Doom Eternal vs. Ultrakill

Attribute	Doom Eternal	Ultrakill
Release Date	March 20, 2020	March 4, 2020
Developer	id Software	Hakita
Game Engine	id Tech 7	Custom Engine
Gameplay Style	First-person shooter	Fast-paced retro shooter
Setting	Sci-fi, Hell	Dystopian future

Gameplay

Doom Eternal and Ultrakill are both fast-paced first-person shooters that emphasize movement and precision shooting. In Doom Eternal, players take on the role of the Doom Slayer as they battle hordes of demons across various levels. The game features a wide array of weapons and abilities that players can use to dispatch their enemies in creative ways. Ultrakill, on the other hand, puts players in the shoes of an android as they blast through levels filled with robotic enemies.

One key difference between the two games is the level design. Doom Eternal features larger, more open levels that encourage exploration and verticality. Players can use their movement abilities to traverse the environment and find hidden secrets. Ultrakill, on the other hand, has more compact levels that focus on fast-paced combat and quick decision-making. Players must constantly be on the move to avoid enemy attacks and find the best angles to take out their foes.

Another difference is the combat mechanics. Doom Eternal introduces the concept of "glory kills," which allow players to perform brutal finishing moves on weakened enemies to gain health and ammo. This mechanic adds a layer of strategy to the combat, as players must decide when to go in for a glory kill and when to keep their distance. Ultrakill, on the other hand, rewards players for aggressive play with a combo system that increases their score multiplier as they chain together kills.

Visuals

Both Doom Eternal and Ultrakill feature a retro-inspired art style that pays homage to classic first-person shooters. Doom Eternal's visuals are more polished and realistic, with detailed environments and character models. The game's use of lighting and particle effects adds to the atmosphere and immerses players in the world of the game. Ultrakill, on the other hand, embraces a more pixelated aesthetic that harkens back to the early days of the genre.

One notable difference in the visuals of the two games is the color palette. Doom Eternal features a more muted and realistic color scheme, with a focus on dark and gritty tones. This helps to create a sense of dread and tension as players navigate the game's hellish landscapes. Ultrakill, on the other hand, uses bright and vibrant colors to create a more energetic and frenetic atmosphere. The game's neon hues and flashy effects add to the sense of chaos and mayhem.

Another difference is the level of detail in the environments. Doom Eternal's levels are filled with intricate textures and environmental storytelling that help to bring the world to life. Players can discover hidden lore and easter eggs as they explore each level. Ultrakill, on the other hand, focuses more on fast-paced action and gameplay, with less emphasis on environmental storytelling. The game's levels are designed to keep players moving and engaged in the combat.

Sound Design

Sound design plays a crucial role in both Doom Eternal and Ultrakill, helping to create a sense of immersion and intensity. Doom Eternal features a dynamic soundtrack that adapts to the action on screen, ramping up during intense combat encounters and fading into the background during quieter moments. The game's sound effects are also top-notch, with each weapon having a distinct sound that adds to the feedback and satisfaction of shooting enemies.

Ultrakill, on the other hand, takes a more retro approach to its sound design, with a chiptune-inspired soundtrack that complements the game's pixelated visuals. The game's sound effects are punchy and impactful, with each shot and explosion adding to the chaos of the combat. The sound design in Ultrakill helps to create a sense of nostalgia for players who grew up playing classic first-person shooters.

One key difference between the two games is the use of voice acting. Doom Eternal features a fully voiced protagonist in the form of the Doom Slayer, who delivers one-liners and quips as he battles demons. The game's voice acting adds personality to the character and helps to flesh out the world of the game. Ultrakill, on the other hand, opts for a more minimalist approach to voice acting, with the player character remaining silent throughout the game.