DOOM + DOOM II Review Summary

Extensive mod and content support: The game offers a vast array of mods, expansions, and community-made content, providing endless replayability and customization options. It includes multiple classic Doom games, expansions, and a built-in mod browser for easy access to additional content.

Timeless and engaging gameplay: The gameplay is described as timeless, fast-paced, and addictive, with dynamic combat and excellent level design. It retains the classic feel while offering modern controls and enhancements, making it enjoyable for both new and veteran players.

Accessibility and modern features: The game includes various accessibility settings, modern controls, and quality-of-life features. It supports high resolutions, widescreen monitors, and offers a polished interface, making it suitable for a wide range of players.

Satisfying combat mechanics: The combat is described as tight, satisfying, and fast-paced, with a variety of weapons and enemies. The gameplay mechanics are praised for their kinetic rhythm and overall enjoyment.

High-quality soundtrack and audio: The game features a remixed and remastered soundtrack by Andrew Hulshult, offering both original and enhanced audio options. The music is praised for its quality and how it enhances the gameplay experience.

Challenging and confusing gameplay: The game is noted for its high difficulty, especially on higher settings, and confusing level layouts. Players find some maps overly difficult and cryptic, with issues like enemies getting stuck and repetitive enemy types.

Poor level design in DOOM 2: DOOM 2 is criticized for its frustrating and poorly designed levels, including labyrinthine layouts and tedious key searches. The final boss and some levels are particularly noted for their poor design and excessive difficulty.

Mod management issues: The mod browser and management system are criticized for lacking user control, poor compatibility, and complicated management. The engine does not support all mods, and there are issues with auto-updates and stolen mods.

Limited movement and technical issues: The game lacks vertical aiming and movement, which is a significant limitation. Additionally, there are technical issues like crashing, broken scripts, and controller problems.

Difficult and confusing master levels: Master Levels and Sigil are criticized for being overly difficult and confusing. These levels are often seen as poorly designed and frustrating.

Classic FPS gameplay mechanics: The game features classic first-person shooter mechanics with fast-paced, run-and-gun gameplay. It includes a variety of weapons like the Super Shotgun and BFG 9000, and emphasizes straightforward shooting and movement without modern complexities.

Level design and exploration: The game offers complex, maze-like levels that encourage exploration and discovery of secrets. Levels are designed with traps, puzzles, and strategic combat encounters, providing a mix of challenge and reward.

Additional campaigns and expansions: Includes additional campaigns and expansions like Sigil, Legacy of Rust, and No Rest for the Living. These additions provide new levels, enemies, and weapons, significantly expanding the game's content.

Enhanced visuals and technical improvements: Features modern visual enhancements such as widescreen support, HD and 4K resolutions, and improved textures. These updates make the classic game more accessible and visually appealing to new players.

Historical significance and influence: As a pioneering game in the FPS genre, it has had a significant impact on gaming history. Its design concepts and mechanics have influenced countless other games and remain relevant today.

Occasional crashes and bugs: Some players experience occasional stuttering, crashing issues, and bugs, particularly with the auto-map and multiplayer modes.

Excellent performance and optimization: The game runs very well on a variety of systems, including low-powered laptops and Linux office PCs. It maintains smooth performance with high FPS and fast load times.

Compatibility and low requirements: The game is compatible with various systems, including Debian 12 and Steam Deck. It has low PC requirements and runs well even on non-gaming computers.

Graphical improvements and issues: The updated version features better graphics and enhanced textures, but there are some graphical issues on dated integrated GPUs and a need for more graphics options.

Audio issues: There are audio bugs where system audio ceases upon launch, no game audio is played with Bluetooth headphones, and sounds don't work if there are too many playing.

Great for both new and veteran players: The game is recommended for both newbies and veteran players. It is seen as a good starting point for those new to the franchise and a nostalgic experience for long-time fans.

Worth the money and time: Many reviews emphasize that the game is worth the purchase and the time spent playing it. It offers great value, especially for fans of the franchise and those interested in experiencing a classic game.

Highly recommended for all gamers: The game is widely praised as a must-have and must-play for all types of gamers, from classic fans to newcomers. It is considered a legendary franchise with a solid gameplay foundation and extensive content.

Essential for retro and FPS fans: The game is seen as essential for fans of retro games and the FPS genre. It is considered a must-play to appreciate the origins and evolution of first-person shooters.

Superior to many modern games: DOOM 1 and 2 are often praised for delivering more pure adrenaline and pleasure than some newer AAA shooters. They are considered better than many new games and a benchmark for the FPS genre.

Steam Deck: The overall experience of playing DOOM on the Steam Deck is highly positive, with excellent controller support and smooth performance. There are some minor issues with Linux compatibility and occasional crashes, but these do not significantly detract from the overall experience. The user interface and controls are generally well-received, with some users noting improvements and fluid performance.

External guides: The analysis of user feedback reveals several key themes. Navigation and bugs are significant issues, with users reporting confusion due to lack of guidance and technical problems. The gameplay experience, particularly combat, is generally well-received, with positive feedback on the shotgun and overall combat mechanics. The game's classic and nostalgic gameplay is also praised. However, the need for external walkthroughs and technical issues like unintended microphone access are notable drawbacks.

Request for PS1 versions: Players are requesting the inclusion of PS1 versions of the games, highlighting features like atmospheric soundtracks, colored lighting, transparencies, and different maps. Some players also mentioned that owning the original Steam edition of games like Doom or Heretic should grant free access to these PS1 versions.

Platinum achieved quickly: Several players noted that achieving a platinum trophy in the game took less than 20 hours, indicating that the game might be relatively short or easy to complete fully.