Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Doom 64 refines the classic run-and-gun formula you know from the series, introducing tighter level design and a more deliberate sense of pace. Rather than simply sprinting through corridors, you’ll find yourself carefully navigating darkened hallways, using your flashlight and well-placed ambushes to uncover hidden switches and demon hordes. The fluidity of movement is as sharp as ever, and the precision of your aim is critical when facing off against faster Nightmare Imps or the hulking Cyberdemon.

The arsenal returns with familiar favorites like the shotgun and rocket launcher, but Doom 64 spices things up with the Unmaker—a weapon that evolves as you collect demon keys in secret rooms. This upgrade system encourages exploration, rewarding thorough players with a devastating beam gun that tears through enemies in record time. Each weapon feels weighty and distinct, ensuring your choice in combat matters from level to level.

Level scripting and environmental interaction are elevated through pseudo-3D bridges, scrolling skies, and morphing corridors. These subtle touches create memorable moments—watching a floor collapse beneath you or a wall slide away to reveal a secret chamber intensifies the tension. With 32 base levels and additional “fun levels” that challenge even veteran Doom fans, the gameplay loop remains engaging and rewarding from start to finish.

In the 2020 re-release, seven new levels and the “Lost Levels” episode add fresh content, pushing veteran players back into the depths of Stross Tech. These extra stages maintain the original’s brutal difficulty while introducing new layouts and secret puzzles, extending the longevity of an already generous package.

Graphics

On release, Doom 64 marked a significant visual leap for the series. Custom monster sprites pop with detail, and new textures lend corridors a gothic, claustrophobic feel that outpaces its predecessors. Strong color accents and varied lighting effects create dramatic contrast, making shadows feel as threatening as the demons lurking within them.

Pseudo-3D elements—like swaying bridges and raised platforms—enhance depth perception and level variety without sacrificing performance. Scrolling skyboxes and dynamic lighting shifts give each episode a distinct mood, from the rusted industrial complexes to hellish landscapes drenched in red glow. Even on modern ports, these effects remain a testament to mid-’90s ingenuity.

The aesthetic is unified by a darker, more atmospheric art direction. Levels are drenched in grime, metal panels are corroded, and pools of toxic waste reflect flickering light—every detail reinforces the sense of an urgent, last-stand battle against an otherworldly invasion. The remastered versions retain this gritty style while offering smoother frame rates and optional widescreen display.

Character and demon animations are smoother and more varied, offering a sense of weight to every death animation—from the imp’s fiery explosion to the Cyberdemon’s staggering recoil. These small touches heighten visual feedback, making each encounter’s outcome feel earned.

Story

Doom 64 picks up directly after Doom II, positioning you as the lone Space Marine facing down the final surviving demon Lord. While the series famously prioritizes action over narrative, Doom 64 weaves its plot into environmental storytelling—every ruined lab and demonic shrine reveals hints of the apocalypse you’re trying to avert.

The plot is concise yet effective: a single demon mastermind reanimates the fallen demons in one last assault on the universe. This straightforward premise fuels a relentless onslaught of enemies, and the stakes feel higher as you traverse increasingly corrupted facilities. Occasional journal entries and signboards deepen the lore without halting the frenetic pace.

The new soundtrack moves away from rock-infused metal to eerie ambient drones and unsettling soundscapes. This sonic shift underlines the narrative’s darker tone, making every corridor echo with tension. Rather than signal cues for combat, the music serves as a constant reminder that you remain trapped in hostile territory.

For players who dig a bit deeper, secret levels and hidden messages flesh out the game’s mythos. Discovering the lore behind the Unmaker or piecing together the fall of Stross Tech adds an extra layer of immersion, rewarding exploration beyond the core storyline.

Overall Experience

Doom 64 stands as a high-water mark for classic first-person shooters, blending polished level design with a foreboding atmosphere. It’s a tight, unrelenting ride that demands both skill and curiosity, rewarding those who dare to hunt for secrets and master each weapon’s potential. Newcomers will find a challenging but fair gauntlet; veterans will appreciate the refined mechanics and darker presentation.

The game’s longevity is bolstered by its wealth of hidden areas, multiple difficulty settings, and the 2020 re-release’s bonus episodes. Whether you’re diving back in for nostalgia or experiencing it for the first time on a modern console or PC, Doom 64 remains a compelling, blood-soaked journey through demon-infested halls.

Its graphical enhancements and ambient soundtrack set it apart from earlier entries, while the core Doom DNA ensures fast-paced, visceral combat. The Unmaker upgrade system and scripted environmental traps add depth without overcomplicating the action. Overall, Doom 64 delivers a tightly focused experience that feels both lovingly retro and surprisingly fresh.

For anyone seeking a top-tier retro shooter with a gritty atmosphere and intense gameplay, Doom 64 is an essential addition to your collection. Its blend of classic action and unique twists make it a standout title—an infernal classic that proves some battles are worth revisiting time and again.

Retro Replay Score

7.8/10