the foundation for SciFi first person shooters.

That game was Quake.

Where have all those years gone?!

I remember playing the original during computer class at school (instead of doing lessons of course). So if you’re like me and smashed the stuffing out of the original, you’ll be pleased to know it’s back, enhanced for 4K but retaining a smoothed pixel-fest gory… er glory. Well, both.

Built from the foundations of DOOM and originally published id Software and published by GT Interactive in 1996, id Software (now owned by Bethesda) are back at the helm of this new re-work to celebrate the 25 years milestone.

A SciFi blood fest, in Quake you are Ranger. A lone gunman sent into a portal to kill off the enemy only known as ‘Quake’.

Maze like environments with puzzle elements you would clear areas, finding pick ups and extra, more beefy weapons along the way.

Ultimately the goal for most was simply to survive each Level.

The original Quake was single player (no Broadband or Fibre back in those old timey days), but not so with the Enhanced version.

Now you can gun and run and clear Levels in up to 4 player online or split screen co-op.

Expansions to gameplay have also been added.

The two originals, ‘The Scourge of Armagon’ and ‘Dissolution of Eternity’, but the goods dont’t stop there.

Two new ones as well; ‘Dimension of the Past’ and ‘Dimension of the Machine’, making this version of Quake not only a rework that stays as true to the original as possible but also the ultimate Quake game.

For original players of Quake, this is a remaster you shouldn’t pass up. It’s not one of those ‘remasters’ where it’s had such a overhaul that it no longer reflects the original title. It’s still in its original 1996 format.

And if you’ve never played Quake, now’s a good time to start… and die, alot.

The post Quake Enhanced Edition (Xbox Series X) Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

On Day 1 of QuakeCon at Home, Bethesda launched a new version of the original Quake and hosted a series of panels with Bethesda developers talking about what’s new and what’s upcoming for our latest games.

In celebration of 25 years since the release of the dark fantasy first-person shooter, an enhanced version of the original Quake is available today on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Game Pass for console and PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and backward compatible on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5.

As part of the celebration, Quake II and Quake III: Arena are also now available on Xbox Game Pass for PC in their original form.

The Original Quake, Enhanced will see you experience the authentic, updated, and visually enhanced version of the original Quake.

Featuring resolutions up to 4K and widescreen resolution support, enhanced models, dynamic and color lightning, anti-aliasing, depth of field, and the original soundtrack and theme song by Trent Reznor.

Play in 4-player online or local split-screen co-op, or compete in pure, retro-style combat with support for 8-player (online) or 4-player (local split-screen) matches. Multiplayer features cross-play between all platforms and dedicated server support for online matchmaking.

Quake comes with both original expansion packs: “The Scourge of Armagon” and “Dissolution of Eternity,” as well as two expansions developed by the award-winning team at MachineGames: “Dimension of the Past,” and the all-new “Dimension of the Machine.”

Native Xbox Series X|S and PS5 versions bringing 4K at 120 FPS will be available soon as a free upgrade.

The post 25 Years of Quake! appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Eternal damnation for your Nintendo Switch.

DOOM Eternal follows its predecessor title DOOM released on console in 2016 utilizing an aggressive push forward mechanic throughout the destroyed Earth cities and buildings.

Played in first person the story is set two years after DOOM (2016) where we see an apocalyptic world where Demons rule the the planet and have wiped out over half of the human population.

From the fiery ashes the humans that are still around grouped together and formed ARC (this faction had previously tasked themselves to stop the invasion – but failed).

ARC members are mostly in hiding and Earth is falling further in to evil.

In steps you, the infamous Demon Slayer and you are tasked with finding and destroying three Hell Priests; Deag’s Nilox, Ranak, and Grav.

Right up front in Campaign mode you’re pretty much gifted the first Hell Priest and then it all goes on from there.

Surprisingly DOOM Eternal, being a FPS hack and slash carnage gore infested game, has a solid and deep narrative to it that compels you to play on.

Gameplay is unforgiving at times where select demonic variants can offer up their own unique challenges but also the environment, a crumbling world filled with fire and brimstone and controlled by Demons has it’s own hazards.

