Doom Eternal After The Ancient Gods: Rip and Tear No More? Future Content & Speculation
Doom Eternal: The Ancient Gods Saga Ends, What's Next?
Doom Eternal, id Software's critically acclaimed follow-up to the 2016 reboot, has captivated players with its brutal gameplay, intricate lore, and Mick Gordon's iconic soundtrack (or, more accurately, the soundtrack *saga*). The Ancient Gods expansions expanded upon the Doom Slayer's story, delving deeper into the Doom universe and concluding a specific narrative arc. But with that chapter closed, the burning question remains: what lies ahead for Doom Eternal and the entire Doom franchise? Is it time to 'Rip and Tear No More,' or are more demonic hordes on the horizon?
This article delves into the possibilities, exploring potential sequels, spin-offs, gameplay evolutions, and even the future of the Doom Slayer himself. We'll examine hints from the developers, analyze player feedback, and speculate on the direction id Software might take this beloved series.
The State of Doom Eternal After The Ancient Gods
Before we jump into future possibilities, it's crucial to understand where Doom Eternal stands now. The Ancient Gods Part One and Two provided a challenging and lore-rich conclusion to the story that began in Doom (2016). They introduced new enemies, mechanics, and environments, pushing players to master the game's intricate combat loop.
- Narrative Conclusion: The Ancient Gods effectively wrapped up the immediate storyline involving the Doom Slayer's origins, the battle against the Dark Lord, and the cosmic order.
- Gameplay Refinement: The expansions further honed the core gameplay, demanding strategic weapon switching, precise movement, and resource management.
- Community Engagement: Doom Eternal fostered a strong community through its single-player campaign, multiplayer modes (though the initial Battlemode had issues), and modding potential.
However, the game wasn't without its controversies. The absence of Mick Gordon on the soundtrack for *Ancient Gods Part Two* was a sore point for many fans, and the initial reception to Battlemode was lukewarm. Despite these challenges, Doom Eternal has cemented its place as a modern classic.
Potential Avenues for a Doom Eternal Sequel
The most obvious path forward is a direct sequel to Doom Eternal. Here are a few potential scenarios for Doom Eternal 2:
Continuing the Doom Slayer's Story (Again)
While The Ancient Gods provided closure, the Doom Slayer is essentially immortal and can always find a new demonic threat to vanquish. A sequel could explore:
- New Dimensions: The Doom universe is vast, and the Slayer could travel to unexplored dimensions, each with unique environments, enemies, and lore.
- Cosmic Threats: Expand upon the cosmic scale introduced in The Ancient Gods. The Slayer could face threats that transcend Hell itself.
- The Slayer's Internal Conflict: Delve deeper into the Slayer's psyche and explore the burden of his eternal crusade. Is he truly a hero, or simply an instrument of destruction?
A New Doom Slayer
One bold move would be to introduce a new protagonist, perhaps a successor to the original Doom Slayer. This could allow id Software to explore new gameplay mechanics and narrative perspectives while still retaining the core Doom identity.
- Different Playstyle: A new Slayer could have a different set of abilities, weapons, and combat preferences, leading to a fresh gameplay experience.
- New Lore: A new protagonist allows for the exploration of new lore and a different perspective on the Doom universe.
- Passing the Torch: The original Doom Slayer could act as a mentor or guide, passing on his knowledge and skills to the next generation.
Time Travel and Alternate Realities
Given the complex timeline and multiversal elements hinted at in *Doom Eternal*, a sequel could explore time travel or alternate realities.
- Preventing the Invasion: The Slayer could travel back in time to prevent the initial demonic invasion of Earth.
- Exploring Different Timelines: Introduce alternate realities where different events occurred, leading to vastly different versions of the Doom universe.
- Paradoxical Scenarios: Play with time travel paradoxes and explore the consequences of altering the past.
Spin-Off Possibilities: Expanding the Doom Universe
Beyond a direct sequel, id Software could explore the Doom universe through spin-offs that focus on different characters, gameplay styles, or aspects of the lore.
A Doom Marine Prequel
Before the Doom Slayer became the unstoppable force of nature we know, he was a simple Doom Marine. A prequel could explore his early days fighting demons on Mars or Earth, before he acquired his supernatural abilities.
- More Grounded Gameplay: Focus on more realistic weaponry and tactics, emphasizing survival and resource management.
- Horror Elements: Emphasize the horror aspects of the demonic invasion, creating a more suspenseful and terrifying experience.
- Character Development: Explore the Doom Marine's backstory and motivations, providing a deeper connection to the character.
A UAC Management Simulator
A more unconventional spin-off could focus on the UAC (Union Aerospace Corporation) and their role in the demonic invasion. Players could manage resources, conduct research, and make difficult decisions that impact the fate of humanity. Think of it as Oxygen Not Included meets Doom.
- Strategic Gameplay: Focus on strategic decision-making and resource management.
- Ethical Dilemmas: Present players with moral choices that have far-reaching consequences.
- Base Building: Allow players to build and manage UAC facilities, research new technologies, and defend against demonic attacks.
