Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Doom, the Roguelike marries the methodical depth of the original Rogue with the frantic combat of classic DOOM. Each turn you take on the grid-based dungeon represents a carefully weighed decision: whether to move, reload, change weapons, or use a power-up. Unlike real-time shooters, this turn-based structure lets you pause and strategize, giving every firefight a tactical dimension rather than a purely reflex-driven one.

Your character advances through experience points earned by slaying demons and clearing rooms. With each level gained, stats such as accuracy, reloading speed, and melee damage improve. This RPG progression system provides a meaningful sense of growth, making every corridor you clear more satisfying than the last. Weapon choices—from the humble pistol to the fearsome plasma gun—feel genuinely impactful as your character’s skills evolve.

Randomly generated levels ensure that no two runs are alike. The layout of corridors on Phobos, the placement of enemies, and the distribution of health packs or keys constantly shift, challenging you to adapt your playstyle on the fly. Permadeath looms large, too: one wrong move can send you back to square one, reinforcing the tension that made Rogue so enduring.

Graphics

Originally text-only, Doom, the Roguelike presents its world through a crisp grid of ASCII characters. Walls, corridors, monsters, and items are all depicted in simple glyph form, evoking the purest era of dungeon crawlers. While the look is minimalistic, it’s remarkably clear—once you learn that ‘@’ is your marine and ‘D’ is an Imp, you’ll never be confused.

For players craving more visual flair, a later update introduces an optional tile-based mode. Sprites for demons and weapons pay homage to DOOM’s iconic art style, and tile-set environments add color and detail without sacrificing the game’s nimble performance. Whether you prefer nostalgia or a more modern aesthetic, you can switch between representations on the fly.

Audio design complements the visuals in both modes. ASCII purists will appreciate the authentic DOOM sound effects—chainsaws rev, shotguns boom, and demons screech, all in faithful low-fi. In graphical mode, a dynamic soundtrack remixes original DOOM tunes alongside new compositions, heightening the mood as you descend deeper into the base’s haunted halls.

Story

The narrative framework is lifted straight from DOOM: you are a lone space marine stationed on Phobos when demonic forces overrun your base. There’s no grand plot twist or lengthy cutscene—just a simple, relentless imperative: fight your way out. In keeping with roguelike tradition, story unfolds through context and environment rather than dialog trees or cinematics.

Environmental storytelling shines through the level design. Scattered grid-based rooms feature doomed scientists, blood-splattered walls, and the occasional crashed elevator. These subtle touches evoke the terror and urgency of the original DOOM without resorting to exposition. Every new floor feels like another chapter in your desperate bid for survival.

While sparse, the story’s lean approach suits the gameplay. It never gets in the way of your tactical choices or breaks the pacing with needless lore dumps. Fans of both Rogue and DOOM will appreciate how the premise remains faithful to its roots while serving as the perfect backdrop for roguelike carnage.

Overall Experience

Doom, the Roguelike offers a superb hybrid experience for fans of dungeon crawlers and classic shooters alike. The turn-based combat demands patience and foresight, while the randomized levels and permadeath ensure high replayability. No two runs feel the same, and you’ll often find yourself replaying after an early demise to see what new challenges the next playthrough brings.

Presentation is a matter of personal taste. ASCII purists will find nostalgic joy in the text-only mode, while the optional tile set and dynamic soundtrack add polish for those who prefer visuals. Either way, the game runs smoothly even on modest hardware, thanks to its FreePascal foundation and the lightweight Valkyrie library.

Ultimately, Doom, the Roguelike stands out as a freeware gem that pays tribute to its forebears while forging its own identity. It’s challenging yet fair, straightforward yet deep, and it delivers countless hours of strategic demon-blasting action. Whether you’re a longtime roguelike enthusiast or a DOOM devotee looking for a fresh twist, this game is well worth downloading and diving into.

Retro Replay Score

7.8/10