'Doom' Single-Player Demo: Bethesda Shifts Focus After Disappointing Multiplayer Response

"Doom" recoups with a recent single-player gameplay demo released by Bethesda. This is a much needed focus shift given fans' response after the earlier release of the "Doom" multiplayer beta.

"Doom" is a seminal franchise set to be resurrected this year. The new "Doom" will be the fourth in the series.

Advanced settings, framerate, more. An update from @idSoftware about #DOOM on PC. https://t.co/VBNcWPgf9d pic.twitter.com/6NIz1XZQiJ

— DOOM (@DOOM) April 22, 2016

Originally just developed by Id software, the latest "Doom" instalment co-developed by Certain Affinity, promises to return the series to its roots. This is a welcome change given that the fourth "Doom" follows the slow "monster in the closet" gameplay of "Doom 3." The third iteration had been a stark contrast to the horrific run-and-gun madness of the original "Doom" games.

Earlier this month, Bethesda released a "Doom" beta of the multiplayer component to several platforms. The feedback was disappointing - the game was slated for feeling too much like "Call of Duty" and "Halo."

Missed Marty & Hugo's single-player stream? The highlight is currently rebroadcasting https://t.co/KlcaT9pQ9I pic.twitter.com/45cy94mBqC — id Software (@idSoftware) April 27, 2016

All the trappings of modern multiplayer gained "Doom" some flack, too. For a game that has an old-school multiplayer heritage as "Doom," this was certainly a disappointment for fans. Especially since long-time fans have been waiting for a return to the original "Doom" multiplayer gameplay with modern technology.

Forbes pointed out, however, that the response had been divided at best where a number of fans proved happy with the "Doom" multiplayer beta. Now Bethesda have released footage of the "Doom" single-player campaign. The feedback so far has been favorable with fans expressing anticipation over grabbing the fourth "Doom."

Eurogamer highlights that this "Doom" campaign allows more, and well-equipped weapons. The gore and the challenges for the single-player campaign indicate that "Doom" is in good form.

What is immediately apparent is that there is a desire to imbue "Doom" with more modern gameplay tropes such as dialogue cut scenes and in game challenges and perks. While the fourth "Doom" is another far cry from the raw shooting action of the original games, the wait-and-see should prove if fans will be forgiving.

The full "Doom" game will be released on May 13. For now, check out the single-player preview of "Doom" in the video below: