Deal | Only $9.99: Critically acclaimed FPS title with fast-paced combat and legendary soundtrack gets 75% discount on Steam

Doom: The Dark Ages, in true Doom fashion, is the divisive third game of the franchise. It isn't a bad game by any means, and easily one of the best games to launch this year (read our review here), but some of its mechanics, especially the extra emphasis on parrying and melee combat, didn't sit right with many players. If you want to check it out, it has been discounted by 25% on Steam. 2020's Doom Eternal, on the other hand, is still revered to this day for its blazing-fast gameplay and steep learning curve.

Doom Eternal continues the events of Doom (2016). You, the Doom Slayer, are now safely tucked away in your fortress orbiting Earth. Most of the planet has been ravaged by an invasion from hell, and your job is to repel it. Our journey starts on Earth and takes us to Mars briefly. Contrary to what the game tells you, you can, in fact, just shoot a hole into the surface of Mars.

As is the case with all Doom games, Doom Eternal is all about its gunplay. The game offers you plenty of weapons and mods to go with said weapons. Ammo is scarce and you'll find yourself looking at the 'low ammo' warning sign far too often. It is a conscious design decision to incentivise chainsaw usage, which is the primary method of farming ammunition from lesser enemies.

However, Doom Eternal sets it apart from the rest with its emphasis on verticality. While constant movement has been mandatory in all Doom titles, here you'll be required to sprint, dash, vault and swing your way through most arenas. It also gives us some super-annoying platforming sections that break up the action-packed sequences.

After launch, Doom Eternal got two pieces of DLC: The Ancient Gods 1 and The Ancient Gods 2. The former picks up after the story's end and is easily one of the more divisive of the two. It introduces new regions, enemies, and gameplay mechanics. At the beginning of the Ancient Gods 1, you're thrust into an arena with everything from the base game unlocked and thrown into a brutal battle with never-ending hordes of demons. It caused an uproar among casual players who understandably didn't continue playing Doom Eternal after the campaign ended and were not equipped to deal with such a difficulty spike.

The Ancient Gods 2, as its name suggests, is a follow-up to The Ancient Gods 1. It does the same thing, but without cranking up the difficulty to maximum at the start. One needs to experience both pieces of DLC to experience Doom Eternal in its entirety, and they are worth the extra cash.

Composer Mick Gordon's background score elevates Doom Eternal to an entirely new level with its Djent-Metal-Industrial hybrid sound signature. Unfortunately, due to a falling out between Bethesda and Mick, he was unable to continue work on TAG 1 and TAG 2. However, Andrew Hulshult and David Levy pick up his mantle and deliver a near-identical vibe.

Doom Eternal can be bought for just $9.99 on Steam, representing a 75% discount. The Deluxe Edition, which includes the base game, The Ancient Gods 1 and The Ancient Gods 2, costs $17.49. SteamDB's price tracker shows the game has been discounted by 80% in the past, but now is as good a time as any to pick it up. The promotion is valid until August 13.

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