Hell Unleashed! DOOM (2016) Switch Version In-Depth Review: A Demonic Onslaught Under a Barrage of Bullets

Hello everyone, I'm your old friend, a veteran who's been battling it out in the gaming world for over a decade. Today, we're going to talk about a game that has left a significant mark on the history of shooters – DOOM (2016), and its performance on the Nintendo Switch. Yes, you heard that right, this classic title, known for its gore and violence, can actually run smoothly on the Switch!

1. First Steps into Hell: DOOM (2016) Game Introduction

DOOM (2016), as a reboot of the DOOM series by id Software, abandons the horror atmosphere of its predecessors and returns to the series' original fast-paced, violent aesthetic, and wild heavy metal music style. Players take on the role of the nameless "Doom Slayer," traversing between Martian bases and Hell, eliminating hordes of demons with various powerful weapons to prevent Hell from invading Earth. This game caused a sensation when it was released in 2016, earning praise from countless players and media outlets for its exhilarating combat experience and outstanding level design.

2. DOOM (2016) Switch Version Review: The Art of Performance and Compromise

2.1 Visual Presentation: Trying to Recreate as Much as Possible with Limited Power

The Switch version of DOOM (2016) makes several compromises in terms of graphics. To ensure smooth performance, the game's resolution has been lowered and texture details have been slightly reduced. But even so, in the Switch's handheld mode, DOOM (2016) still presents a pretty good visual effect. The game's lighting and particle effects are still impressive, especially when using a shotgun to blast demons – that scene of flesh and blood flying everywhere, even in the scaled-down graphics, can still get your blood pumping.

Of course, if you're used to the 4K HDR quality of PC or console platforms, the Switch version of DOOM (2016) will definitely disappoint you. But considering the limitations of the Switch's hardware, and the game's own optimization, we must admit that Panic Button (the porting studio) did a remarkable job in this regard. They retained the game's visual style as much as possible and ensured that the game could run at a relatively stable frame rate.

2.2 Frame Rate Performance: Smooth but Not Perfect

Frame rate is one of the key factors affecting the shooting game experience. The target frame rate for the Switch version of DOOM (2016) is 30 frames/second. In most cases, the game can maintain this frame rate. However, in complex scenes, with a large number of enemies, or when using explosive weapons, the frame rate may drop.

Although the frame rate drop will affect the smoothness of the game, overall, the frame rate performance of the Switch version of DOOM (2016) is acceptable. Panic Button minimized significant frame rate fluctuations by optimizing game code and lowering graphics settings.

2.3 Control Feel: Smooth Operation Even with Joy-Cons

DOOM (2016) is a fast-paced shooting game that requires players to react quickly and operate precisely. The Switch's Joy-Con controllers are slightly inadequate in terms of operation, especially the accuracy of the sticks and the feedback of the triggers are not as good as professional game controllers.

However, after a period of adaptation, you can still play DOOM (2016) smoothly with the Joy-Cons. The game supports motion aiming, and you can fine-tune the reticle by tilting the Switch, which partially compensates for the lack of the sticks. In addition, you can also use the Switch Pro Controller for a better operating experience.

2.4 Sound Performance: A Perfect Combination of Heavy Metal Music and Demonic Roars

The sound design of DOOM (2016) is one of the key factors in its success. The game uses heavy metal-style music, which is extremely rhythmic and can perfectly set off the atmosphere of combat. When you are fighting demons in Hell, the heavy metal music will make your adrenaline soar, making you more involved in the battle.

In addition to the music, the sound design of DOOM (2016) is also excellent. The sound of gunshots, the roar of demons, and the rumble of explosions are all very realistic, allowing you to feel immersed in the game. The sound effects of the Switch version of DOOM (2016) retain the essence of the original, and you can feel the powerful impact even if you are using handheld mode.

2.5 Story Presentation: Simple, Brutal, and Back to Basics

The story of DOOM (2016) is very simple, even a bit cliché. But the game doesn't try to tell a complex story, but focuses on providing a refreshing combat experience. The Doom Slayer you play as doesn't need any reason, just eliminate all the demons that stand in your way.

This simple and brutal story is more in line with the spirit of the DOOM series. DOOM has never been a game that wins with its plot; its core charm lies in the mindless fun of shooting. DOOM (2016) inherits this well, allowing you to release stress in a barrage of bullets.

2.6 Comparative Analysis: DOOM (2016) vs. DOOM Eternal

DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal are two representative works of the DOOM series. DOOM (2016) rebooted the series and returned to the fast-paced combat style, while DOOM Eternal made significant improvements and innovations on the basis of DOOM (2016).

