Did you download and play the DOOM Open Beta this weekend? If you enjoyed the experience you are definitely in the minority, as user reviews on Steam tally up to be 'mostly negative', with only 37 per cent of the 12,000+ reviews giving the game a positive thumbs up and comment. Meanwhile if you didn't get around to testing the latest DOOM game, you haven't 'missed out' yet, as Bethesda has extended the beta to run until 18th April, 11:59pm ET (that's one minute before 4am Tuesday morning here in the UK).
Beta now extended until 4am Tuesday morning UK time
We have been watching the development of the DOOM reboot closely, as it is such an iconic title in the PC games canon. The first DOOM, developed by id Software and released in 1993, is a pioneering FPS game that pushed forward PC developments such as 3D graphics acceleration, networked multiplayer, and player modifications. Since the original launch, 10 million copies of the DOOM series have been sold and there's even been a sci-fi action film loosely based upon the game. So the upcoming reboot, and this sneak peak weekend open beta, were highly anticipated.
Perhaps it was the hype and expectations that are the root cause of so much negative sentiment for the DOOM open beta. Many folk complained it was too far removed from the classic game they knew and loved. Even the highest rated positive review concluded that there were definitely technical issues, and that while the game was enjoyable, overall it was a mixed bag with the open beta not sealing a buying deal.
Negative reviews were numerous and often scathing. Questions were raised about the quality of the single player campaign, which wasn't previewed at all in the beta. Many negative comments related to the 'slow' and 'generic' gameplay on offer with developers from Bungie allegedly contributing to its 'Halo' feel.
Of course the game is still in beta, but it's less than a month until the launch proper. On Friday 13th May the DOOM reboot is launched (on PC, PS4 and Xbox One) and is currently available for pre-order at £39.99. Bethesda has already announced a trio of ($14.99 / £11.99) DLC packs which bring along three new maps, one new weapon, demon, armour set and piece of equipment each.
