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The History of… Doom (1993)

The 1993 video game “Doom” is a first-person shooter where players assume the role of an unnamed space marine, often referred to as Doomguy, who battles his way through hordes of invading demons from Hell. The game is set on Mars’ moons, Phobos and Deimos, where the player navigates through various levels fighting against different types of demons using a variety of weapons. The game begins with the player character stationed at a Union Aerospace Corporation (UAC) research facility on Phobos, which has been overrun by demons due to a failed teleportation experiment. The objective is to fight through the infestation, survive, and ultimately stop the invasion. As the plot unfolds, the player discovers teleportation devices that lead to Deimos and eventually to Hell itself, facing more challenging adversaries and environments. The ultimate goal is to close the gateway between Hell and the Mars moons, stopping the invasion.

Gameplay

“Doom,” released in 1993, is a pioneering first-person shooter video game that set the standard for many FPS games that followed. In Doom, players assume the role of a space marine, who battles his way through hordes of invading demons from Hell. The gameplay mechanics are centered around fast-paced, action-packed combat that encourages players to move quickly and aim accurately.

The game is divided into episodes, with each episode consisting of a series of levels. Players navigate through each level, finding keys and activating switches to advance, all while combating various enemies. The levels are labyrinthine, with secrets and hidden areas containing power-ups, weapons, and health packs to aid players in their quest.

One of the key gameplay mechanics in Doom is its arsenal of weapons, ranging from the simple pistol and chainsaw to the powerful rocket launcher and plasma rifle. Each weapon has its uses, with some being more effective against certain types of enemies. Managing ammunition is crucial, as players must balance their use of powerful weapons with the availability of ammo.

Doom also introduced multiplayer modes, including deathmatch, where players could compete against each other in the game’s levels. This added a new dimension to the gameplay, extending its replayability.

The game’s graphics, though primitive by today’s standards, were revolutionary at the time, using a pseudo-3D perspective to create a convincing environment for players to explore. The combination of its fast-paced gameplay, multiplayer options, and atmospheric graphics helped cement Doom’s place as one of the most influential video games of all time.

Game: Doom
Developer: id Software
Publisher: GT Interactive Software
Designer: John Romero, Sandy Petersen
Programmer: John Carmack
Platforms: MS-DOS, various others through ports
Release date: December 10, 1993
Genre: First-person shooter
Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
RRP when released: $49.95 USD

Development of Doom

Doom was a major project to develop in 1993. Its innovative technical achievement and creative design came from a team led by id Software that included not only the famous John Carmack and John Romero, but Adrian Carmack (no relation) and Kevin Cloud. Carmack’s engine was a tour-de-force of real-time speed, making for fast gameplay and a pseudo-3D environment that set a new standard for game graphics, while Romero and the rest designed the game’s levels, game mechanics and the look and feel of the space horror/science fiction environment. A major part of its development was a new way to approach multi-player, turning Doom into one of the greatest deathmatch arenas ever, and the first to be really network-able. As completed by Robert Prince’s music and sound effects Doom ratcheted up the tension and action, and made a decent PC into a game machine. In the end, Doom was the result of a rare moment of perfection in technical innovation, game design, and not least paying attention to multi-player that helped define a genre and, rather to everyone’s shock, is still being added to with new games today.

Release Details

Doom was released as shareware on December 10, 1993, with the full version following in April 1994. The shareware release allowed players to experience the first episode of the game for free, driving widespread adoption and anticipation for the full release. Doom was initially distributed via bulletin board systems (BBS) and later through retail channels.

Reception and Reviews

Upon release, Doom received widespread critical acclaim for its groundbreaking graphics, immersive atmosphere, and addictive gameplay. Players and critics praised the game’s innovative use of 3D graphics, sound design, and relentless action. Doom quickly became a cultural phenomenon and one of the most influential video games of all time.

Doom was a critical and commercial success, lauded for its revolutionary graphics, fast-paced gameplay, and immersive audio. The game was considered a technological marvel, pushing the boundaries of what personal PCs could do. The game’s multiplayer mode was a revelation, serving as a model for interactive gaming that would be aped for years to come.

The game’s labyrinthine level design and sprawling menagerie of weapons and enemies were also singled out for helping create an immersive and challenging experience that was light years ahead of its time.

The game’s industry-changing influence was felt immediately, as it is still widely considered one of the most important video games ever made; its impact can be seen in the DNA of nearly every first-person shooter that followed in its wake.

Despite some detractors, who saw the game’s unprecedented levels of violence as symptomatic of an industry that was getting out of hand, the game’s subjects and themes were largely praised. It is now generally seen as one of the most influential video games of all time.

Sequels and Spin-offs

Doom has received numerous sequels and spin-offs, including “Doom II: Hell on Earth,” “Final Doom,” and the 2016 reboot simply titled “Doom.” These follow-ups have continued to build upon the core gameplay mechanics introduced in the original game while incorporating new features and advancements in technology.

Doom Tips and Trivia

Tips:

1. Strafe: Master strafing to dodge enemy attacks while maintaining your aim.
   
2. Explore: Search every nook and cranny for hidden items, secrets, and alternate pathways.
   
3. Manage Resources: Conserve ammo and health packs by using melee attacks when possible and avoiding unnecessary confrontations.
   

Trivia:

1. Development: Developed by id Software, “Doom” was initially released as shareware in 1993 before receiving a commercial release later that year.
   
2. Influence: “Doom” is credited with popularizing the first-person shooter genre and introducing groundbreaking features such as multiplayer deathmatches and mod support.
   
3. Legacy: The game’s impact on gaming culture is profound, inspiring countless imitators, sequels, and spiritual successors, as well as influencing other forms of media such as music, film, and literature.
   

Doom Cheats and Easter Eggs

Cheats:

1. God Mode: Type “IDDQD” during gameplay to activate God Mode, making your character invincible.
   
2. All Weapons and Ammo: Enter “IDKFA” to unlock all weapons and maximum ammo.
   
3. No Clipping Mode: Input “IDCLIP” to enable No Clipping Mode, allowing your character to pass through walls and obstacles.
   

Easter Eggs:

1. Hidden Rooms: Look for secret areas hidden behind walls that can be opened by interacting with specific switches or objects.
   
2. Level Names: Each level in “Doom” has a unique name that can be viewed by using the “IDDT” cheat while playing.
   
3. Developer Messages: Some levels contain hidden messages or references to the game’s developers, such as “Thank you for playing DOOM” written in blood on the walls.

Doom is a groundbreaking first-person shooter where players battle demonic forces on Mars, navigating through labyrinthine levels filled with intense combat and visceral action to save humanity from annihilation.

Doom is a groundbreaking first-person shooter where players battle demonic forces on Mars, navigating through labyrinthine levels filled with intense combat and visceral action to save humanity from annihilation.