Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Lost Episodes of Doom picks up right where the original classic left off, offering a seamless continuation of frantic, fast-paced shooter action. Each of the three new episodes—“Massacre on Callisto,” “The Killing Fields of Io,” and “Hell’s Gate – The Red Spot”—introduces fresh map layouts that feel both familiar and surprising. Veteran Doom players will appreciate the tight corridors, sudden ambush points, and cleverly hidden secrets, while newcomers will find the pacing intuitive and the progression rewarding.

Level designers have clearly prioritized variety, alternating between claustrophobic base interiors, sprawling alien landscapes, and labyrinthine hellscapes. Enemy placement is both generous and strategic, forcing you to balance rush tactics with careful resource management. New demo recordings included on the disc serve as perfect reference points, allowing you to study expert strategies on each map if you ever find yourself stuck or seeking to optimize your run.

Difficulty curves are well calibrated: early levels ease you in with manageable enemy counts, but by the final stages of Hell’s Gate – The Red Spot, you’ll be juggling rocket blasts, chaingun fire, and swarming demons in near-darkness. Replay value is high, thanks to multiple secret areas, optional combat rooms, and time-based challenges highlighted in the included guidebook. Whether you’re a hardcore speedrunner or a casual monster-slayer, there’s always another route to explore or a new tactic to master.

Graphics

While The Lost Episodes of Doom retains the beloved 2.5D sprite-based engine, the custom graphics work is a standout feature. New textures and wall patterns evoke hostile alien outposts on Callisto and barren mining rigs on Io, while Hell’s Gate’s fiery vista leans into a hellbound aesthetic with vivid reds and molten blacks. Each episode sports its own visual identity without straying too far from the original Doom palette.

Lighting effects have been pushed to the limits of the classic engine, creating dramatic contrasts between steeply lit corridors and pitch-black caverns that require cautious advancement. Flickering lights and pulsating neon accents add tension, especially when enemies emerge from the gloom. Although you won’t find modern shaders or polygonal models here, the retro style is used to full effect, balancing nostalgia with fresh, hand-crafted set pieces.

Projectile effects, environmental decals, and custom floor and ceiling textures breathe new life into the engine’s capabilities. Doom purists will appreciate how these visual tweaks enhance immersion without breaking the game’s old-school charm. Even the HUD and weapon sprites receive subtle polish—enough to feel new but not so much that they clash with the core Doom experience.

Story

One of the most notable additions in The Lost Episodes of Doom is the richly illustrated companion book that comes bundled in the box. This guide outlines the lore behind each of the 24 levels, explaining why you’ve been sent to Callisto’s massacre site, what horrors lurk in the Killing Fields of Io, and how Hell’s Gate came to be the Red Spot. These backstories, while not delivered in-game, give context to your mission and deepen the world beyond mere monster-slaying.

The narratives unfold in short, punchy vignettes preceding each episode, setting stakes and building anticipation. You learn of corporate greed on Jupiter’s moons, alien splinter groups vying for power, and the demi-hellish experiments that tore open a gateway beneath Io. It’s a level of world-building you rarely see in custom WAD packs, and it turns a simple fan-made expansion into a quasi-official chapter of the Doom universe.

Reading through entry-by-entry mission logs and developer diary-style notes adds an extra layer of immersion. Whether you’re leafing through the book between sessions or consulting it for hints on where to find hidden keys, the storytelling component elevates The Lost Episodes of Doom from a mere collection of levels to a cohesive mini-campaign.

Overall Experience

The Lost Episodes of Doom delivers a comprehensive package that will satisfy longtime fans and curious newcomers alike. The box itself feels like a collector’s item—sturdy, well-designed, and complete with the detailed guidebook and demo discs. Installation is straightforward on modern ports of Doom, and compatibility across multiple source ports means you can choose your favorite control tweaks and graphical enhancements.

From a value standpoint, you get 24 fully fleshed-out levels, three distinct thematic episodes, polished graphics, and a story-rich companion volume—all at a price comparable to many indie titles today. The included demos not only showcase top-tier playthroughs but also serve as in-game walkthroughs, reducing frustration on tougher maps.

Overall, The Lost Episodes of Doom embodies the best of community-driven content—respecting the spirit of the original while pushing creative boundaries. Whether you’re reliving the glory days of early FPS gaming or simply looking for a robust, nostalgia-infused challenge, this expansion earns high marks for ambition, quality, and sheer playability. It’s an essential addition to any Doom library.