DOOM Eternal surpasses DOOM (2016) in terms of graphics, operation, level design, and plot. But DOOM (2016) is still a game worth playing. It is easier to get started with than DOOM Eternal, and the plot is simpler and more direct. If you are a newbie to the DOOM series, or just want to experience a refreshing shooting game, DOOM (2016) is a good choice.

2.7 Potential Optimizations for the Future Nintendo Switch 2

As the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 gets closer, players will naturally expect the performance of DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal on the next-generation console. nintendo switch2 first look is already hinting at a leap in performance. If DOOM (2016) can land on the Nintendo Switch 2, then we can expect to see the following optimizations:

• Higher Resolution and Frame Rate: The Switch 2's more powerful hardware performance will allow the game to run at a higher resolution and frame rate, resulting in a smoother and clearer visual experience.
• More Detailed Graphics: Textures, lighting, and particle effects in the game can be enhanced, presenting a more realistic visual effect.
• Faster Loading Speeds: The Switch 2's faster storage media will greatly shorten game loading times, allowing players to get into the game faster.
• Ray Tracing Technology Support: If the Switch 2 supports ray tracing technology, the picture effect of DOOM (2016) will be qualitatively improved, bringing more realistic lighting and reflection effects.

In addition, nintendo switch2 compatibility also suggests the possibility of backward compatibility. If the Switch 2 is compatible with Switch games, then DOOM (2016) players can directly experience the optimized game on the new console.

3. DOOM (2016) Beginner's Guide and Advanced Tips

3.1 Beginner's Guide

• Familiarize Yourself with Weapons: DOOM (2016) provides a variety of weapons, including shotguns, machine guns, rocket launchers, etc. Each weapon has different characteristics and applicable scenarios. New players should familiarize themselves with the performance of various weapons as soon as possible, and choose the appropriate weapon according to different situations.
• Master Glory Kills: When a demon takes enough damage, a glory kill prompt will appear. Approach the demon and press the designated button to trigger a glory kill. Glory kills can restore health, which is key to survival.
• Utilize the Environment: The levels in DOOM (2016) are full of various mechanisms and traps. Using these environmental factors reasonably can effectively eliminate demons.
• Upgrade Equipment: By collecting secret locations and completing challenges, you can obtain weapon points and enhancement tokens. Use these points and tokens to upgrade weapons and equipment to increase combat power.

3.2 Advanced Tips and Strategies

• Keep Moving: In DOOM (2016), standing still and dealing damage is not advisable. You need to keep moving to dodge demon attacks.
• Prioritize Eliminating High-Threat Enemies: Some demons have high attack power or have special abilities. You need to prioritize eliminating these high-threat enemies.
• Exploit Weaknesses: Many demons have weaknesses. Attacking a demon's weakness can cause more damage.
• Master Speedrun Techniques: If you want to challenge speedruns, you need to familiarize yourself with the route of the level and master various speedrun techniques.

4. DOOM (2016) Score and Summary

Overall, the Switch version of DOOM (2016) makes compromises in terms of graphics, but tries to restore the essence of the original as much as possible while ensuring smooth operation. The game's combat experience is still very refreshing, and the sound design is also excellent. If you can accept the Switch's hardware limitations and like fast-paced shooting games, DOOM (2016) is definitely worth playing.

• Gameplay: 9/10 – A refreshing combat experience, rich weapon and enemy types.
• Graphics: 7/10 – Tries its best to recreate on the Switch's hardware, but there is a gap compared to the PC/console version.
• Sound: 10/10 – Perfect combination of heavy metal music and realistic sound effects.
• Story: 7/10 – Simple, brutal, and back to basics.
• Control Feel: 8/10 – Joy-Cons are slightly inadequate, but acceptable.

Final Score: 8.2/10

Reference Scores:

• IGN: 8.5/10 (https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/05/11/doom-review)
• Metacritic: 85/100 (https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/doom)

Purchase Advice: If you like the DOOM series, or want to experience a refreshing shooting game, and don't mind the Switch's hardware limitations, then DOOM (2016) is a good choice. Considering that the nintendo switch2 price has not been announced yet, if the price of the Switch 2 is reasonable after its release, and it is backward compatible with DOOM (2016), then you can also consider waiting for the Switch 2 version to get a better gaming experience.

5. Player Interaction and Q&A

Well, that's my review of the Switch version of DOOM (2016). If you have any questions about this game, or have other game recommendations, please leave a message in the comment section. I will try my best to answer your questions and share my gaming experience. Let us explore together in the world of games and discover more fun!