Doom + Doom 2 is the pinnacle of ultra-violence

Doom + Doom 2 is the pinnacle of ultra-violence

As a long-time fan who’s been blasting demons since the original release of Doom back in 1993, let me tell you that Doom + Doom 2 is an absolute triumph! I was initially skeptical about another port, but this isn’t just a simple rehash. This is the definitive edition of two genre-defining shooters, and it’s been worth the wait.


At QuakeCon, the most exciting trailers are those that conclude with “Now Available”. Similar to the updated versions of Quake and Quake II, Doom + Doom 2 is not merely a new version of Doom; it’s the ultimate edition of two games that shaped the shooter genre. And yes, you can get your hands on it right now.

As a long-time fan of classic video games who grew up playing Doom and Doom 2, I can confidently say that this updated collection is a must-have for any gaming enthusiast like myself. The convenience of having both games in one package is unparalleled, especially for those who, like me, have already purchased Bethesda’s 2019 ports.

As a dedicated Doom enthusiast, let me share some exciting news! When you dive into this legendary franchise, it’s not just about Doom and Doom 2; there’s a whole lot more waiting for you. Once you navigate to the main menu, you’ll encounter not only Doom and its sequel but also two thrilling episodes from Final Doom. That’s not all! There’s an entirely new episode to explore as well.

If you’ve already played Doom before, the star attraction in this release is the Legacy of Rust, a fresh set of Doom 2 maps that are only available here. These maps are split into two episodes and will put you up against old adversaries, some new ones, and even a few revived from id Software’s archives, like the original Lost Soul from Doom’s beta phase in 1993. Luckily, you’ll have the reliable double-barreled super shotgun to assist you, as well as two new weapons that take the place of the plasma rifle and BFG 9000. The replacement for the BFG may not be as powerful, but it’s a fresh and enjoyable addition to your arsenal.

As a seasoned gamer with decades of navigating id Software’s Hellish landscapes under my belt, Legacy of Rust’s levels are no walk in the park. The Lost Souls from Doom’s beta are way too quick and their attacks pack quite a punch, making them a bit too intense for enjoyment, particularly on Ultra-Violence mode. I found more pleasure battling them on the Hurt Me Plenty setting as it reduced their numbers significantly.

In addition to the games themselves, Doom + Doom 2 offers a wealth of behind-the-scenes materials and art assets. These extras provide context for what you’re viewing, making them fascinating for those curious about the game’s creation process. I found some unexpected facts while exploring these materials. Unlike extensive accessibility options in modern games, Doom has fewer such features, but given its timeless nature, it’s not surprising. Despite this, I found myself utilizing certain options to enhance my gaming experience, like improving font readability on my TV from the living room.

Id Software, Nightdive Studios, and MachineGames collaborated to deliver an enhanced version of Doom and Doom 2, collectively referred to as the ultimate Doom experience. This collaboration has resulted in a smooth 60 frames per second gameplay, high-definition 4K graphics on compatible hardware, numerous mods such as John Romero’s SIGIL, extensive customization options, and a complimentary upgrade for most platforms. For Doom enthusiasts, this is arguably the best version available, until Doom: The Dark Ages is released in 2025.

This article is based on the Steam and Xbox X|S versions of the game purchased by the author.

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2024-08-09 16:27