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Doom Eternal: The First 3 Hours Throw More At You Than All Of Doom 2016 – GameSpot
When you see Doom Eternal in action, it’s abundantly clear that id Software is doing a whole lot more than making another Doom 2016. It has gone wild with new tools of destruction and platforming mechanics, and unforgiving combat is the adrenaline pumped through its veins. Creative director Hugo Martin admits, “You’ve seen more in the first two-to-three levels in this game than you do in the entire Doom 2016, without question.” And after getting my hands on Doom Eternal’s first three hours, I’ll tell you: he’s not wrong.
As you’d expect, Doom Eternal wastes no time throwing you into the deep end. Hell is brought to earth, and Doom Slayer doesn’t think twice about jumping into the thick of it. If you played the previous game, you’ll feel at home with the act of juggling between weapons for the right situation, busting out the chainsaw to replenish ammo, and ripping and tearing demons with glory kills to keep your health topped up. That remains at the heart of Eternal, but you’ll be damned if you think you can rely on just that. The “Doom dance” has gotten more complex with some all-new steps.
The Pieces Of The Combat Puzzle
In typical fashion, you build out an arsenal over time with swappable attachments that turn each weapon into a destructive multitool. This time, each attachment has its own upgrade path to become even more effective, granting faster reload times, longer-lasting effects, or bigger splash damage. You also get a shoulder-mounted Grenade Launcher, which you can swap to launch Ice Bombs and freeze enemies in place. Then there’s the shoulder-mounted flamethrower, called the Flame Belch, which burns demons and makes them spit out armor shards. Even your fists get some extra love with the addition of the Blood Punch, which sends out an AOE shockwave to do even more damage through melee attacks. All these elements have their own upgrade paths, and expand your number of options to consider amid the chaos.
It’s not just about the weapons at your disposal, it’s also what you do with them. Some demons now take locational damage, letting you dismember specific parts to either stop them in their tracks or significantly hinder their capabilities. For example, sniping off an Arachnotron’s tail gun or destroying a Mancubus’ arm cannons takes away their devastating attacks. Both of these demons specialize in making combat hell and are tough to kill, so you’d be smart to cut them off before you get trounced. And Cacodemons aren’t so scary if you can make them gobble up a grenade to initiate instant glory kills.
Acquainting yourself with all these systems is necessary because if you’re not pulling out every stop in combat, you’re done.
You’re going to be eternally evolving, too; Runes and Praetor Suit perks are back. As if Doom Slayer wasn’t superhuman enough, Runes act as upgrades that grant you up to three dynamic abilities at a time, out of nine options total. Just to name a few: an ultra-fast temporary speed boost after glory kills, slowing down ala bullet-time while in mid-air, or the ability to initiate glory kills from further out. Praetor Suit perks help boost resistances and enhance basic capabilities within specific categories–or add to the destruction you can cause like scatter bombs that burst out of demons you kill with grenades. That’s just scratching the surface since there are 20 total Praetor Suit perks. Doom Eternal has layers.
Hell is your oyster, but part of the challenge is keeping up with everything you’re capable of. As you take a breath after killing every demon in a combat scenario, you’ll probably think about the weapons and abilities you forgot to use. Acquainting yourself with all these systems is necessary because if you’re not pulling out every stop in combat, you’re done. Ammo is more scarce than before, health is in constant short supply, so do what you need to do to get them. And you better stay nimble when demons start to spawn into the arena because it’s now easier to simply become overwhelmed.
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7 Minutes Of Brutal Doom Eternal PC Gameplay
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Traversal, Scope, And Battle In Harmony
At times, combat arenas are unmistakably bigger, which goes hand-in-hand with the increased emphasis on mobility. Your instinct might be to strafe around certain areas of these combat arenas, but you’ll soon learn that spreading your wings to double jump across platforms, swinging on monkey bars, and dashing out of danger is integral to surviving large-scale battles. It’s how the game lets you create space between enemies and find crucial pickups while also driving home the increased size and spectacle of Doom Eternal.
