Doom fans just scored a time capsule. A Reddit post in r/GamingLeaksAndRumours spotlights newly unearthed previsualization footage from the infamous canceled Doom 4. Shared by archivers Crispies, FeoUltima, and Wad Overdose, this clip shows raw AI combat tests—shotgun blasts versus aggressive Imps in tight corridors. It’s a gritty peek at id Software’s near-miss before rebooting the series.
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The Footage Breakdown
This previs clip captures a tense encounter: player wields a shotgun against a lone Imp in dim, metallic halls. Demons react smartly—dodging, flanking, lunging with claws. Metallic rattles, violin stings, and shotgun booms amp the horror. Short but punchy, it demos melee hopes too. Ties into 2022 clips blending Doom 4 assets with 2016 tech tests.
Doom 4, codenamed pre-2016 reboot, aimed survival horror over arena frenzy. Think slower pace, smarter foes, creepier UAC vibes. Canceled mid-dev, assets fed Doom 2016’s glory kills and gore. Archivers grabbed this from obscure sources—vital since id purges old builds.
Doom 4’s Wild History
Announced 2013 as darker reboot, early trailers showed Imp ambushes, Revenant missiles. Fan backlash hit ‘floaty’ combat; id pivoted to fast-paced rip-and-tear. John Carmack split pre-cancel; Marty Stratton helmed revival. Result? 2016’s 10M+ smash, Eternal sequel.
- AI focus: Reactive demons, no bullet sponges.
- Atmosphere: Claustrophobic, jump-scare heavy.
- Weapons: Shotgun/melee emphasis early.
- Fate: Scrapped 2014, reborn faster.
Reddit loves the ‘Battlefield 6 recoil’ jokes, but serioustakes hail preservation. Links to prior dumps: concept art, animatics, rocket demos.

What It Reveals About AI
Doom 4’s Imps flanked dynamically, used cover, punished mistakes. Modern echo: Eternal’s horde smarts, glory kills born here. Previs tests gore systems, rocket launchers—id honed ‘push-forward’ feel. No wall-hacks like Marathon delays; pure predator-prey.
| Aspect | Doom 4 Previs | Doom 2016/Eternal |
|---|---|---|
| Pace | Slower, tactical | Blazing arenas |
| AI | Flanking, dodging | Horde synergy |
| Tone | Horror survival | Power fantasy |
| Legacy | Canceled assets | Revived hits |
Fan Reactions and Legacy
Thread buzzes: ‘What if Doom 4 stuck?’ Modders dream horror remakes. Ties Doom Slayer origins—UAC marine roots. id’s lesson: fan feedback pivots franchises. Now, Doom: Dark Ages medieval twist awaits.
Archival gold prevents loss like Paragon assets. Community cheers preservers—YouTube compilations next?
FAQs
1. Real Doom 4 footage?
Yes—previs from dev archives, verified archivers.
2. Why canceled?
Fan pushback on slow pace; rebooted faster.
3. AI highlights?
Smart Imps flank, dodge shotgun fire.
4. Influences later Dooms?
Assets fed 2016 glory kills, animations.
5. Playable ever?
No official; modders eye recreations.
6. More leaks coming?
Past dumps suggest yes—watch archivers.
7. Doom future?
Dark Ages 2025 medieval slayer.
Rip and Preserve
Doom 4’s ghost fuels debates: horror or speed? This previs reminds id’s roots—tense, bloody brawls. Grab the clips; history rip-and-tears away. Slayer approves. Favorites from lost build?