10 Video Game Villains With Wasted Potential

6. The Marauder - Doom Eternal

Thanos Telltale
iD Software

The Marauder is a unique enemy introduced in Doom Eternal. Because of its devastating attacks at short and long ranges, the player’s approach to taking down the demon has to be quite specific, which some argue breaks the flow of combat.

The first time the player meets a Marauder it’s a one-on-one showdown with some amount of pomp and circumstance, which makes it seem like a big deal boss fight. After that however the Marauder becomes a standard enemy… which just didn’t feel right.

This manu-au-manu fight would’ve retained its wow factor, and the combat of the game would’ve been way smoother, if the Marauder was just a single enemy. He could’ve returned a few times throughout the campaign before finally being completely bested and it would’ve given the character a lot more impact than going from a unique showdown to just another enemy type amongst the horde.

To drive things home, the Marauder’s backstory is awesome. They were originally warriors of the Doom Slayer’s army, having been denied death by Hell and transformed, making them a much more personal opponent for our stoic hero.

Making this Marauder one specific soldier - Doom Slayer’s most trusted man - would’ve added some unique emotion to a game that is largely just ripping and tearing.

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The Red Mage of WhatCulture. Very long hair. She/they.