Latest news with #Doom
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
I tested the Doom: The Dark Ages path tracing update — the difference is night and day but my GPU got hotter than hell
Doom: The Dark Ages is not just a fantastically frenetic FPS to play, but it's also a graphical masterpiece — blending both the artistic inspiration of so many death metal album covers, and adopting advanced techniques to give your demon-slaying a real cinematic quality. I didn't think it could look any better, but then I got to try out the path tracing patch and my mind was blown. You see, I've seen advanced ray tracing not really add much to games over the past few months. Cyberpunk is still neon-drenched whether you have it on or off, so what can it possibly add to something as dark as Doom? Well, as it turns out, a lot. But at what cost to your GPU? I fired up my RTX 5070 Ti gaming tower and got to testing. Still not near MSRP yet, but definitely heading in the right direction. If you're desperate for an RTX 5070 Ti and you're living in the U.S., this is the best price available right now. Meanwhile, in the U.K., stock seems to be staying steady and the price is reflecting that with availability at RRP! Path tracing (sometimes, you'll hear it called full ray tracing) is a new level in simulating light and reflective materials — let's break it down. With ray tracing that you'd see on the likes of your PS5 Pro, you're getting pretty lights and reflections that simulate the physics of only one bounce of a light ray or reflection. To do more is incredibly taxing, but we're now at a point where gaming PCs are capable of it. Stepping up to the next level, path tracing simulates how light interacts with objects in a much more complex way — packing multiple rays that bounce directly and indirectly off objects, calculates both reflections and refractions, and even works hand-in-hand with a game shadowing technique called ambient occlusion to provide real visual depth to a scene. Dark Ages was already a feast for the eyes, but path tracing does indeed take it to a whole new level that I didn't expect. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. The shadows of darker rooms without it could make things a little too dark, but the update brings a new brightness to things without looking like artificially placed lighting. I was expecting this to be barely noticeable, but in reality the difference can be stark. In brightly-lit scenes, that may be the case, but since a lot of the game is gloomy, this is a real path tracing Tour de Force. On top of that, the reflections in puddles (be it water or blood) or the refractions of light gleaming off the many weapons in your arsenal add a real cinematic quality to all your chaotic combat moments. No longer does reflective surfaces or substances look like kitchen foil, and neither do rougher matte surfaces see any light bounce off. Everything interacts realistically, and it is a real sight to behold. Just a quick heads-up on my time specifically with RTX 5070 Ti, though. Path tracing has a high cost to GPU memory and performance, so you're going to need DLSS 4, multi-frame gen and all the neural rendering techniques to keep the frame rate at a playable level for something fast like Doom. Without them, this drops sharply to around the 25-30 FPS level, so please AI trickery is a must-use. During my many hours of testing, I took readings at particularly GPU-intensive moments of the game to gather an RTX 5070 Ti average. Path tracing setting Frame rate Latency GPU temperature (Fahernheit) Path tracing OFF 219 FPS 14.6 ms 138 Path tracing ON 136 FPS 24.4 ms 156 That's actually not as bad as I thought it was going to be, but that is still a hefty hit on frame rate in favor of path tracing. So it really becomes up to you on whether you're a detail hog of a frame rate connoisseur. Based on these numbers, if you are on anything less than an RTX 5070 Ti, it becomes a sliding scale of how much you value that improved lighting and reflection quality vs the performance. I'll have to continue testing on other GPUs to get a fuller picture, but given the average percentage gaps I've seen across them, you'll see a roughly 22% drop for RTX 5070 (with more of a risk of topping off that 12GB of video memory, and the demand on RTX 5060 Ti would just put too much of a strain on the lesser number of Tensor and RT cores. One thing that did alarm me slightly were the increased temperatures on the 5070 Ti. It's not hitting my threshold of concern (180 degrees), and it didn't exceed this for any extended session I had of 3+ hours of gaming. But it's starting to wander a little close to it. In the defense of my GPU, it's gotten unseasonably warm here — like I just came back from LA, and the U.K. is actually warmer than it was the entire week over in Cali! But regardless, that's a dramatic uplift in performance demand and GPU temperatures. I turned on path tracing thinking it would just be like a 5% improvement for a big performance hit — flashier lights and nicer reflections that slowed down my demon-slaying antics a little too much. However, I couldn't have been more wrong. Path tracing is the real deal and the difference is stark in terms of adding impressive levels of depth and drama to each scene. The way the lighting realistically illuminates and reflections bounce make every bloodsoaked moment look like the most epic metal album cover you've seen. With all this in mind, is it worth the average 40% hit on your GPU's performance? The answer very much comes down to how important frame rate is to you. I do appreciate that uber-smoothness without path tracing turned — especially when parrying attacks. But for what it does bring to the table, this is a gorgeous, gory glimpse of graphics going forward.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Robert Downey Jr. confirmed for Fantastic Four: First Steps
