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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDOOM (2016) is best known for a fast, aggressive campaign built around constant forward movement. Reviews praised that action, while treating its multiplayer, level editor, and slower lore material as distinct parts of the package. The Nintendo Switch version adds portability, with visual and performance compromises noted by reviewers.
What reviewers liked about the campaign
The defining idea is momentum: combat rewards pushing into danger rather than waiting at a distance. TIME reviewer Matt Peckham captured the mood in his May 17, 2016 PlayStation 4 review: “There are no safe spaces in Doom.” His assessment emphasizes relentless action and the game’s ability to make encounters feel immediate and forceful.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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DOOM Eternal: Standard Edition - PlayStation 4 | $27.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Doom (Greatest Hits) (PS4) | $27.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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DOOM Eternal: Standard Edition - PlayStation 4 | $23.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Chronos: Before the Ashes - PlayStation 4 (PS4) | $34.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Minecraft - Bedrock Edition PS4 | $42.98 | Buy on Amazon |
That focus gives the campaign a clear identity. It is a strong fit for players looking for an action-first shooter whose appeal rests on the rhythm and intensity of combat, rather than a story-heavy experience. The game’s codex provides background information, but TIME noted that stopping to read it can sit awkwardly beside the fast pace.
Multiplayer and SnapMap are separate draws
The campaign is not the whole package. TIME discusses multiplayer as a mode separate from the single-player story, so campaign praise should not be mistaken for a claim that every component offers the same experience.
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- Gain access to the latest demon-killing Tech with the DOOM Slayer's advanced praetor suit, including a shoulder-mounted flamethrower and the retractable wrist-mounted DOOM Blade
- Upgraded guns and mods, such as the Super shotgun's new distance-closing meat hook attachment, and abilities like the double Dash make you faster, stronger, and more versatile than ever
- You can't Kill demons when you're Dead, and you can't stay alive without resources. These tools are the key to your survival and becoming the ultimate demon-slayer
- A new class of (destructible) demon
- Battle mode is the new 2 versus 1 multiplayer experience built from the ground up at id software
SnapMap, the built-in level editor, was another meaningful addition in Peckham’s review. It lets players create and share custom experiences, extending the game beyond its authored campaign. That makes the overall value more appealing to players interested in making or trying community-created levels; it is less relevant if you only want a focused single-player run.
Review scores, with platform context
| Source | Score | Context |
|---|---|---|
| TIME | 4 out of 5 | Matt Peckham’s 2016 review of the PlayStation 4 version. |
| GameSpot | 8 | Score displayed on GameSpot’s DOOM game page; the page lists PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. |
| Metacritic | 79, based on 66 critic reviews | Metacritic page opened in 2026 with Nintendo Switch release context; its cited reviews discuss the Switch port. |
These figures are useful snapshots, not a single platform-neutral verdict. In particular, Metacritic’s displayed aggregate and the Switch-focused review excerpts should not be treated as a score for every edition.
Rank #2
- Developed by id Software, the studio that pioneered the first-person shooter genre, DOOM returns as a brutally fun and challenging modern-day shooter experience. Combine your arsenal of futuristic and iconic guns and upgrades, to knock-down, slash, stomp, crush, and blow apart demons. Return of multiplayer: dominate your opponents in doom's signature, fast-paced arena-style combat. Expand your gameplay experience using DOOM SnapMap game editor to easily create, play, and share your content with the world
Is the Nintendo Switch version worth playing?
Switch reviews identify portability as the main advantage, alongside visual or performance compromises compared with other versions. The trade-off is straightforward: choose Switch if being able to play on the go matters more than the strongest presentation; consider another platform if visual fidelity and performance are your priority. The available reviews establish that trade-off, but do not provide a single technical measurement that applies to every situation.
Content rating and release details
The ESRB rates DOOM Mature 17+ for Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, and Strong Language. Its rating summary describes a marine fighting a demonic invasion on Mars, with weapons including pistols, shotguns, rocket launchers, and chainsaws. See the ESRB rating for DOOM.
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Rank #3
- Developed by id Software, DOOM Eternal is the direct sequel to the award-winning and best-selling DOOM (2016)
- Hell’s armies have invaded Earth; Become the Slayer in an epic single player campaign to conquer demons across dimensions and stop the final destruction of humanity
- Experience the ultimate combination of speed and power in DOOM Eternal: the next leap in push forward, first person combat
- Discover the Slayer’s origins and his enduring mission to RAZE HELL
Release dates vary by source and likely reflect regional timing or source convention: GameSpot lists the first release as May 12, 2016, while TIME described it as out May 13 for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Bethesda’s launch-era page gave 50 GB install-space guidance for PS4 and Xbox One; that is historical guidance, not a current installation requirement. The game was developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks. GameSpot’s page also lists Panic Button among the developers, in the context of a page that includes the later Switch version.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.For collectors: the DOOM Anthology
Bethesda Gear Store described a physical DOOM Anthology on August 8, 2024. It includes DOOM (1993), DOOM II, DOOM 64, DOOM 3, DOOM (2016), and DOOM Eternal Deluxe Edition, plus an exclusive SteelBook case and a five-inch BFG replica with LED lights and stand. It is a franchise collection, not a standalone DOOM (2016) edition; the store says the replica is not a toy.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Play and share with friends on console, mobile and Windows 10
- discover community creations in the new in-game store
- access new mini games and game modes through servers
Rank #4
- Adventure RPG - refreshing combination of adventure game elements and RPG mechanics
- deep combat - A variety of weapons, abilities and powers are available to the player in the pursuit of their quest
- unique aging mechanic - every time the player dies they Age one year. Players must adapt to their advancing Age as they progress their character
- starting the game young, nimble and quick, and ending wise and more attuned to magic
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