New Demon foes feature and a handful of the tried and true from DOOM.

Mods are also back and when you find these scattered throughout the varying Levels are equipped to your primary weapon. You’ll also acquire the Crucible Blade – an energy sword.

Grenades, Sticky and Ice Bombs are a godsend (pun almost deliberate) as that ends up being the best way to weaken or fully take down some Demons.

A mixed bag for ranged weaponry, the rifle that we have seen before which gets better with mods and happy to say, the flame thrower is back.

Chainsaw, my favourite, will end up being your mainstay for melee and the game compels you to use it wherever possible, providing the fuel has replenished. Using the saw will see your enemies drop items that you’ll no doubt need to continue, including health.

Ammo restocks are bountiful and also found throughout environments. These do not respawn when collected – unless you die and retrace your steps.

Dying is not too punishing as you will respawn where you fell – providing you have enough lives to do so.

Battlemode is a 2v1 play of brutality where two player controlled Demons take on one Slayer. IF you try to go to this mode before playing any of the Campaign the game actually warns you to familiarize yourself first in Campaign.

Then there’s the upcoming Invasion where you can join in other players single play games.

You’ll also find ‘Fortress of DOOM’ in your hub – it’s here you can receive upgrades and special in-game items.

The Nintendo Switch version comes with the remastered DOOM 64. THE game that made the N64 (Nintendo 64) the console to own back in the mid 1990s.

All current DLC is also included and the port from home console to Nintendo Switch is flawless.

DOOM Eternal is so far one of the best games for 2020. If you are a DOOM fan then you really need to get yourself in to the Eternal ranks of Demon slaying, at home or on the go.

So, come on Demon Slayer – Earth needs you. Again.

The post DOOM Eternal (Switch) Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

All hell has broken loose. Literally.

It’s up to you DOOM Slayer to do what you do best – hack some demons.

DOOM Eternal follows it’s predecessor title DOOM released on console in 2016 utilizing an aggressive push forward mechanic throughout the destroyed Earth cities and buildings.

Played in first person the story is set two years after DOOM (2016) where we see an apocalyptic world where Demons rule the the planet and have wiped out over half of the human population.

From the fiery ashes the humans that are still around grouped together and formed ARC (this faction had previously tasked themselves to stop the invasion – but failed).

ARC members are mostly in hiding and Earth is falling further in to evil.

In steps you, the infamous Demon Slayer and you are tasked with finding and destroying three Hell Priests; Deag’s Nilox, Ranak, and Grav.

Right up front in Campaign mode you’re pretty much gifted the first Hell Priest and then it all goes on from there.

Suprisingly DOOM Eternal, being a FPS hack and slash carnage gore infested game, has a solid and deep narrative to it that compels you to play on.

Gameplay is unforgiving at times where select demonic variants can offer up their own unique challenges but also the environment, a crumbling world filled with fire and brimstone and controlled by Demons has it’s own hazards.

New Demon foes feature and a handful of the tried and true from DOOM.

Mods are also back and when you find these scattered throughout the varying Levels are equipped to your primary weapon. You’ll also acquire the Crucible Blade – an energy sword.

Grenades, Sticky and Ice Bombs are a god send (pun almost deliberate) as that ends up being the best way to weaken or fully take down some Demons.

A mixed bag for ranged weaponry, the rifle that we have seen before which gets better with mods and happy to say, the flame thrower is back.

Chainsaw, my favourite, will end up being your mainstay for melee and the game compels you to use it wherever possible, providing the fuel has replenished. Using the saw will see your enemies drop items that you’ll no doubt need to continue, including health.

Ammo restocks are bountiful and also found throughout environments. These do not respawn when collected – unless you die and retrace your steps.

Dying is not too punishing as you will respawn where you fell – providing you have enough lives to do so.

DOOM Eternal, like the remastered DOOM is one you pick up you can’t stop playing title.

iD and Bethesda have really put alot of love into this one. Even more so with the inclusion of an isometric Battlemode.

This is a 2v1 play of brutality where two player controlled Demons take on one Slayer. IF you try to go to this mode before playing any of the Campaign the game actually warns you to familiarize yourself first in Campaign.

