Video: DOOM Gameplay Comparison Shows Decades of Evolution

With the release of DOOM: The Dark Ages on PS5 this week, we thought it’s time to revisit the legacy of id Software’s series, tracing the evolution of its gameplay over the past thirty years.

From the pixel-based origins in 1993 to the richly detailed demonic landscapes of the revamped trilogy, the game commonly recognized as the precursor of the boomer shooter genre, has consistently varied its terrain. To see this evolution, watch an informative eight minute video on the Push Square YouTube channel.

Upon revisiting the original game and its sequel (through the enhanced remasters on PS4 and PS5), it’s remarkable how well the gameplay has aged. Focusing on confined spaces, labyrinthine levels, and dwindling ammo, it nudges you to strategically choose the best weaponry and keep moving — a principle that remains consistent through the series.

DOOM 3 is an anomaly in this sequence, enhancing the confining atmosphere for a more horror-oriented experience. While we don’t think DOOM 3 is a bad game, it deviates from the typical DOOM mold.

This distinction becomes more apparent when the franchise resurfaces 12 years after DOOM 3 with a fresh face – simply called DOOM. The 2016 reboot is smooth, breakneck, and devilishly lively. The PS4 version retains splendid controls, and, in our view, brings forth the most harmonious perspective on the DOOM blueprint from the reboot trilogy.

To our thinking, DOOM Eternal is possibly the cream of the crop, combining lightning-quick gameplay with monstrous weaponry, strenuous platforming stages, and an overwhelming horde of demons for your super shotgun to handle. It’s a pure adrenaline rush for the FPS genre.

Now, we transition to DOOM: The Dark Ages, the newest entry in this illustrious series. For a detailed insight, check out our comprehensive PS5 review where we characterized it as a “thrillingly savage first-person shooter” despite the more deliberate, slower approach to combat.

The Dark Ages instills a nostalgic vibe akin to the initial few games in the series from the 90s, where dodging and weaving around enemies took precedence over jumping and speed. However, the Shield Saw and its parry mechanism lend a distinct rhythmic tempo to combat, thereby maintaining the game’s unique flavor.

Looking back, every installment in this long-running series offers unique reasons to play, even in 2025. We are quite fond of the strategic nature of the original games, with a heightened focus on understanding the map structures and enemy locations.

That being said, we absolutely adore the evolution of the rebooted trilogy. Each game offers a novel spin on the demonic bullet-hell recipe. It’s less about constantly refining the same dish but about delivering unique culinary experiences to cater to varying preferences.

We are keen to hear your thoughts on this refined series. Demonstrate your gaming prowess and share your favorite elements of the series’ legendary first-person gameplay in the comment section below!