Robert Downey Jr.'s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Doctor Doom has stirred massive excitement among fans. However, this excitement is not to be fulfilled in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Despite Doom's deep ties to the Fantastic Four's comic book legacy, Marvel Studios has confirmed that Downey Jr.'s version of the iconic villain will not appear in the upcoming film. Instead, the studio is shifting its focus to Galactus as the primary threat. This shift in the storyline is a bold move by Marvel, allowing the new Fantastic Four team to shine without being overshadowed by Downey Jr.'s larger-than-life presence. This carefully considered decision signals Marvel's intent to firmly establish the Fantastic Four as the next big stars in the MCU — and it may just be the smartest move yet. Marvel aims to spotlight the fantastic four without overshadowing Star power By choosing not to include Robert Downey Jr. 's Doctor Doom in Fantastic Four: First Steps , Marvel Studios is giving the new superhero team room to develop their identity in the MCU. With Galactus positioned as the main antagonist, the film can introduce fresh dynamics and world-building, setting the stage for future storylines without relying on legacy characters to carry the weight. Robert Downey Jr. is coming back to the MCU. But no, you won't see him in Fantastic Four: First Steps. This may sound surprising, especially since he's playing Doctor Doom — one of the most iconic villains in Marvel Comics. But Marvel has a clear reason for keeping him out of this movie. And honestly, it's a smart move. Let's break down what's happening and why this decision helps both the film and the future of the MCU. RDJ is playing doctor doom — But not yet He told Empire Magazine, "Doom is not a part of my film, and therefore not a part of my preview." | Credit: Instagram Robert Downey Jr. is officially returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe — but not as Iron Man. Marvel has confirmed that he will debut as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday , a surprising twist that has sent shockwaves through the fan community. Many believed RDJ's journey with Marvel ended with Tony Stark's emotional death in Avengers: Endgame , but his comeback as one of Marvel's most iconic villains has reignited excitement. Given Doctor Doom's deep comic book ties to the Fantastic Four, fans naturally assumed his first appearance would be in Fantastic Four: First Steps . However, Marvel is holding off, saving his grand entrance for a later, more impactful moment. Director confirms: Doom is not in the first steps Director Matt Shakman confirmed in an interview with Empire Magazine: "Doom is not a part of my film and, therefore, not a part of my preview." This statement is clear. Doom won't appear in Fantastic Four: First Steps — not even in a post-credit scene. And that's actually a good thing. Why keeping RDJ out is the right call? Marvel made the right decision by not including Robert Downey Jr. in The Fantastic Four movie, and here's why. This film marks the highly anticipated debut of the Fantastic Four in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the team needs space to develop chemistry and connect with audiences without being overshadowed. Introducing a star of RDJ's magnitude at this stage would inevitably steal the spotlight from the new heroes. Additionally, the movie's central threat is Galactus, a powerful and terrifying villain who, according to early test screenings, leaves a strong impression. Including another major antagonist like Doctor Doom—or even teasing one—would dilute Galactus's impact. Above all, Robert Downey Jr. is such an iconic presence that even a brief cameo could distract from the film's core narrative. For the Fantastic Four to truly shine, they need the stage to themselves, and Marvel made the smart call by giving them just that. Marvel is playing the long game Remember how Marvel introduced Thanos slowly? He appeared in post-credit scenes and small cameos before he took center stage in Infinity War. Marvel could've done that again with Doctor Doom — but they're holding off. That means Avengers: Doomsday will likely be the first time we see RDJ as Doom. And that makes his arrival even more exciting The future of the MCU depends on the Fantastic Four Directed by Matt Shakman, The Fantastic Four: First Steps will officially kick off Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe | Credit: Reddit Marvel is building the next generation of heroes. The Fantastic Four will be a big part of the future, possibly leading into Avengers: Secret Wars. This movie needs to do one thing really well: introduce the team properly. If fans love these new versions, they'll be invested for years. If not, Marvel risks losing interest in the next phase. Giving the team space to grow is a smart, long-term move. Downey Jr. will return — just not yet Don't worry — Robert Downey Jr. is still coming back. He'll make his big entrance in Avengers: Doomsday as the MCU's new Doctor Doom. This gives Marvel: A bigger stage for his reveal A fresh storyline separate from Iron Man Fans thought Downey Jr. was done after Endgame. But now, he's returning in a totally different role — and that alone has fans excited. Robert Downey Jr. not showing up in Fantastic Four: First Steps might seem like a missed opportunity — but it's actually the smart move. Marvel is playing the long game. They're letting Galactus shine, building up the new heroes, and saving Doom for a massive reveal later. And when Downey Jr. finally appears in Avengers: Doomsday, it'll be a moment fans won't forget.