Then there’s the upcoming Invasion where you can join in other players single play games.

You’ll also find ‘Fortress of DOOM’ in your hub – it’s here you can receive upgrades and special in-game items.

Pre-orders of DOOM Eternal were also complimeted with a bonus remastered DOOM 64. THE game that made the N64 (Nintendo 64) the console to own back in the mid 1990s.

While the graphics and mechanics have aged, as expected and is the charm of retro gaming, DOOM 64 is a worthy bonus, still fully playable and character movement is surprisingly fluid.

If you have (somehow) never played a DOOM game before – I do recommend playing the 2016 remaster first, as this will give you some clarity to the complex story and the game’s mechanics.

DOOM Eternal is so far one of the best games for 2020. If you are a DOOM fan then you really need to get yourself in to the Eternal ranks of Demon slaying.

So, come on Demon Slayer – Earth needs you. Again.

The post DOOM Eternal (PlayStation 4) Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

2016’s DOOM was a unexpected, energy packed surprise. It blew away everybody’s expectations, including mine.

On the heels of this release then comes DOOM VFR, a new, virtual reality version featuring a new story, main character and combat arenas. But how does the frenetic, movement-based action from a 2D, flat-screen experience translate to virtual reality? Is this as essential as Skyrim VR, or a nice addition that can ultimately be ignored? Let’s explore.

DOOM VFR (I bet you can work out what the F stands for) starts off in the shoes of a brand new character. Having been quickly disemboweled by demons, he wakes up a cyborg with a mission to protect what’s left of his energy production facility. But DOOM 2016, to its benefit, was purposefully disdainful of the story, and while it does feature a bit more heavily here, its nothing to remember. Instead its all about the shooting. And as in last year’s release, the shooting is all about the movement.

Unlike in most shooters, instead of starting with just the pistol, almost from the get-go you have powerful weapons, to beat powerful demons. A slower ramp up would have been appreciated but it is exciting to see the humongous demons up close so soon after starting. That said, at times there’s a surprising amount of running around not blasting baddies, which felt like a bit of padding. It does however, serve as a hidden tutorial in how to move around.

And DOOM VFR gives you a range of movement options. By default it is set to teleportation, which works as expected. But using the PS Move controllers you can only turn 180 degrees. This makes it difficult to get yourself facing the right direction. Instead you have to rely almost entirely on head tracking. While this can be fine for navigation or smaller fights, the larger arenas were very difficult to traverse without frustratingly crashing up against the control system’s limits, let along causing a decent amount of neck pain. It does include dash buttons but their layout is completely unintuitive and I couldn’t see any way to remap them. It was hard enough remembering where to press during navigation sequences, but in combat teleporting correctly was nearly impossible, and probably lead to me dying more often.

And teleportation is essential. Glory kills make an arresting return, so you need to frequently teleport into enemies. These kills are spectacularly gruesome up close in virtual reality, and the developers have done an impressive job of capturing the scale of enemies. It’s a graphical showcase too, and at least on PS4 Pro looks just like the non-VR game.

DOOM VFR Supports both the PS Move and Dualshock 4 controls. Each had their benefits and drawbacks. The PS Move controllers makes you feel more in control of the two floating arms in front of you. Tracking works very well, especially when tracking your guns. The grenade throw using the left PS Move controller on the other hand, can feel a bit janky in comparison. But it’s hard to move past the lack of turning options on the Move controllers. Conversely, while the Dualshock 4 makes it easier to get around, it feels much more disconnected, with a distinct feeling of being an abstract player rather than a demon-slaying God (the exact feeling Doom 2016 did so well). Movement is also far slower than with either the Move controllers. Slower movement is a boon for generally getting to and fro, but in the midst of combat feels like shackles

DOOM VFR also supports the PS Aim controller that shipped with Farpoint, and I was able to source a rare Aim controller to test it out. With its two joysticks, its undoubtedly the best way to experience the game, especially when free movement and smooth turning are both turned on. The only strange part is that you use two hands to hold the gun, but that equates only to the right hand in VR, leaving your left hand (which holds your grenades) to be directed by your head. It’s a bit bizarre but the benefits far outweigh this strange downside. If only Aim controllers weren’t so hard to find.