It’s hard to overstate the importance of that dashing capability, too. In lieu of sprinting, you get a double dash that’s on a short cooldown–it’s not unfamiliar in Bethesda shooters as we saw with Rage 2. Its addition in Doom Eternal is small but effective, both as a way to navigate the chaos and as a tool for quickly closing distances. One such example is aerial combat; you might think a far off Cacodemon is floating out of reach when they’re glowing for a glory kill, but with a double jump and a double dash, I’m ripping out their eyeballs in mid-air. And once you get the hookshot attachment for the Super Shotgun, swinging to and from demons becomes this sort of bloody wave you’re riding. New traversal mechanics means nothing is out of reach.
You might be hesitant with the idea of just how much is being layered into the Doom formula, but from what I played, it’s as if id Software painstakingly made sure every mechanic, weapon, and ability serves a purpose.
Platforming itself is fine; it asks to look at your environment as if it was a puzzle found in an action-adventure game, and requires you to connect your jumps to monkey bars and specifically sticky walls. This also affords more elaborate ways for the game to hide secrets, which is good news for those wanting to find every single Rune, Praetor Token, and cute little Doom Slayer figure tucked away in hidden corners.
Hugo Martin says the new mobility has helped expand the scope of Doom, saying, “It’s mostly meant to try to create an experience that’s engaging for players even outside of combat, and expand the scope of the levels quite a bit.” He isn’t concerned about it feeling out of place either. “We’re steering into being a video game. What that means is we tell the designers, ‘just embrace the contrivances that you find in video games. If you want a floating jump pad out in the middle of space where there’s no f*****g gravity, for no reason, do it.'” It’s hard to tell how it’ll play out over the course of the full game, and if they’ll become roadblocks to Doom Eternal’s best parts, but so far, it’s welcome variety.
Another element that really sells the scope of the game is the new hub area in space, the Fortress of Doom. It’s your home between missions that overlooks Earth and harbors a plethora of unlockables. I could peer through the locked doors and see what looks to be armor upgrades, extra mods, and more toys to mess with, but throughout the game, you’ll be rounding up Sentinel Batteries to get these doors open. There’s no doubt to be more secrets within, like a powerful weapon that unlocks with Empyrean keys you earn through tough Slayer Gate challenges, or just that giant mech-like Praetor suit being constructing inside the Fortress.
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Doom Eternal Has A Hub Area, Here’s What’s In it
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The Work Cut Out For Doom Slayer
It’s wild to think that I was able to experience so much of what Doom Eternal is packing in just the opening three hours, yet there are certainly more surprises beyond. In Hugo Martin’s words, “We’re hell-bent on engaging you from beginning to end. This is a 22-plus hour game.” He also mentioned that at a certain point, they’ll give you everything you need, and the onus will be on you to make it all work; “It’s Bruce Lee walking into the dojo, just like, ‘I’m going to wreck 30 dudes.'” To put it another way, Martin said “the fun is mastering [Doom Eternal], because that power fantasy, you’re going to earn that.”
Doom Eternal makes you earn victory for sure, but tuning difficulty was a significant focus for the id Software team. In relation to how Doom 2016 handled difficulty, Martin said, “What was frustrating is that it was kind of like learning a new combat dance… the fireball distance and the way that I learned to dodge it… different rules.” Now, the approach is to scale existing mechanics. Regardless of whether you play on easy, hurt me plenty, ultra-violence or nightmare, the method to the madness remains consistent.
On easier settings, enemies will be less persistent by shooting fewer heavy shots at a time and they’ll do less damage, leaving more room for error, that’s all. Doom Eternal wants you to play a certain way, and its variables are tuned to push you toward engaging with most of its systems regardless of difficulty. The emphasis on resource management, juggling of your arsenal and abilities, and damage enemies take all stay the same.
