Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

D!Match assembles a staggering 500 deathmatch levels for Doom and Doom II, creating an endless playground for fans of arena-style combat. From tight, claustrophobic corridors that test your reflexes to sprawling outdoor arenas teeming with power-ups and ambush points, the sheer volume of maps guarantees that no two matches ever feel the same. Whether you’re reliving classic frag fests or discovering community creations you’ve never seen before, the compilation’s breadth keeps the core Doom deathmatch formula fresh.

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The D! front end program serves as your launchpad, streamlining map selection and server connection. Rather than fumbling through file directories or command-line parameters, you can browse thumbnail previews or sort maps by size, monster count, or creator. This polished interface saves time and helps you jump straight into the action, a welcome convenience for both newcomers and tournament veterans who demand efficiency.

Beyond instant pick-up-and-play sessions, D!Match also includes standard Doom editing utilities, allowing you to tweak existing levels or craft your own. While many players will be content to dive into community-designed arenas, level editors offer an added layer of longevity—customizing spawn points, adjusting item placement, or even stitching together mini-deathmatch campaigns. For die-hard modders, these tools are a valuable bonus.

Graphics

Since D!Match relies on Doom’s original engine, you’re working with classic sprite-based enemies, chunky pixel textures, and a 90s-era color palette. If you own contemporary graphical overhaul mods, those can be applied to the bundled maps, but out of the box you’ll experience the same look that defined Doom’s heyday. This retro charm is part of the appeal, though it may feel dated to players accustomed to modern lighting or 3D models.

Graphics quality varies from map to map, reflecting each creator’s skill level and design priorities. Some levels showcase inventive use of textures and lighting tricks—sophisticated lifts, hidden alcoves, and gargantuan boss arenas—while others lean on basic room-and-corridor layouts. The inconsistency adds unexpected variety: one minute you’re in a claustrophobic steel complex, the next in a flame-lit hellscape. It’s a roller-coaster of visual experiences.

The D! front end itself is straightforward, with functional menus and thumbnail previews that load quickly even on older hardware. While it doesn’t dazzle with animated transitions or high-res art, it gets the job done reliably. For gamers who prioritize map variety and ease of use over cutting-edge graphics, the minimal additional resources strike an acceptable balance.

Story

Deathmatch compilations rarely focus on lore or narrative arcs, and D!Match is no exception. You won’t find elaborate plot hooks or scripted cutscenes here—this is pure, unadulterated fragging. Instead, each map stands alone as a competitive arena, designed to pit you against friends or strangers in frantic gunfights.

That said, some community-crafted levels sneak in environmental storytelling through texture placement, hidden rooms, or thematic design. You might stumble into a ruined cathedral or a corporate research lab, complete with scattered datapads hinting at failed experiments. These touches don’t coalesce into a unified storyline but offer fleeting glimpses of creative imagination behind the deathmatch chaos.

If you’re seeking a narrative-driven Doom experience, you’ll need to look elsewhere. But if your primary goal is nonstop multiplayer mayhem, the absence of a detailed story is a non-issue—these maps exist solely to test your aim, strategy, and adaptability.

Overall Experience

As a budget-friendly add-on, D!Match delivers immense value: 500 distinct arenas and a robust front end at a fraction of the cost of a full retail expansion. If you already own Doom or Doom II and have access to a multiplayer setup—be it LAN or online—this compilation instantly extends your playtime by hundreds of hours. Casual players can hop in for quick skirmishes, while competitive groups will appreciate the diverse map pool for tournaments or ladders.

Installation is straightforward: insert the CD, point the D! front end to your existing Doom or Doom II executable, and start browsing. There’s no complicated patching process, and the included utilities ensure compatibility with most common source ports. In our experience, the only real hurdle is finding active servers; without a built-in matchmaking service, you may need to rely on community forums or friends lists to fill your deathmatches.

Ultimately, D!Match is a must-have for Doom deathmatch enthusiasts. Its vast selection of community-created levels combined with the intuitive front end and editing tools makes it far more than just a map pack—it’s a multiplayer vault that can breathe new life into two decades-old engines. If you love classic arena combat and want a centralized collection of fan-favorite maps, this compilation is worth adding to your library.

Retro Replay Score

null/10