Following up on Wolfenstein 3D just a year later, id Software managed to improve upon their own classic formula in just about every way with Doom. Rather than using the same engine, John Carmack had already written a new one for this game, which in turn allowed for more intricate level designs featuring switches, verticality and outdoor areas.

The art design shifted to more fantastic and blood-soaked sci-fi setting compared to Wolfenstein's relatively sedate nazi murder dungeons and accompanied again by a metal soundtrack and improved sound design for the weapons and the various creatures you would mow down with your arsenal of firearms.

The same smooth gameplay from Wolfenstein carried over to this game, and coupled with the improved visuals and more dynamic levels, Doom set a new standard for the first person shooter genre, as well as doubling down on a template that would continue to influences hundreds of games going forward.