Engadget
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Engadget
Troy Baker is the big cheese in Mouse: P.I. for Hire
Troy Baker will don the cartoon fedora and play the lead role in Mouse: P.I. For Hire . The game has garnered buzz for its unique blending of genres. Imagine a film noir-infused cross between Cuphead and Doom . Baker will play Private Investigator Jack Pepper, the game's protagonist. He's a war hero turned detective who begins his journey responding to a cliché damsel in distress. Pepper's investigation then peels back the layers of the city's dark underbelly. It sounds like developer Fumi Games ticked all the items off the noir checklist. Oh, and don't forget the minor detail that he's a rodent. Expect plenty of cheesy (meaning puns about cheese) one-liners. Being a first-person shooter, Mouse: P.I. For Hire has plenty of Rambo-style room-clearing. Pepper's weapons range from conventional (shotgun) to comically ludicrous (turpentine cleanser). There's even an ode to Popeye: Down a can of spinach to beat your foes to smithereens. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here and view the "Content and social-media partners" setting to do so. The game's animation draws inspiration from the same 1930s cartoons as Cuphead . Like that game, Mouse: P.I. For Hire 's monochromatic visuals are all hand-drawn. (But whether it's as punishingly difficult as the 2017 classic remains to be seen.) Watching the delightfully wacky trailers, it's easy to see why gamers are keeping an eye on this one. It sounds like a wild ride. But that doesn't necessarily point to a game in need of an industry titan like Baker. So, perhaps there's more to the game's narrative than you might expect. Or, maybe The Last of Us actor is merely checking "played rodent" off his bucket list. (Couldn't blame him!) Baker said he's been following the game's development from its first teaser. "Its art style, gameplay and 1930s film-noir aesthetic continue to win me over. I cannot wait to keep working with the team to bring Jack Pepper to life and hope to have some exciting things to share as we get closer to launch!" You can check out the game's new trailer here. Mouse: P.I. for Hire arrives later this year. It will be available on all major platforms, including Switch 2.
Forbes
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Finishing Move Inc On Scoring Doom: The Dark Ages: 'It Felt Impossible'
Doom: The Dark Ages marked a departure for the franchise in myriad ways. Combat was slower and more tactical; the typically futuristic setting was swapped out for a medieval realm with gothic castles and mountains and the level design was much wider. There was also a change in the music department too. Composer of Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal (2020) Mick Gordon was replaced. Tasked instead with adding to the Doom franchise's iconic list of soundtracks was Finishing Move Inc, a band known for working on Borderlands 3 (2019) and The Callisto Protocol (2022). The group was founded in 2013 by Brian Lee White and Brian Trifon who had been scoring commercials for several years already. The pair teamed together and began working on video games and movie trailers, eventually adding Jay Wiltzen and Alex Klingle to the mix. Within just two days of The Dark Ages' release, the soundtrack reached number two on Apple's iTunes chart. I sat down with three of the four band members - White, Trifon and Klingle - to discuss their process of putting the game's music together. BLW: It felt like an impossible task. The music for the last two games was beloved. The Bobby Prince stuff for the series in the nineties is iconic. We were stepping into large shoes. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder ID Software wanted us to take this in a new direction. It's got a new setting and this is a prequel. The gameplay style is different too and so they wanted a more cinematic approach to the music but keeping it metal. They lovingly referred to the music as a rock orchestra instead of a rock band which is what you heard in previous games. Our score is a little more spacious. We used a traditional orchestra with instruments and a choir while still bringing that heavy metal vibe. A balalaika AK: We approached it from a few angles. We looked at medieval folk instruments and grabbed influences from different cultures around the world. We used something called a tagelharpa which is a northern European folk instrument. It sounds like a cello or violin if it had more hair on its chest. It gives this brutal and primal vibe that fit Doom's world well. Then we used a Russian Soviet era instrument called a balalaika that I found in a dusty old shop in Florence, Italy. It has this haunting sound when tuned a little lower. There's also a beautiful tribal drum that's made by artesans in the Quebecan mountains. It gave us a deep pounding pulse. We also dove into older styles of metal that evoked a sinister and ancient quality. Those albums from the early roots of heavy metal in the early 70s are about running to the hills and going into battle, slaying demons. Lastly we looked at sinister harmonies. Classical composers such as Dmitri Shostakovich and Sergei Rachmaninoff had this dark quality with a tinge of beauty to them. That really captured the essence of the dark ages and the medieval world. BLW: We're also dealing with much larger spaces in this game. The maps are massive and the arenas are really big so we wanted to capture that by making the sound more cinematic with longer tails and more reverb on the drums. BLW: We spoke about pacing and structure for the music from day one. Hugo [Martin, game director at ID Software] used an analogy; if Eternal made you feel like a Ferrari, in The Dark Ages you're a Sherman tank. It's this grounded stand and fight game. The traversal is not the same here so you're not doing vertical movements. It's much heavier. So