Doom 64 Review: A Darker, Unique Take on the Classic Shooter

Doom 64 Review: A Darker, Unique Take on the Classic Shooter

Introduction

Released in 1997, Doom 64 is a first-person shooter developed by Midway Games, specifically for the Nintendo 64. As the fourth installment in the iconic Doom series and a direct sequel to Final Doom, Doom 64 offers a fresh and unique experience while staying true to the fast-paced, demon-slaying action that made the franchise a household name. Despite being overshadowed by other titles at the time, Doom 64 has since earned a cult following for its atmospheric design, new features, and significant contributions to the series.

Story and Setting

In Doom 64, the story picks up where Final Doom left off. After the protagonist, the Doom Marine, had seemingly wiped out the forces of Hell, a mysterious demonic power reactivates the invasion on Earth’s abandoned moon bases. Tasked with sealing the portal once and for all, the Marine must return to Hell and eliminate the creatures threatening humanity.

The game’s narrative is minimal, consistent with the series' tradition of letting gameplay take center stage. However, Doom 64 introduces a darker, more ominous tone, both in its story and visual design. The environments are more foreboding, and the game's atmosphere is thick with tension, thanks to a haunting soundtrack and eerie level design that pushes the horror elements further than its predecessors.

Gameplay

Doom 64 maintains the classic Doom formula: fast-paced shooting, labyrinthine level design, and hordes of demonic enemies. However, it introduces several new elements that set it apart from earlier entries.

One of the most significant changes is the visual overhaul. Doom 64 features entirely new graphics, with redesigned enemies, weapons, and environments. The darker color palette and more detailed textures contribute to a sense of dread, making the game feel more like a horror experience than previous Doom titles.

The game also introduces new enemies, such as the Nightmare Imp, and modifies some existing ones to fit the new aesthetic. Weapons are familiar to fans, with classic guns like the shotgun and chainsaw returning, but they come with redesigned looks that fit the game's darker tone.

Level design in Doom 64 is more complex and challenging than before, with intricate layouts that require careful exploration and puzzle-solving. Switches, hidden doors, and traps are more prevalent, making navigation a more cerebral experience. This focus on exploration is a double-edged sword: while it adds depth to the gameplay, it can also lead to frustration, especially for players unfamiliar with Doom’s style of level design.

Graphics and Sound

For a game released on the Nintendo 64, Doom 64’s graphics were impressive. The environments are richly detailed, with dynamic lighting and shadow effects that enhance the game’s moody atmosphere. The redesigned monsters are more menacing than ever, and the weapons have a satisfying heft and visual impact.

The sound design complements the game’s visual style perfectly. The ambient soundtrack, composed by Aubrey Hodges, is a departure from the metal-inspired music of earlier Doom games, opting instead for a more ambient, eerie score that amplifies the horror elements. The sound effects, from the growls of demons to the blasts of weapons, are crisp and visceral, making every encounter feel intense and dangerous.

Replayability and Legacy

Doom 64 offers a challenging single-player campaign with 32 levels, each packed with secrets, hidden areas, and optional objectives. The difficulty ramps up considerably as you progress, ensuring that even veteran players will find a stiff challenge.

The game also includes a password system that allows players to resume their progress, a feature that was common in the era before widespread save systems but may feel archaic to modern players.

For years, Doom 64 was something of a hidden gem, overshadowed by other first-person shooters on more powerful platforms. However, the game’s legacy has grown over time, culminating in a remastered version released in 2020 for modern consoles and PC. This re-release introduced the game to a new generation of players and included additional content, such as a new chapter titled "The Lost Levels," further cementing Doom 64’s place in the franchise’s history.

Doom 64 FAQ

1. What is Doom 64? Doom 64 is a first-person shooter developed by Midway Games and released exclusively for the Nintendo 64 in 1997. It is the fourth installment in the Doom series and serves as a direct sequel to Final Doom. The game features a darker, more atmospheric take on the classic Doom gameplay.

2. What platforms is Doom 64 available on? Originally released for the Nintendo 64, Doom 64 was later remastered and re-released in 2020 for modern platforms, including PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The remastered version also includes additional content and improved graphics.

3. What is the story of Doom 64? The game continues the story from Final Doom, where the Doom Marine must once again face the forces of Hell after they reawaken on Mars’ abandoned moon bases. The player must battle through hordes of demons and ultimately seal the portal to Hell to prevent another invasion.

4. How does Doom 64 differ from other Doom games? Doom 64 features entirely new graphics, redesigned enemies, and a darker, more ominous atmosphere compared to earlier entries in the series. The game also emphasizes more complex level design, with intricate puzzles and hidden secrets that add depth to the gameplay.

5. What new enemies and weapons are introduced in Doom 64? Doom 64 introduces new enemies like the Nightmare Imp, as well as redesigned versions of classic Doom monsters. The game retains the familiar arsenal of weapons from the series, such as the shotgun, plasma gun, and chainsaw, but with updated visuals to match the darker aesthetic.

6. How many levels are in Doom 64? The game features 32 levels in the main campaign, each filled with secrets, hidden areas, and challenging encounters. The 2020 remaster also includes additional levels known as "The Lost Levels."

7. Is Doom 64 connected to the main Doom storyline? Yes, Doom 64 is considered part of the main Doom series and continues the story from Final Doom. It serves as a bridge between the original Doom games and the later entries in the series.

8. How long does it take to complete Doom 64? Completing Doom 64 can take anywhere from 10 to 15 hours, depending on the player’s familiarity with the Doom series and their exploration of the game’s secrets.

9. What is the 2020 remaster of Doom 64? The 2020 remaster of Doom 64 was released to coincide with the launch of Doom Eternal. It features enhanced graphics, improved controls, and new content, including additional levels. This version is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

10. Is Doom 64 worth playing today? Yes, Doom 64 is considered an underrated gem in the Doom series. Its unique atmosphere, challenging gameplay, and the availability of the remastered version make it a worthwhile experience for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series.

Conclusion

Doom 64 is a unique entry in the Doom series, offering a darker, more atmospheric take on the classic formula. Its impressive graphics, haunting sound design, and challenging gameplay make it a standout title, even decades after its initial release. While it may not have the same widespread recognition as other Doom games, Doom 64 is a must-play for fans of the series and anyone interested in experiencing a different, more horror-focused side of Doom. With the 2020 remaster making it accessible to modern audiences, there’s never been a better time to dive into this underrated gem.