Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

This release of Doom retains the signature run-and-gun action that defined the original titles, combining lightning-fast combat with level design that rewards both skill and curiosity. You’ll blaze through corridors swarming with Imps, Cacodemons, and the iconic Cyberdemon, switching between your arsenal of weapons on the fly. The pacing is relentless, ensuring that you’re never quite sure when the next ambush will strike—or what gruesome exit strategy you’ll need to employ.

Level variety is another strong suit here. By merging most of the maps from The Ultimate Doom and Doom II with around half a dozen exclusive new levels, this edition strikes a balance between nostalgia and fresh challenges. Some arenas demand precise platforming and puzzle-solving, while others force you into wide-open arenas where you must carefully manage ammo and weapon choice to survive waves of enemies.

It’s worth noting that the levels themselves have undergone slight simplifications, primarily following the Jaguar conversion model. While the majority of the intricate geometry and secret areas remain intact, a few environmental traps and texture tricks have been pared down. Fans of the original PC releases will still recognize the layout and flow, but newcomers will appreciate the slightly more streamlined navigation—fewer dead ends and an overall smoother progression.

Graphics

Graphically, this edition of Doom represents a significant leap forward from its 16-bit roots. The upgraded 32-bit renderer delivers smoother distance shading, reducing the harsh pop-in that sometimes plagued earlier ports. Textures maintain their gritty, horror-inspired aesthetic, but they now benefit from more consistent filtering and color fidelity.

On the PlayStation version, colored lighting makes a surprising impact. Red emergency lights fade realistically into shadowed corridors, and green glow from alien bio-labs imparts an otherworldly vibe that heightens tension. These dynamic lighting cues not only look impressive but also serve as visual landmarks that help you orient yourself in the maze of passages.

Despite these improvements, some simplifications carried over from the Jaguar maps are still visible. A handful of walls that once had layered textures now use single-plane surfaces, and a few environmental details—like small decorative pipes or vents—have been removed to maintain performance. Even so, the core visual identity of Doom remains unmistakable, with its blood-splattered floors and gothic, hellish architecture intact.

Story

True to the spirit of the original titles, the narrative in Doom is lean and functional. You step into the boots of the Lone Marine, sent to Mars’ moons after a catastrophic teleportation experiment opens a gateway to Hell. There are no lengthy cut-scenes or sprawling dialogue trees—just brief mission directives that push you forward into ever more perilous depths.

Each episode unfolds like a self-contained horror chapter: one moment you’re navigating a military research facility, the next you’re trapped in a cathedral of demonic architecture. The addition of exclusive maps integrates seamlessly into this arc, often serving as interludes that deepen the sense of dread. Playing through these new areas feels like finding a lost journal entry in a haunted mansion—each twist reveals a darker secret.

While hardcore story fans might crave more exposition, the minimalist approach actually works in the game’s favor. There’s a certain power in letting the environment tell the tale: a blood-soaked corridor speaks volumes, and the distant growls of unseen monsters stoke your imagination far better than paragraphs of text ever could.

Overall Experience

By blending nearly all the content from the original Ultimate Doom and Doom II with fresh maps and a polished engine, this release offers tremendous bang for your buck. Whether you’re a veteran marine revisiting these classic levels or a newcomer eager to experience the game that defined an entire genre, there’s endless fun to be had. The challenge curve remains satisfying, and the exclusive levels add just enough novelty to keep even series staunches on their toes.

Certain compromises—chiefly the map simplifications inherited from the Jaguar port—may irk purists, but they never detract significantly from the core experience. On modern hardware or through classic console emulation, performance is rock solid, and load times are minimal, meaning you can dive headlong into demon-slaughter without interruption.

In sum, this iteration of Doom successfully modernizes a timeless classic without sacrificing its essential soul. With upgraded graphics, a robust soundtrack and sound effects package, and a wealth of levels spanning two original titles plus new territory, it’s an engrossing package that stands as both a love letter to long-time fans and an ideal introduction for a new generation of demon hunters.

Retro Replay Score

7.1/10