Doom VR Expansion
Following the success of Doom VFR, id Software could expand upon the VR experience with a new expansion or a standalone title. VR could offer a truly immersive and terrifying Doom experience.
- Enhanced Immersion: Take advantage of VR technology to create a more immersive and visceral Doom experience.
- New Gameplay Mechanics: Introduce new gameplay mechanics that are unique to VR, such as motion controls and room-scale movement.
- Horror Focus: Emphasize the horror aspects of Doom, creating a truly terrifying VR experience.
Gameplay Evolutions: What Could Change in Future Doom Games?
Regardless of the narrative direction, future Doom games could introduce significant changes to the gameplay formula.
More RPG Elements
While Doom Eternal introduced some light RPG elements, such as weapon upgrades and Praetor Suit modifications, future games could expand upon this with:
- Skill Trees: Allow players to customize their Slayer's abilities and playstyle through skill trees.
- Character Stats: Introduce character stats that affect the Slayer's performance in combat.
- Loot System: Implement a loot system with rare weapons, armor, and artifacts that enhance the Slayer's abilities.
Open World or Semi-Open World Design
While Doom is traditionally known for its linear level design, future games could experiment with open world or semi-open world environments, allowing for greater exploration and freedom.
- Exploration: Encourage exploration and discovery with hidden secrets, collectibles, and optional challenges.
- Non-Linear Progression: Allow players to tackle objectives in any order they choose.
- World Building: Create a more immersive and believable world with interconnected environments and dynamic events.
Cooperative Campaign
Imagine tackling the hordes of Hell with a friend. A cooperative campaign could add a new layer of depth and replayability to the Doom experience.
- Teamwork: Encourage teamwork and coordination through shared objectives and abilities.
- Different Roles: Allow players to choose different roles with unique abilities and playstyles.
- Increased Difficulty: Scale the difficulty to accommodate multiple players, providing a challenging and rewarding experience.
Revamped Multiplayer
While Battlemode in Doom Eternal had potential, it didn't quite capture the hearts of players. A revamped multiplayer mode could learn from its mistakes and offer a more engaging and balanced experience.
- Team-Based Modes: Introduce team-based modes with clear objectives and roles.
- Customizable Loadouts: Allow players to customize their loadouts with different weapons, abilities, and cosmetic items.
- Ranked Play: Implement a ranked play system with skill-based matchmaking.
The Future of the Doom Slayer
The Doom Slayer is more than just a character; he's an icon. His relentless determination, brutal efficiency, and unwavering commitment to destroying demons have made him one of gaming's most beloved protagonists. But what does the future hold for the Slayer himself?
Eternal Rest?
One possibility is that the Doom Slayer's story has come to an end. He has fulfilled his purpose, defeated the Dark Lord, and restored balance to the universe. Perhaps it's time for him to finally rest.
- Symbolic Ending: Provide a symbolic ending that reflects the Slayer's journey and sacrifices.
- Passing the Mantle: Allow another character to take up the mantle of the Doom Slayer, continuing his legacy.
- Ambiguous Fate: Leave the Slayer's fate ambiguous, allowing players to interpret his ending in their own way.
Eternal Crusade?
Alternatively, the Doom Slayer could continue his eternal crusade, forever battling the forces of Hell. This would allow id Software to create endless sequels and spin-offs without ever having to retire the character.
- Endless Conflict: Depict the Slayer as a force of nature, forever bound to fight against evil.
- New Threats: Introduce new demonic threats that constantly challenge the Slayer's abilities.
- Mythical Status: Elevate the Slayer to a mythical status, becoming a legend whispered throughout the cosmos.
Transformation?
Perhaps the Doom Slayer could undergo a transformation, evolving into something more than just a demon-slaying machine. He could learn to control his rage, find peace within himself, or even become a protector of life.
- Character Development: Explore the Slayer's emotional and psychological state, revealing his vulnerabilities and inner conflicts.
- Moral Ambiguity: Introduce moral dilemmas that force the Slayer to question his own actions and motivations.
- New Purpose: Give the Slayer a new purpose beyond simply killing demons, such as protecting humanity or restoring balance to the universe.
Conclusion: The Rip and Tear Continues (Probably)
While The Ancient Gods may have concluded a specific chapter in the Doom saga, the future of the franchise remains bright. Whether id Software chooses to create a direct sequel, explore spin-offs, or revamp the gameplay, the potential for new and exciting Doom experiences is immense. The combination of visceral combat, compelling lore, and iconic imagery ensures that the Doom franchise will continue to 'Rip and Tear' its way into the hearts of gamers for years to come. And while the specifics of the Doom Slayer's journey after the events of the Ancient Gods are unknown, the spirit of relentless action and defiance against overwhelming odds will undoubtedly persist. We eagerly await what id Software has in store for us, confident that the next chapter will be just as brutal, intense, and unforgettable as the last.
Ultimately, the decision of what direction to take the franchise in next lies with id Software and Bethesda. However, it's clear that there is a huge appetite amongst the fanbase for more Doom content, and so, while "Rip and Tear No More?" might be a good question to ask, the answer is likely to be a resounding "No!"