10 Reasons Why We Love DOOM
6. Championing The Mute Protagonist
Particularly in the action/horror/shooter gaming genres, adding excessive personality and dialogue to a playable character has often been something of a misfire. Cue the solution: The mute protagonist, and there is none more iconic than the lonesome grumpy green space marine.
The marine, or at least various versions of him, have been slaying Mars-bound demons since 1993, and during that time, not one word of dialogue has come from his mouth. There would be no higher form of blasphemy than to have him speak, so he continues not to… and we love him for it.
Upon this blank canvas, players have been able to use their imagination and add their own individual personalities, thus enriching the overall gaming experience.
It's not the first time that we refer to the excellent Doom 2016 reboot. In grand tradition, the newly titled 'Doomslayer' remains fully mute, but amply reminds us throughout the game that he/you are a relentless, disobedient, and ultimately ruthless SOB who the forces of Hell will start quiver at in good time.
No speech needed, and there is hardly a greater example of 'if it aint broke…'