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doom ps4 review

DOOM PS4 Review: Is It Still Worth Playing in 2025?

Few modern shooters have aged as well as DOOM. Nearly a decade after release, id Software’s brutal reboot still stands as one of the fastest, most satisfying FPS games ever made. But with newer entries like DOOM Eternal and DOOM: The Dark Ages dominating the conversation, many PS4 players are asking the same question: is DOOM 2016 still worth playing in 2025?

The short answer is yes. Even on aging hardware, DOOM PS4 delivers intense combat, excellent performance, and one of the best single-player FPS campaigns of the last generation. While some features feel dated—especially multiplayer—the core gameplay remains incredibly addictive.

Quick Summary: DOOM PS4 at a Glance

doom ps4 review

Detail Info
Game Title DOOM (2016)
Platform PS4 / PS4 Pro
Developer id Software
Publisher Bethesda Softworks
Genre First-Person Shooter
Release Date May 13, 2016
ESRB Rating Mature (M)
Metacritic Score 85/100 (PS4)
Our Rating 9/10
Best For Action/FPS fans, single-player enthusiasts

What Is DOOM (2016)? — Game Overview

The Return of a Gaming Legend

The original DOOM helped define the FPS genre back in 1993. After years of slower military shooters dominating the market, DOOM 2016 revived classic arcade-style combat with modern visuals and brutal pacing.

Instead of hiding behind cover, the game constantly pushes players forward. Aggressive movement, close-range combat, and resource management create a gameplay loop that still feels fresh in 2025.

What made DOOM 2016 special was its confidence. It ignored trends and focused entirely on pure action.

DOOM PS4 Game Editions Available

Standard Edition

Includes the full base game and multiplayer modes.

DOOM Slayers Collection (PS4)

The DOOM Slayers Collection bundles multiple classic DOOM titles together, making it one of the best value packages for newcomers.

DOOM Anthology (PS4)

The DOOM Anthology includes several entries across the franchise and is aimed at collectors and long-time fans.

Digital vs. Physical Versions

Digital copies are usually easier to find during PlayStation Store sales, while physical copies are often cheaper in used markets.

DOOM PS4 Amazon & Pricing Overview

In 2025, DOOM PS4 is relatively inexpensive. Used physical copies can often be found for budget pricing, while digital sales frequently drop below the cost of most modern AAA games.

For the amount of content included, the value for money is excellent.

My Honest DOOM PS4 Review — Full Breakdown

First Impressions: Does DOOM Still Hold Up?

The opening hour immediately shows why DOOM became legendary. Within minutes, the game throws players into violent, fast-paced combat without unnecessary tutorials or long cutscenes.

Visually, the industrial Mars environments still look impressive on PS4. The lighting, gore effects, and demon designs maintain a strong visual identity even compared to newer shooters.

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Performance is surprisingly stable on both base PS4 and PS4 Pro. The PS4 Pro version delivers sharper visuals and smoother consistency during larger fights.

Gameplay Experience: Combat, Speed & Flow

doom ps4 review

This is where DOOM PS4 truly shines.

The combat loop revolves around movement, aggression, and constant weapon swapping. Standing still almost guarantees death. Every arena becomes a chaotic dance of double jumps, Glory Kills, chainsaw executions, and explosive weapon combos.

Core Features That Make Combat Addictive

  • Fast movement speed
  • Highly responsive controls
  • Satisfying weapon feedback
  • Smart enemy variety
  • Excellent arena design

Glory Kill System Explained

The Glory Kill mechanic rewards aggressive gameplay. Weakening enemies allows players to execute brutal melee finishers that restore health.

Instead of encouraging defensive play, the game constantly pushes you toward danger.

Weapon Variety and Upgrades

Every weapon feels useful:

  • Super Shotgun for close-range destruction
  • Gauss Cannon for precision damage
  • Rocket Launcher for crowd control
  • Plasma Rifle for shield-heavy enemies

Weapon mods add meaningful customization without overwhelming players.

Enemy Design and AI Behavior

Demons behave aggressively and force quick decisions. Some rush directly toward you, while others pressure from long range. The variety keeps combat engaging throughout the campaign.

Campaign & Story — Is There One Worth Following?

DOOM 2016’s story is intentionally simple. Humanity has opened portals to Hell on Mars, and the Doom Slayer is unleashed to stop the invasion.

Unlike cinematic shooters, the narrative mostly stays in the background. Environmental storytelling and audio logs provide lore for players who want it, but the game never interrupts the action for too long.

Campaign Length

  • Main story: ~12–13 hours
  • Completionist run: ~20+ hours

Replayability

Replay value remains strong thanks to:

  • Hidden collectibles
  • Secret classic DOOM levels
  • Difficulty modes
  • Arcade score challenges

Graphics & Visual Performance on PS4

The visuals still hold up remarkably well in 2025. For players interested in how modern games perform across different hardware setups, you can compare this experience with our guide on What FPS Can I Get on My PC to understand how system performance affects smooth gameplay in FPS titles like DOOM.

