"Never played a better shooter game..."

I got my first experience of Doom when my cousin allowed me to borrow a 32x cartridge for my Genesis so I could play Doom for my birthday, which would have been a long time ago from now, and I can hardly remember the experience any more. But I know that it was what got me hooked to it in the first place. Shortly after I got my first computer in late 1996, my dad got the game with all three episodes plus the extra Episode 4 (Ultimate Doom). Needless to say, I loved it to death (no pun intended). I've been addicted to the PC version of Doom the most (I also have the PlayStation version and have played the game on several other different systems).

Doom is a follow up by ID-Software to their premier first-person shooter, Wolfenstein. I don't have much experience with that game, but anyway, back to Doom. The full version has three episodes, each with a host of exciting levels to play through on different difficulties. As well as having to get new weapons in order to blow out the brains of all the demons you come across and keeping yourself alive, you also have to be very tactical. The later levels are very maze-like and you'll have to do a lot of exploration to find a way through them...but that's what's so fun about Doom.

The fun factor of Doom is through the roof. You will be kept occupied by the many tasks you must fulfil as you progress through each level. The amount of levels, in addition to this is also what will keep you going. Even the shareware version of Doom has a complete episode, and that's another awesome thing that ID-Software can be praised for.

Gameplay - 10/10

The basic concept of Doom is what makes it so great in the first place. You basically play the role of a marine, and you must scout several locations on Phobos and Deimos, the moons of Mars. There are several beasts roaming around so you must tackle them with weapons. Only you start with a puny little pistol gun, so you have to find extra weapons and ammo while you scout around. You will find it challenging if you run out of ammunition quickly by wasting it so you also have to think tactically to reserve as much energy and ammo as you can. Just like the real thing...if it ever was to happen.

After you tackle all the monsters out of the way, you then have the tough task of trying to find the exit. In the earlier stages of the episodes it'll be simple since you don't require any keys or have to find secret doors, but in the later stages where there are lots of mazes and very confusing looking levels you will be spending ages in frustration trying to locate the way out! But hey, that's not a bad thing, it keeps you on longer.

In order to become an expert at Doom, you have to get used to many moves to use in the game. Rapid-fire shooting, strafing and accurate ledge jumping are to name but a few. As you play through each level you'll get used to doing it (good idea for the game's creation on behalf of ID-Software), and by the end you'll be reasonably at a good experience rate. Whether you're using the joystick, keyboard or mouse, you will need to tune in to it and learn.

Oh, and don't forget the intense difficulty levels you play on in each episode! You can adjust from 5 difficulty levels, easiest to hardest, to your liking! Another good point!

Story - 10/10

The story of Doom is a very cool one that I don't think I've ever seen in a video game before, therefore earning it a lot of marks from the start. As I've already stated, you play the role of some marine bozo hero, and there's apparently some mission from your company involving the two moons of Mars (Phobos and Deimos). The force field isn't able to withstand some sort of force and the last you hear on the radio is crackling.

So you set off to the hangar, and when you arrive, everybody's dead. Ok, it's not original as we saw in the Alien movie, but the storyline is an excellent build-up to the game and unique involving ones in which you are battling creatures, which is why I still rate it 10.

Audio/Video - 10/10

Yup, another 10...but the sound in Doom is fantastic, I have to say. The soundtracks of the levels have a range of attitude. Some are heavy, some are chilling, some are creepy...but they mostly give you that experience and make it so much better to dig while you play.

The sound effects of Doom sound very realistic to give it a much better feel. Such as the shooting of the guns - each of them sounds different from firing bullets, shells, plasma, whatever. You have sound effects of demons breathing and the cries of the enemies as you roar them down are upright fantastic and sound terrific in my opinion.

And now, moving on to one of the best things about Doom. Its GRAPHICS. The graphics are probably the thing I was most impressed with. The characters have great designs and the 3D environments look very real and well drawn out from all angles. You have effects of windows, walls, structures, lots of things. The backgrounds look superb and the effects of bloodstains, acid, and the things you pick up overall look superb for a game that was made in 1993. In fact, I've seen PlayStation games with graphics not as good.

Replayability - High

The enjoyability of Doom is what will keep you hooked for a very long time. The experience of Doom is overall superb. I loved the PC version the most, but all of them are terrific. It's fun to play, and you'll be kept on for a long while.

Overall - 10/10

So you may think that I may be being a huge bit overgenerous, but the scores I gave for each factor in Doom, I think deserved it. Its terrific graphics, fun factor, lastability, music, gameplay, and story are what make it such a great game. One of the best games I've ever played. It's one of the best shooter games (if not THE most) out there on the PC, and it's well worth a purchase, even better if you get Ultimate or Final Doom!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 03/05/04