we asked 'how do we make the music heavy and brutal while still feeling like this crazy power fantasy but not necessarily representing that with insane speed?' Finishing Move Inc previously worked on Halo Wars 2 BLW: All of us are gamers and have been for a long time. My introduction into modern gaming was through Wolfenstein (1992) and the original Doom (1993). I was too young to be playing it but I'd go over to a friend's house and it'd be on their parents' computer. It was absolutely revolutionary. I play a lot of modern games but my heart is in vintage gaming as that's what I grew up with. Working on Doom 30 years later is incredible. BT: This keeps happening though. We've been involved with Halo, Microsoft Flight Simulator and now Doom. Those all are games that first came out when I was a freshman. Halo and Xbox were cultural touch points for me then. My youngest memories on a computer was at my grandparents house playing Flight Sim. Then with Doom I convinced my mom to buy a family PC to play it. Being able to contribute to these franchises as an adult is insane. AK: I've grown up with games my whole life too. Like Brian Trifon, Doom is something my parents did not let me have but I'd go to a friends' house and play. It was the same with Halo. My parents always read the age ratings on the box. AK: It's so fun to work on a game when it's a long term project. A movie trailer requires a very brief turnaround and then it's done. A game can involve talks for years. With Doom, the cues we wrote a few years ago ended up being different to what's come out in the end. Allowing ideas to cook in the oven for that long meant they could develop naturally. It's such a rewarding experience. BLW: Most of the touch points a young audience will have today is going to be from a video game. You play a game for 50 or 100 hours and the music gets embedded into your brain. As a kid, I'd rinse my favourite albums but people don't do that so much anymore. With a game you have to be present. For many, the music in games has actually become their entry point into music generally. I won't be surprised if there's young people who find their first encounter with metal sounds through Doom. BT: My kids' favourite music is in games. I try to play bands of all styles to them but they don't like that. Music in the Zelda and Mario games is what they love. That's what they're exposed to. That's where they make an emotional connection to it. It's hard to get them to sit through a TV episode or a whole movie (unless it's the Minecraft movie) but video games is where they're connecting deeply and wanting to then play the songs they hear on a piano. Brian Trifon was inspired by Nine Inch Nails AK: It's different for each of us. We all have our own specialities and tastes that we bring. For me, I've got one foot in the modern era and another in the traditional. I actually like a lot of electronic music. I love synthesisers and forward-thinking artists on the cutting edge, like Noisia. But then I also love going back to orchestral and classical music with a darker edge that has this little beauty to it too. BLW: The common thread amongst all four of us is that we started our musical journey as teenage dirtbag guitar kids trying to tap. We all discovered electronic music later on too. That's why we can do so many styles. The thing we all share is a love for different types of music, specifically guitar based stuff and electronic sound design. BT: My background is the same. I was die hard about guitars and metal. I hated synthesisers but at some point I heard Nine Inch Nails. I saw them live and thought they were so heavy. It started the process of expanding my ears. Like Alex and Brian, I had a career in electronic music for a while. At some point you start to ask if you believe in the essence of what an artist is doing when you're analysing or listening to them. It's not even about instrumentation or style; it's about whether they're doing something you can identify with. For me, that's what I've come to care about. BLW: We've worked on a lot of dream franchises so maybe we're pushing our luck, but Call of Duty has always been an iconic game that's up there with Halo and Doom for me. That'd be rad to work on at some point. AK: Mine would never happen as I doubt there'll be another game, but I'd love to work on Bloodborne 2. I love FromSoft. It has the coolest, darkest vibe. BT: For me, I'd love to work on a Metroid game.
Geek Tyrant
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS Director Hints a Robert Downey Jr. Cameo Is Unlikely: "Doom Is Not Part of My Film" — GeekTyrant
Fans were hoping that we would get a look at Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Victor von Doom this year, ahead of his head-to-head with the Avengers next year in Avengers: Doomsday . While he won't be the main villain in The Fantastic Four: First Steps , it was speculated that he would possibly appear, but that prospect seems to have dwindled. First Steps director Matt Shakman said in the new issue of Empire magazine, "Doom is not a part of my film, and therefore not a part of my purview." It makes sense that Doom would not be a part of this story. The Fantastic Four has its own problems and villains to defeat before they cross paths with the greater superhero network. But I still wouldn't rule out an RDJ/Doctor Doom post-credits scene. I think either Doom or a hit at the next Spider-Man film would be most natural, but you never know with these scenes. Either the end of the film, or one post-scene will most likely intersect with what we saw at the end of Thunderbolts* as well, so there will be plenty of material to play with. I can't wait to see The Fantastic Four: First Steps . It looks like it's going to be great, and it's been a while since we got a completely fresh batch of characters to play with, so I'm stoked. The film hits theaters on July 25, 2025. Tickets are now on sale.
