Developer: id Software, Nightdive Studios, MachineGames
Publisher: Bethesda
Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Tested on: PC
DOOM + DOOM II – Review
The name DOOM is as synonymous with video games as Super Mario or Final Fantasy. With the 2016 reboot of the franchise, id Software proved how compelling a formula from 1993 still is. Now Nightdive Studios aims to capture audiences with the ultimate compilation. A definitive version of the duo that established one of the most popular genres ever: The first-person shooter. This Faustian bargain includes the classic DOS versions, several later add-ons, an updated engine, improved renditions of the soundtrack, an all-new episode, and online multiplayer – among a myriad of other modernizations. Is DOOM truly eternal? Continue reading to find out if this compilation is worth going through Hell for!
Story
No long, boring recollection of the plot from us. Union Aerospace Corporation (UAC) has gone to Hell. Literally. Portal experiments went VERY wrong, and now actual demons have invaded first Mars then Earth. That’s the story. It’s DOOM.
The occasional paragraph of text tells the tale of our marines ripping and tearing a path through the hordes of Hell. But the real story is shown to us via level and enemy design. Soldiers have been possessed, turned to twisted undead. The dark hallways crawl with Imps, Cacodemons, and the imposing Barons of Hell. What begins in somewhat familiar factories and laboratories leads into hellscapes with oceans of blood and jagged formations of pocked red rock.
PROTIP: To defeat the Cyberdemon, shoot at it until it dies.
Graphics
Nightdive Studios didn’t feel the need to fix what wasn’t broken. No filters, no upscaling, no nothing. Their KEX Engine renders all this on recent hardware in modern resolutions at a buttery-smooth frame rate. Lighting is improved, but harsh edges between light levels are still present from the original DOOM. Rare clipping glitches are all the more noticeable given the otherwise strong presentation. Also, the Berserk power-up is missing the red screen tint, obscuring if it is still active. Exciting and creepy 30 years ago, frequently fumbling through pitch-black darkness only felt confusing. Despite these nit-picks, the graphics are as enthralling as they were back in the day. Detailed textures impart depth to the world while the sprites radiate menace. The lighting, a mind-blowing innovation in 1993, still infuses the environments with a sense of dread and mystique. Quite noticeably, the signs in the first level of “Legacy of Rust” stuck out like a sore thumb, lacking detail and being much too bright.
Sound
We get to choose between three versions of the soundtrack: The original FM synth tracks, improved MIDI renditions, and brand-new performances by Andrew Hulshult of Dusk and Doom Eternal fame. Here and there, his re-interpretations add new parts to the familiar riffs inspired by metal giants. This adds some welcome variation, making the tracks a much less repetitive listen. A few could use a little more “Oomph” but are still an improvement over some of the weaker tracks from the originals. Although clearly dated, the remastered grunts, screams, booms, and bangs lend a satisfyingly punchy texture to the soundscape.
At its time, the graphics conveyed an unrivalled sense of depth and scale.
Gameplay
Kill the Hellspawn, find keys, collect weapons and ammo, repeat! What sounds repetitive at first is actually a damn compelling dance of unbridled violence. With its visceral, aggressive, lightning-fast action classic DOOM plays as awesomely as ever. The carnage is masterfully paced with occasional exploration and secret-hunting. Modern controls make the game a lot easier and more approachable. Gone is the clunkiness of either tank controls on the arrow keys, or the downright confusingly mapped mouse axes. But don’t underestimate these games for being over 30. They can pack a shocking punch, with brutal traps and enemy placement that’s a “Soulslike” designer’s wet dream. Dying is especially punishing depriving you of most of DOOM’s instantly recognizable arsenal. This ranges from the trusty shotgun and the explosive rocket launcher to the all-powerful BFG9000, so facing Hell with only a pistol will definitely test both your skill and rage management.
The 1993 journey takes us through the original 3 episodes. Starting in the iconic Hangar level, we punch, shoot, blast, and chainsaw our way ever deeper into the demonic vistas of Hell. Ultimate DOOM (1995) adds Thy Flesh Consumed, a fourth episode with 9 additional levels. DOOM II (1994) features another 30 maps. Also included are the expansions Master Levels for DOOM II, TNT: Evilution, The Plutonia Experiment, No Rest for the Living, Sigil, and the all-new Legacy of Rust for a total of 188 story levels.
The Incinerator feels similar to the Plasma Gun but leaves damaging flames on the ground.
Legacy of Rust acts as the highlight of DOOM + DOOM II. Developed cooperatively by id Software, MachineGames, and Nightdive Studios, it boasts 16 new story levels divided into two parts. The first level, in particular, Scar Gate, wows players with its detailed and immersive environments. Gradually, our surroundings become ever more sinister. Undead soldiers aside, the opening rooms feel familiar, almost inviting, only for the level to end at a literal portal to Hell. The following levels struggle to reach this high a bar but still remain impressive, appealing, and surprising. On top of these really well-designed levels, we get to see six new demons in the Banshee, Ghoul, Mindweaver, Shocktrooper, Tyrant, and Vassago. Two new fire-themed weapons are now part of the arsenal: The Incinerator and the Calamity Blade.
With either online coop or deathmatch for up to 16 players, DOOM + DOOM II promises dozens of hours of pure, unadulterated multiplayer mayhem. All the story campaigns are available for coop play, and deathmatch offers a whopping 26 levels in the id Deathmatch Pack #1. Full cross-platform support ensures everyone gets in on the action. The simple and frantic action is so appealing that we found ourselves playing online for much longer than planned. Especially Marble and Blood felt like a really unique and chaotic deathmatch experience.
The deathmatch level Marble and Blood feels like a nod to DOOM’s younger sibling, Quake.
Conclusion
DOOM + DOOM II leaves little to be desired in its shot at being the ultimate package of a bonified classic. Few videogame companies were home to as many industry titans as id Software, and arguably it was DOOM and its pragmatically titled sequel DOOM II that put them on the map. This release is more than a compilation. It’s a love letter to the classics and the definitive way to experience this cornerstone of gaming history. The id Vault offers insights behind the scenes, showing off sprite sheets, textures, and early designs from DOOM’s development. Many options, including lots of accessibility features, alongside integrated mod support ensure incredible replayability.
Whether you have never played DOOM, are a veteran purist, or just crave some devilishly fast multiplayer action, this package has it all. There is tons of content and tons of ways to play it. We’re glad to play Devil’s Advocate, because DOOM + DOOM II is a must.
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