Doom and Elden Ring offer contrasting approaches to the idea of confronting powerful entities such as gods, demons, and indescribable horrors. Unlike the characters in FromSoftware games, Doom Guy fearlessly storms into a room filled with towering enemies, swiftly eliminating them without hesitation. On the other hand, Soulsborne protagonists can easily be overwhelmed by groups of weak enemies, even in the later stages of the game, requiring careful strategy from the player.
Determining which execution of this concept is superior ultimately depends on personal preference. Within the gaming community, many enthusiasts appreciate both franchises equally, given their long history of acclaimed titles and distinct differences from one another. However, neither series has ventured into the domain of the other. This presents an opportunity for Doom and Id Software to explore new territory in future iterations of the renowned demon-slaying series.
What If Doom Met Soulsborne Games
The horror in Doom lies not in the demons themselves, but in the overpowering presence of the protagonist, who strikes fear into the hearts of even the creatures of hell. However, the Soulsborne games by FromSoftware take a different approach, where the eerie landscapes and monstrous beings are intensified by the constant unease of facing unexpected foes that can easily overwhelm the player. While Doom boasts a spine-chilling environment and visually enhanced demons, it lacks the crucial element of tension that arises from a shift in power dynamics.
This is not to say that there is anything inherently wrong with the mechanics of Doom. As a classic series, it aims for a distinct tone that sets it apart from titles like Elden Ring or Bloodborne. Nevertheless, it would be intriguing to explore the broader world beyond Doom Guy's perspective by introducing a game within the series that shares similarities with those aforementioned games. In such a scenario, a newcomer encountering Cacodemons and Arachnotrons would require a substantially different approach to defeating these enemies, as compared to the proficiency of Doom Guy and his formidable weapons.
The Future of Doom is Open-Ended
The conclusion of Doom Eternal, with both Ancient Gods DLCs, presents exciting possibilities for future sequels. Fans are eager to continue following Doom Guy's story, even if it means venturing back into hell for more action. Moreover, there is an opportunity to explore other aspects of this captivating universe that has greatly influenced gaming today.
However, the reverse scenario is unlikely. FromSoftware's Soulsborne titles, curated by Miyazaki, have established a distinct tone and world. Introducing Doom Guy, who effortlessly dispatches enemies, into the peaceful Lands Between would drastically clash with the established atmosphere. It's improbable that such a concept would be included in the upcoming Elden Ring DLC or any future projects.
On a different note, the only confirmed project for the future of the Doom franchise is Sigil 2. Although id Software primarily specializes in first-person shooters, the notion of them venturing into an action RPG is intriguing, albeit less probable.