Base PS4 Performance

  • Dynamic resolution
  • Mostly stable frame rate
  • Occasional drops during massive encounters

PS4 Pro Enhancements

  • Sharper image quality
  • Improved texture clarity
  • More stable performance overall

Compared to PC, the console version naturally sacrifices some visual fidelity, but the art direction remains excellent.

Sound Design & Music

One of the game’s greatest strengths is its soundtrack.

Mick Gordon created an iconic heavy-metal score that perfectly matches the gameplay rhythm. Combat music dynamically intensifies during fights, making every encounter feel adrenaline-fueled.

Sound effects are equally impressive:

  • Weapons sound powerful
  • Demons feel threatening
  • Environmental audio enhances immersion

Using headphones dramatically improves the experience.

Multiplayer & SnapMap Mode

Multiplayer: Is It Active in 2025?

The multiplayer mode still exists, but the player base is significantly smaller now. Finding matches can take time depending on region and time of day.

The multiplayer itself was never the game’s strongest feature. Compared to the campaign, it feels less polished and less memorable.

SnapMap Overview

SnapMap allowed players to create and share custom levels. While creative, it never reached the flexibility of PC modding communities.

Still, it adds extra content for players who enjoy community-made experiences.

DOOM PS4 Rating & Critical Reception

DOOM 2016 Metacritic Score Breakdown

Platform Metacritic Score User Score
PS4 85/100 8.0/10
PC 87/100 8.2/10
Xbox One 85/100 8.1/10
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What Critics Said — DOOM 2016 Reviews Summary

Major outlets praised:

  • Fast-paced combat
  • Exceptional soundtrack
  • Strong single-player design
  • Old-school FPS philosophy

Common criticisms included:

  • Weak multiplayer
  • Thin story depth
  • Limited long-term online appeal

DOOM PS4 Community Rating — Reddit & Player Opinions

The community consensus around DOOM PS4 remains overwhelmingly positive.

Top Community Praises

  • “One of the best FPS campaigns ever”
  • “Combat still feels unmatched”
  • “Soundtrack alone is legendary”

Common Complaints

  • Multiplayer feels forgettable
  • Story lacks emotional depth
  • SnapMap is limited on console

Overall, most players still recommend DOOM 2016 in 2025—especially for single-player FPS fans.

Pros and Cons of DOOM PS4

doom ps4 review

âś… What DOOM PS4 Does Right

  • Blazing fast, fluid combat
  • Exceptional sound design and music
  • Strong single-player campaign
  • Satisfying progression systems
  • Stable performance on PS4 hardware

❌ Where DOOM PS4 Falls Short

  • Multiplayer mode feels weak
  • Story is intentionally minimal
  • SnapMap lacks PC-level modding depth
  • Visual downgrade compared to high-end PC

DOOM Series on PS4 — Full Comparison

Every DOOM Game Available on PS4

Game Release Year Metacritic (PS4) Genre Focus Best For
DOOM 3 2012 (remaster) 71/100 Horror/FPS Atmosphere fans
DOOM 2016 85/100 Pure action FPS Fast combat lovers
DOOM 64 2020 75/100 Retro FPS Classic fans
DOOM Eternal 2020 87/100 Tactical FPS Hardcore players
DOOM VFR 2017 67/100 VR FPS VR enthusiasts

DOOM 2016 vs DOOM Eternal — Which Is Better on PS4?

doom ps4 review

 

Category DOOM 2016 DOOM Eternal
Combat Style Raw and instinctive Strategic and resource-heavy
Difficulty Moderate High
Story Depth Minimal Expanded lore
Campaign Length ~12–13 hours ~15–20 hours
Metacritic (PS4) 85 87
Best For Newcomers Veteran players

DOOM Eternal PS4 Review — Quick Verdict

DOOM Eternal expands nearly every system from DOOM 2016. Combat becomes more tactical, movement is faster, and resource management plays a bigger role.

For some players, Eternal is the superior game. Others prefer the simpler, more straightforward combat flow of DOOM 2016. This evolution in design philosophy is similar to other major AAA shifts, like what we see in Cyberpunk 2077 Worth It in 2025/2026? (Honest Review & Buying Guide), where updates and system improvements completely changed the player experience over time.

DOOM 3 PS4 Review — Is It Still Worth It?

DOOM 3 focuses more on horror and atmosphere than fast action. It remains worth playing for fans who enjoy slower survival horror shooters.

DOOM 64 PS4 Review — Hidden Gem or Skip?

DOOM 64 is absolutely worth trying for retro FPS fans. Its darker atmosphere and classic gameplay still feel unique today.

DOOM VFR PS4 Review — Is the VR Version Good?

DOOM VFR offers a fun VR experience, though movement limitations and comfort issues prevent it from reaching the quality of the mainline games.

DOOM: The Dark Ages — What’s Coming Next?

DOOM: The Dark Ages Metacritic & Early Reception

DOOM: The Dark Ages introduces a darker medieval-inspired setting and slower, heavier combat style.