I was sad to see no option for lefties like me either, surely a relatively simple change. It wasn’t a huge issue but I did feel like my aiming was a little let down by a relative lack of fine motor controls in that arm. Normally in non-VR games it doesn’t make a difference, but when you’re physically aiming with a controller rather than an analog stick or keyboard and mouse its a different story.

It’s almost cliche now to say a good VR game is let down by poor controls and movement, but it remains the single biggest and fundamental problem in virtual reality game design. Even in small things like how you can’t pick up things with your VR hands, instead relying on a laser-pointer like interface.

But when this game works, it works well. When you are armed with only the beginners pistol and huge demons are towering over you, it’s genuinely frightening. The thrill of glory kills still never gets old. There’s a strong kernel of a good game here, it’s just a shame the best way to play it is found in using a relatively expensive, optional controller. Its also a relatively short game, but at least its price matches its length. It’s been fantastic to see Bethesda’s commitment to virtual reality, and DOOM VFR is a flawed but welcome experiment in bringing the rich, full games that us VR players crave so much.

The post DOOM VFR (PlayStation 4 / PSVR) Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

All Hell is breaking out on the Switch!

Proving that we are in a generation of remasters and ports, Bethesda are continuing with their Triple AAA games translating to differing platforms. Along with Skyrim, the top dev studio and publisher have released DOOM over to Nintendo’s Switch.

DOOM is first person horror / SciFi shooter game, a remaster of sorts from the original 1993 release which was debuted on PC as Shareware.

The game is set on Mars, with a UAC facility being invaded by the forces of Hell and it’s up to you to take down the demon onslaught with all manner of guns, big guns including Shotgun, Chainsaw and the BFG 9000.

Initialising a progression system, you will also equip new and better armour items and there is a whole swag of collectibles. Every path you take can have multiple options, so it really pays off to explore a bit and not always run and gun.

You start off the game as an unknown man who is chained to an altar and awakens in a UAC basement on Mars. He releases himself from his imprisonment and gains his Praetor Suit, the man the moniker “Doom Slayer” after singlehandedly bringing hell to it’s knees, and couldn’t be killed, requiring an elaborate plan to capture, and seal him. Making his way across the Martian surface, he enters an industrial building that houses a satellite. After re-aligning the dish array, he hopes to learn the source of the demonic invasion, and preps himself to stop it.

Of course any game needs an ego fuelled baddie and in DOOM this comes in the guise of Dr. Olivia Pierce who is the antagonist of the game, apparently responsible for enabling Hell’s invasion, swayed by the promises of power.

DOOM enables you to roam freely and there’s no shortage of action and rewards for “Glory Kills”.

This version of the game has been adapted to the Nintendo Switch controlling system, whether the controls are attached or detached from the console.

It’s a heavy game as far as the data footprint goes, DOOM upon first instal will require around 22GB of space for a digital purchase.

Running at 30 FPS, on the handheld it looks fabulous. Surprisingly, it does not lose any of it’s visual quality when the Switch is connected to a 4K capable screen either.

There are 13 Maps to explore and cause heated metal carnage in and each Map consisting of a multitude of Levels. Multiplayer for switch is also included aswell, where players can pit off against online DOOMers in Team Deathmatch, Soul Harvest, Freeze Tag, Warpath, Domination and Clan Arena. In Multiplayer you can even play as a Demon, but your accessibility to pick ups is limited.

But having been ported on to a lesser spec’d console is not without it’s exclusions. The DOOM SnapMap is not included. Unfortunately.

Once again though, proving that game cartridges can really pack some might, Bethesda have done amazingly at porting the solid FPS over to the Switch.

The game gets a full recommend from me, who is still a fan of the very original. If you have played the 2016 console release and finished it (or are still playing it) this might be a title to hold off on, however, if you are the ultimate DOOM fan and have a Switch then you need it.

Slay demons and close the gates of Hell on the go. DOOM for Switch.

The post Doom (Switch) Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.