First-person shooters (FPS) as a genre owe much of their existence to the groundbreaking contributions of id Software, particularly through their flagship titles, Wolfenstein and Doom. These iconic franchises laid the foundation for what FPS games have become today.
When Wolfenstein 3D debuted in 1992, followed closely by the original Doom in 1993, players were introduced to an exhilarating new world of expansive environments filled with action. The thrill of navigating vast corridors while armed to the teeth set the stage for a genre that has flourished over the years.
Both series experienced similar paths throughout the decades, achieving significant success in the 1990s, enduring experimental phases in the 2000s, and enjoying robust revivals in the 2010s. The pressing question for fans and newcomers alike is: which series has ultimately claimed the crown?
To answer this, we will analyze several critical aspects of both franchises, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses over the years.
8 Graphics and Aesthetic
Doom
In terms of visual quality, both franchises boast impressive achievements across their iterations. However, Doom takes the lead in overall aesthetic appeal. While Wolfenstein often features uniformed soldiers in grim environments, Doom traverses both Hell and the Martian landscapes, providing a wider array of visually captivating backdrops.
If given the choice, many may prefer the thrill of facing demonic adversaries on Mars over battling soldiers in a castle’s less exciting corridors. The appeal of exploring such diverse environments cannot be understated.
7 Story and Setting
Wolfenstein
Historically, Wolfenstein and Doom began with simplistic narratives focused on shooting enemies. However, over time, Wolfenstein has effectively crafted a richer story that explores an alternate history where Nazi Germany emerged victorious during World War II.
Doom, despite its chaotic action, struggles with narrative coherence, often presenting convoluted lore that’s difficult to fully grasp. While the titular Slayer offers an intense gaming experience, he lacks the depth and relatability found in B. J.Blazkowicz, who grapples with his deteriorating humanity amid adversities.
6 Locales and Setpieces
Doom
The aesthetic appeal of Doom continues into the variety of locales presented throughout the series. The vibrant Martian landscapes and the horror-tinged realms of Hell stand in stark contrast to Wolfenstein‘s often repetitive environments dominated by stone and metal.
While Wolfenstein delivers a few memorable moments, such as the chilling representation of Nazi-occupied American cities, many of its locations feel uninspired compared to Doom‘s more dynamic and intricate setpieces.
5 Combat and Weaponry
Doom
From its inception, Doom has held an advantage over Wolfenstein when it comes to weapon diversity. While Wolfenstein primarily features realistic WWII-era firearms, Doom brings an arsenal that includes iconic weapons like the Super Shotgun and the infamous BFG 9000, enhancing gameplay and combat experience.
The fast-paced nature of Doom promotes an aggressive playstyle where players are encouraged to engage dynamically with enemies, creating a more exhilarating combat experience compared to the more tactical and cover-based gameplay of Wolfenstein.
4 Secondary Abilities
Wolfenstein
Although Doom excels in primary weaponry, Wolfenstein outshines in the realm of secondary abilities. The Slayer’s skills focus predominantly on combat, but Wolfenstein integrates tactical options such as the Ram Shackles and Constrictor Harness, enhancing the player’s versatility in movement and engagement.
Moreover, the 2009 Wolfenstein introduced features like Veil Power, which added unique abilities to traverse environments creatively, a dynamic often absent in Doom.
3 Customization and Builds
Wolfenstein
While both franchises have historically favored pure combat over character customization, Wolfenstein has incorporated features that allow players to personalize their gameplay experience. With a perks system introduced in The New Order, players can unlock various upgrades based on their in-game performance and playstyle.
In contrast, Doom‘s upgrades rely more on collectible items, resulting in a less individualized gameplay approach, favoring incremental improvements instead of customized builds.
2 Enemy Variety
Doom
Enemies play a pivotal role in FPS games, and Doom excels in delivering a diverse cast of demons that create captivating combat scenarios. Whereas Wolfenstein often features similar Nazi enemies, Doom brings a vibrant array of antagonists, each with unique appearances and attack styles, making each encounter fresh and exciting.
This variety not only enhances gameplay but ensures that players remain engaged throughout their experience, contrasting the relatively uniform enemy compositions found in Wolfenstein.
1 Winner
Doom
While Wolfenstein undeniably represents the genesis of first-person shooters and boasts a compelling narrative, Doom has refined the FPS experience into an action-packed joyride. It may not shine in every narrative aspect or feature an abundance of secondary abilities, but the exhilarating gameplay of commanding the Slayer proves to be irresistibly fun.
If asked to recommend an FPS title without prior context, I would undoubtedly suggest a Doom game for its accessibility and electrifying gameplay. In contrast, Wolfenstein may cater to a more niche audience due to its heavier focus on narrative and tactical combat. Ultimately, for a gaming experience centered on pure enjoyment, Doom stands out as the definitive choice.
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