Early impressions suggest it could become another major evolution for the franchise.

PS4 vs PS5 Availability

Current information indicates the game targets newer hardware, meaning PS4 players may miss out.

Should You Play DOOM 2016 Before The Dark Ages?

Yes. DOOM 2016 remains the best modern entry point for newcomers.

Recommended order:

  1. DOOM (2016)
  2. DOOM Eternal
  3. DOOM: The Dark Ages
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DOOM PS4 Tips for New Players

Getting Started: Essential Tips

  • Start on Hurt Me Plenty difficulty
  • Upgrade ammo and armor early
  • Use Glory Kills constantly
  • Never stop moving during fights
  • Learn enemy weak points quickly

Hidden Secrets & Collectibles Guide

DOOM hides numerous collectibles:

  • Retro DOOM levels
  • Doom Slayer dolls
  • Weapon upgrade secrets
  • Automap stations

Exploration is heavily rewarded.

Should You Buy DOOM for PS4? — Final Verdict

Who Should Buy DOOM PS4?

DOOM PS4 is perfect for:

  • FPS fans
  • Players who enjoy fast combat
  • Single-player focused gamers
  • Fans of classic arcade shooters

It’s especially worth buying during digital sales or as part of the Slayers Collection.

Who Should Skip It?

You may want to skip it if:

  • You prefer story-heavy cinematic games
  • Multiplayer is your main priority
  • You dislike aggressive, fast-paced gameplay

Final Score & Recommendation

Category Score
Gameplay 9.5/10
Graphics (PS4) 8/10
Sound & Music 10/10
Story 7/10
Multiplayer 6/10
Value for Money 9/10
Overall 9/10

Even in 2025, DOOM PS4 remains one of the best shooters available on the platform. Its combat loop is still incredibly satisfying, the soundtrack is unforgettable, and the campaign rarely loses momentum. Like other legendary titles that continue to stay relevant after major upgrades—such as Witcher 3 Next Gen Update: 7 Essential PS5 & PC Upgrades—DOOM proves that strong design and gameplay can outlast console generations.

While newer entries may offer deeper systems and more modern visuals, DOOM 2016 succeeds because it focuses on what matters most: making combat fun.

If you missed it during the PS4 era, it’s absolutely still worth playing today.

About DOOM (2016)

DOOM is a fast-paced first-person shooter developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks. Released in 2016, the game rebooted the legendary DOOM franchise with modern graphics, aggressive combat, and intense action. Players control the Doom Slayer, a powerful warrior fighting against demonic forces unleashed on a Mars research facility.

Unlike many modern shooters that focus heavily on cover mechanics and long cutscenes, DOOM emphasizes speed, movement, and nonstop combat. The game rewards aggressive gameplay through its Glory Kill system, where finishing weakened enemies restores health and keeps combat flowing. Combined with heavy metal music, brutal weapons, and excellent level design, DOOM became one of the most praised FPS games of its generation.

Even in 2025, DOOM remains highly enjoyable for players who love action-focused single-player shooters with smooth gameplay and satisfying combat mechanics.

DOOM (2016) PC System Requirements

Minimum System Requirements

Component Requirement
OS Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit)
Processor Intel Core i5-2400 / AMD FX-8320
Memory 8 GB RAM
Graphics NVIDIA GTX 670 2GB / AMD Radeon HD 7870 2GB
Storage 55 GB available space
DirectX Version 11

Recommended / Maximum Settings Requirements

Component Requirement
OS Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
Processor Intel Core i7-3770 / AMD FX-8350 or better
Memory 16 GB RAM
Graphics NVIDIA GTX 1060 / RTX Series or AMD RX 580 and above
Storage SSD with 55 GB available space
DirectX Version 12 recommended

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is DOOM 2016 worth playing on PS4 in 2025?

Yes. The gameplay, performance, and campaign quality still hold up extremely well.

What is DOOM Eternal about?

DOOM Eternal continues the Doom Slayer’s war against demonic forces while expanding the franchise lore and combat systems.

Is DOOM Eternal good for PS4?

Yes. It performs well on PS4, though the gameplay is more demanding and strategic than DOOM 2016.

How long is DOOM Eternal?

Most players finish the main campaign in roughly 15–20 hours.

What is the difference between DOOM 2016 and DOOM Eternal?

DOOM 2016 focuses on straightforward aggressive combat, while Eternal adds more resource management and tactical mechanics.

What is the DOOM PS4 Metacritic score?

The PS4 version holds a Metacritic score of 85/100.

Does DOOM PS4 have multiplayer?

Yes, though the player base is much smaller in 2025.

Is the DOOM Slayers Collection worth buying?

Yes. It offers excellent value for players wanting multiple DOOM games in one package.

What is DOOM: The Dark Ages and when does it release?

It’s the next major DOOM entry featuring a darker medieval setting. Release timing depends on platform availability and region.

Is DOOM 3 VR worth playing on PS4?

For horror and VR fans, yes. It provides a much more atmospheric and slower-paced experience than modern DOOM titles.

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