My prior experience with the Doom series consisted of what I perceived to be the main series (Doom, II, 3, and DOOM (2016)), minus Eternal which I haven't got round to yet. I picked this up on a whim and wasn't necessarily expecting something great, as it is not made by id Software. What I got was a genuine surprise, and certainly worthy of consideration as a main series title.
Doom II was an odd sequel, doing little to advance the presentational elements of the series, acting more as an expansion of the enemy roster than anything else. In contrast, Doom 64 feels distinct, eschewing the heavy-metal theatrics of Doom's musical compositions in favour of dark ambient pieces that give the game a palpable sense of atmosphere. The visuals aren't unlike prior Doom titles, but are adjusted to support this atmosphere, utilising the improved tech to deliver more detailed textures and sprites that trend away from the vibrancy of Doom and Doom II.
Doom 3's prioritisation of atmosphere is foreshadowed here, but without the need to sacrifice satisfying and fast-paced gunplay. While the atmosphere and gunplay are thus arguably at odds, I believe Doom 64's commitment to abstraction in its level-design, as opposed to Doom 3's move towards representational environments, facilitates a positive relationship between the two.
Regarding level-design, Doom 64 unfortunately follows in Doom II's footsteps, leaning hard into overly complex maps and annoying puzzles. While this is a shame, I do think it surpassed Doom II in this area for two reasons. For one, the maps on average don't go to the same extremes as Doom II. More importantly, Doom 64 at least compliments explorative, puzzle-solving gameplay with its new aesthetic focus. Wandering empty hallways trying to find whatever the hell you're supposed to do is more tolerable when the game's music is slow and moody, rather than adrelinine pumping.
On the whole, I loved Doom 64, even as I found some of its level-design quirks frustrating. It's a refreshing take on the Doom aesthetic, while featuring the same quality gameplay and enemy design that the series is renowned for. While the original Doom is still the best classic-style title for its focus, Doom 64 probably takes second place for me. Check it out if you enjoy this style of shooter.
EDIT: I forgot to mention the Lost Levels campaign added in the rerelease. It's really good, definitely hitting above average for Doom 64 levels.
Doom II was an odd sequel, doing little to advance the presentational elements of the series, acting more as an expansion of the enemy roster than anything else. In contrast, Doom 64 feels distinct, eschewing the heavy-metal theatrics of Doom's musical compositions in favour of dark ambient pieces that give the game a palpable sense of atmosphere. The visuals aren't unlike prior Doom titles, but are adjusted to support this atmosphere, utilising the improved tech to deliver more detailed textures and sprites that trend away from the vibrancy of Doom and Doom II.
Doom 3's prioritisation of atmosphere is foreshadowed here, but without the need to sacrifice satisfying and fast-paced gunplay. While the atmosphere and gunplay are thus arguably at odds, I believe Doom 64's commitment to abstraction in its level-design, as opposed to Doom 3's move towards representational environments, facilitates a positive relationship between the two.
Regarding level-design, Doom 64 unfortunately follows in Doom II's footsteps, leaning hard into overly complex maps and annoying puzzles. While this is a shame, I do think it surpassed Doom II in this area for two reasons. For one, the maps on average don't go to the same extremes as Doom II. More importantly, Doom 64 at least compliments explorative, puzzle-solving gameplay with its new aesthetic focus. Wandering empty hallways trying to find whatever the hell you're supposed to do is more tolerable when the game's music is slow and moody, rather than adrelinine pumping.
On the whole, I loved Doom 64, even as I found some of its level-design quirks frustrating. It's a refreshing take on the Doom aesthetic, while featuring the same quality gameplay and enemy design that the series is renowned for. While the original Doom is still the best classic-style title for its focus, Doom 64 probably takes second place for me. Check it out if you enjoy this style of shooter.
EDIT: I forgot to mention the Lost Levels campaign added in the rerelease. It's really good, definitely hitting above average for Doom 64 levels.
2 Comments
So it is! Marvelous...
Thanks for pointing that out, I might fix it later.
Thanks for pointing that out, I might fix it later.
FrozenRoy
1 year ago