Stuffed with burning tensions and combative environments, "Doom Eternal" has set the bar high when it comes to exhilarating first-person shooter experiences. But, as all avid gamers understand, sometimes you find yourself itching for something new while still wanting to hold onto that same thrilling feel. That's where these Top-5 "Doom Eternal" alternative games come into play. Each one of these carefully selected titles shares similar traits that make "Doom Eternal" an extraordinary experience – such as intense combat, atmospheric settings, and gripping storylines. So, without further ado, let's dive into these alternative adventures.
1. Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
Gameplay, Story, and Setting
Developed by MachineGames and published by Bethesda Softworks, "Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus" puts you in the boots of B.J. Blazkowicz, a one-man-army determined to take back his country from the clutches of the merciless Nazi regime. Released in October 2017 as a direct sequel to "Wolfenstein: The New Order," this first-person shooter combines the developer's narrative-driven storytelling with visceral, unrelenting combat experiences.
Equipped with an arsenal of high-tech, devastating weaponry and the ability to dual-wield guns, players will remorselessly blast their way through Nazi hordes occupying the United States in the 1960s. With a gripping and mature storyline, "The New Colossus" keeps players engaged while offering them an array of customizable playstyles, ranging from stealth to full-frontal assaults.
"Wolfenstein II"'s setting conjures a dystopian environment in which the dark rule of Nazis seeps into everyday life. Players will face downtrodden, yet determined, allies and vicious villains in diverse environments across America. From the bombed-out remains of New York City to the alligator-infested swamps of New Orleans, players will cut a swath of destruction, all in the name of freedom.
2. Dusk
Gameplay, Story, and Setting
"Dusk," a retro-styled first-person shooter developed by David Szymanski and published by New Blood Interactive, perfectly captures the 90's nostalgia with its pixelated aesthetic, fast-paced gameplay, and heavy metal soundtrack. Taking its cues from the classic first-person shooters like "Doom" and "Quake," "Dusk" delivers frenetic and skill-based combat, rewarding players' dexterity and weapon mastery.
Players assume the role of an unnamed protagonist trapped in a remote, twisted town overrun by demonic forces. The journey takes them through an array of interconnected levels bursting with enemies and dripping with occult imagery. With a series of powerful and varied guns at your disposal, players will shoot, slash, and leap through 33 action-packed levels.
The game's setting cleverly combines rural, industrial, and occult themes, presenting players with eerie countryside landscapes, occult temples, and military facilities. The dark, pixelated graphics create an air of menace and suspense, appealing to die-hard retro shooter fans who cannot get enough of those immersive, old-school graphics.
3. Warhammer: Vermintide 2
Gameplay, Story, and Setting
Developed and published by Fatshark, "Warhammer: Vermintide 2" is a gore-soaked first-person action game with a relentless emphasis on cooperative gameplay. In the face of an unending onslaught of bloodthirsty enemies, players form a team of up to four heroes from five distinct character classes.
As a direct sequel to "Warhammer: End Times – Vermintide," the game continues the story of the Ubersreik Five attempting to slow the Vermintide's spread across the Warhammer world. Each character class possesses its unique abilities, weapons, talents, and progression system. Additionally, the game trades the traditional first-person shooter gunplay for visceral melee combat and ranged weapons like bows, crossbows, and firearms.
Set in the richly-detailed and darkly atmospheric Warhammer fantasy universe, players must navigate through a variety of locations, including rural villages, dwarf strongholds, and majestic forests filled with hostile creatures such as the rat-people Skaven and the Chaos tribe. This feeling of endlessly exploring a detailed dark universe while battling with multi-faceted and powerful creatures is sure to keep players engaged and entertained.
4. Hellbound
Gameplay, Story, and Setting
"Hellbound," developed by Saibot Studios and published by Nimble Giant Entertainment, is a first-person shooter paying homage to 90s classics such as "Doom," "Quake," and "Duke Nukem 3D." With an adrenaline-pumping heavy metal soundtrack and ultra-violent gameplay, "Hellbound" presents a relentless onslaught of demonic enemies for players to indulge in their demon-slaying cravings.
The game's storyline takes a backseat to the intense combat experience, as players step into the shoes of Hellgore, a muscle-bound meathead with a thirst for blood. Players are equipped with an assortment of powerful weapons, from shotguns and rocket launchers to the skull-crushing Triple Shot. Speed is the key to survival, and the gameplay rewards players for mastering fast-paced strafing, jumping, and weapon-switching mechanics.
The setting of "Hellbound" surrounds itself with demonic imagery and industrial aesthetics. Players progress through a series of interconnected levels filled with arcane structures and monstrous enemies. From the charred depths of Hell to the remains of human civilization overrun by demons, "Hellbound" offers an action-packed journey to relive the glory days of classic 90s FPS titles.
5. Metro Exodus
Gameplay, Story, and Setting
Developed by 4A Games and published by Deep Silver, "Metro Exodus" combines elements of first-person shooters, stealth, and survival horror into a thrilling and narrative-driven experience. Based on Dmitry Glukhovsky's best-selling novel "Metro 2035," this critically-acclaimed and award-winning title stands as the third installment in the popular "Metro" video game series.
In a post-apocalyptic Russia, players assume the role of Artyom, a survivor who embarks on an epic journey through hostile environments in search of a new life. "Metro Exodus" emphasizes resource management, crafting, and making strategic decisions to survive in a dynamic world shaped by the player's actions. Additionally, the game's open-ended level design allows for creative exploration and experimentation when dealing with the various mutated creatures and hostile factions populating the world.
The setting of "Metro Exodus" paints a brutal and hauntingly beautiful vision of post-nuclear Russia. Through a mix of linear and non-linear levels spanning the four seasons, players face derelict cityscapes, dense forests, and harsh desert terrains. The game's exquisite attention to detail and atmospheric storytelling immerses players in the harrowing experiences of humanity's last remnants, struggling to survive in a desolate and unforgiving world.
Bottom Line
These Top-5 "Doom Eternal" alternative games offer an exhilarating mix of heart-pounding combat, immersive atmospheres, and compelling narratives. While each game has its distinct flavor, they all share the aspects that make games like "Doom Eternal" so captivating. So whether you're a hardened demon-slayer looking for a new challenge or simply seeking an intense first-person experience, these five games are sure to scratch that itch and provide hours of blood-pumping entertainment.