Doom Eternal throws everything plus the kitchen sink at you, but gives you all the tools you need to deal with it. While three hours is just a slice of the full game, it’s hard to deny that it’s extremely well-put-together. You might be hesitant with the idea of just how much is being layered into the Doom formula, but from what I played, it’s as if id Software painstakingly made sure every mechanic, weapon, and ability serves a purpose. You can’t get away with mindless shooting or pure accuracy here–Doom Eternal really is that relentless FPS combat puzzle, and a bloody, gruesome one at that. You’ll see what I mean on March 20 when Doom Eternal hits Xbox One, PS4, and PC, and later this year on Switch.
Now Playing: Doom Eternal’s Combat Is Absolute Chaos, And It’s Awesome
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
- Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
- Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
- Best Buy Canada
- Walmart Canada
- EB Games (GameStop)
- Amazon Canada
- The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
- Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
- Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
- Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
- Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
- Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
- Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
- Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
- Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
- Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
- Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
- AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
- Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
- VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
- Alan Wake 2
- Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
- Demon’s Souls
- Dragon’s Dogma 2
- Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
- Gran Turismo 7
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
- Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
- $699.99 USD
- $949.99 CAD
- £699.99 GBP
- €799.99 EUR
- ¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
Google has launched its next generation of Pixel phones, setting the stage for a head-to-head competition with Apple as both tech giants aim to integrate more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features into their flagship devices. The unveiling took place near Google’s Mountain View headquarters, marking an early debut for the Pixel 9 lineup, which is designed to showcase the latest advancements in AI technology.
The Pixel 9 series, although a minor player in global smartphone sales, is a crucial platform for Google to demonstrate the cutting-edge capabilities of its Android operating system. With AI at the core of its strategy, Google is positioning the Pixel 9 phones as vessels for the transformative potential of AI, a trend that is expected to revolutionize the way people interact with technology.
Rick Osterloh, Google’s senior vice president overseeing the Pixel phones, emphasized the company’s commitment to AI, stating, “We are obsessed with the idea that AI can make life easier and more productive for people.” This echoes the narrative Apple is likely to push when it unveils its iPhone 16, which is also expected to feature advanced AI capabilities.
The Pixel 9 lineup will be the first to fully integrate Google’s Gemini AI technology, designed to enhance user experience through more natural, conversational interactions. The Gemini assistant, which features 10 different human-like voices, can perform a wide array of tasks, particularly if users allow access to their emails and documents.
In an on-stage demonstration, the Gemini assistant showcased its ability to generate creative ideas and even analyze images, although it did experience some hiccups when asked to identify a concert poster for singer Sabrina Carpenter.
To support these AI-driven features, Google has equipped the Pixel 9 with a special chip that enables many AI processes to be handled directly on the device. This not only improves performance but also enhances user privacy and security by reducing the need to send data to remote servers.
Google’s aggressive push into AI with the Pixel 9 comes as Apple prepares to unveil its iPhone 16, which is expected to feature its own AI advancements. However, Google’s decision to offer a one-year free subscription to its advanced Gemini Assistant, valued at $240, may pressure Apple to reconsider any plans to charge for its AI services.
The standard Pixel 9 will be priced at $800, a $100 increase from last year, while the Pixel 9 Pro will range between $1,000 and $1,100, depending on the model. Google also announced the next iteration of its foldable Pixel phone, priced at $1,800.
In addition to the new Pixel phones, Google also revealed updates to its Pixel Watch and wireless earbuds, directly challenging Apple’s dominance in the wearable tech market. These products, like the Pixel 9, are designed to integrate seamlessly with Google’s AI-driven ecosystem.
Google’s event took place against the backdrop of a significant legal challenge, with a judge recently ruling that its search engine constitutes an illegal monopoly. This ruling could lead to further court proceedings that may force Google to make significant changes to its business practices, potentially impacting its Android software or other key components of its $2 trillion empire.
Despite these legal hurdles, Google is pressing forward with its vision of an AI-powered future, using its latest devices to showcase what it believes will be the next big leap in technology. As the battle for AI supremacy heats up, consumers can expect both Google and Apple to push the boundaries of what their devices can do, making the choice between them more compelling than ever.
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