Much like Super Mario Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog, Doom is a name that people who "know nothing well-nigh video games" recognize. It'southward one of the industry'due south about influential and longest-running franchises—27 years and counting—spawning several games, novels, a comic volume, and two movies of questionable quality.

While it's true that Doom was non the outset FPS, it is rightly considered the grandad of the genre; a claim few games tin can make. In this feature, we look at each entry in the series from development to reception, starting with the seminal original and catastrophe with Doom Eternal's expansions.

"They are rage, vicious, without mercy. Simply you lot. You will be worse. Rip and tear, until it is done."

DOOM (1993)

Doom was non id Software's showtime FPS; that honor goes to 1992's Wolfenstein 3D, whose popularity led to a similar game, i that swapped Nazis for demons and boasted a more complex engine: Doom.

Later considering making some other entry in the Command Keen platformer series, id Software co-founder John Carmack came up with the concept of fighting demons using applied science, taking inspiration from the team's in-progress Dungeons and Dragons entrada and combining the styles of Evil Dead II and Aliens. It originally had the name "Light-green and Pissed," but Carmack renamed it Doom. If you've ever wondered where that iconic name came from, it's a line from the 1980s Tom Cruise/Paul Newman archetype The Color of Money:

Tom Hall came up with the Doom Bible pattern certificate that described an all-encompassing plot and lore. Carmack, more interested in the technical side of design, famously said, "Story in a game is like story in a porn movie; information technology's expected to be there, but it'due south non that important."

Doom was revolutionary, introducing features far across what we'd seen before: verticality, total texture mapping, non-orthogonal levels, dynamic lighting, and more. It was too genuinely scary at the time—this writer remembers letting out a yell when a Pinky appeared unexpectedly—partly due to the creatures that were created as physical models before being scanned and placed into the game.

A page from the Doom Bible

Carmack's quote almost the plot non being important proved right. Doom's fast-paced action, graphics, and simple addictiveness made it a smash hit. Many call back the complex levels mixed with visceral gameplay and meaty weapons such equally the legendary BFG 9000 and chainsaw, but it was the multiplayer fashion that helped seal its place equally arguably the most influential shooter of all fourth dimension. And it didn't fifty-fifty accept the ability to free look with the mouse, not that we cared back then.

Doom was one of the showtime multiplayer FPS titles—The Guinness Book of Records lists Midi Maze for the Atari ST equally the offset—introducing PvP deathmatches and co-op campaigns for wired networks. The mode was and so popular that universities were forced to ban the game hours after its release due to the strain placed on their networks.

Doom user-generated content has helped proceed it alive virtually iii decades after launch. The game's data, including its levels, graphics, and music, are stored in dissever WAD (Where's All the Data) files, assuasive modifications without the need to alter the engine code.

On December 10, 1993, a shareware copy of Doom was uploaded to an FTP server at the Academy of Wisconsin. X thousand people tried to download the game at once, crashing the network. Information technology's estimated that fifteen-20 million people played this version, consisting of the ix-level beginning episode. The total, three-episode game was sold via mail society.

It might seem tame past today's standards, but the gore and satanic imagery in Doom brought information technology enough of controversy at the time. It was one of the games blamed for the Columbine shooting. Wolfenstein 3D may accept set the groundwork, just every FPS that followed Doom owes it a debt of gratitude.

You can download and play the original Doom and Wolf3D free of charge these days.

Doom II: Hell on World (1994)

With the incredible success of Doom, information technology didn't take long for a sequel to arrive—just ten months later its predecessor's release. Doom Two was a instance of "if it own't broke, don't fix information technology," only practice arrive bigger, ameliorate, and introduce ane of the best weapons ever to grace a computer screen.

Sandy Peterson, who worked on the kickoff game and created the Phone call of Cthulhu tabletop RPG, was joined past a young American McGee and Shawn Green to create new levels.

Players once once more take command of Doom Guy in a game with the thinnest of plots, which probable gained Romero's blessing. As the title suggests, the forces of Hell accept left Mars for Earth. A few memorable beasts make their first advent in Doom II, including the Hell Knight (goat's legs, horny), Arachnotron (robospider), Revenant (skeleton with rocket launcher-sporting shoulder pads), Hurting Elemental (a D&D Beholder'southward cousin), and Mancubus (heavy-set cyborg demon with vi toes, stumpy elephant legs, and arms that tin can shoot fireballs).

The Mancubus briefly experimented with pants (of sorts) in 2022, but they weren't for him

Ask people what they think virtually Doom Two, and most volition say the same matter: the Super Shotgun. While information technology'due south true that you could brew a pot of java in the time this double-barrel sawn-off takes to reload, it still appears on many "greatest video game weapons of all fourth dimension" lists. The sheer power and satisfaction that comes from blowing several demons to pieces with its wide spread nevertheless resonate today.

Doom Two also had a better multiplayer element, with more support and features when playing co-op and in deathmatches.

Interestingly, unlike the first Doom, Doom Two was never released on a large number of platforms such as the Sega 32X, 3DO, SNES, etc., but was limited to the MS-DOS and Mac Bone in the 1990s, though at that place was a Game Boy Advance version in 2002.

While the Doom II experience didn't differ that much from its predecessor, it still became the acknowledged video game of 1994. It was too the highest-selling id Software game (ii million units) for many years.

Doom 64 (1997)

With Romero gone and id Software having moved across Doom with some other genre-defining FPS called Convulse, the squad behind the PlayStation port of Doom, Midway Studios San Diego, took the captain for Doom 64, with the original developer supervising.

Following direct on from Doom II, Doom 64 took full advantage of the Nintendo 64's power. While the gameplay was the same, the pixeled graphics were replaced by smoother and larger sprites. There are darker environments, intensifying the foreboding vibe, along with new textures, more scripted events, and a couple of new monsters.

Another interesting alter in Doom 64 is the weapons. The chainsaw now has two blades, and there'southward a new firearm called the Unmaker that'southward upgradable to become faster and shoot extra beams. Sadly, Doom 64 lacked the much-loved Deathmatch mode.

Despite being the best-looking Doom to date and featuring more than puzzle-like, circuitous levels, not all critics and players loved Doom 64 upon release, though information technology's gained more fans over the years. Yous can decide for yourself past checking out the dirt-cheap PC port on Steam, where it has a Very Positive rating.

Doom 3 (2004)

Yes, information technology really has been xv years since Doom iii launched. The programme to remake Doom using modern technology began in 2000, but a few id Software employees were worried the franchise had run its grade and that some other entry wasn't the correct way to get. Thankfully, the success of the excellent Return to Castle Wolfenstein ensured nosotros'd see the return of the demon-killing marine.

Surprisingly, the first person to publicly unveil Doom 3 (via John Carmack) was none other than Apple's CEO Steve Jobs at the Macworld Conference & Expo 2001 in Tokyo, when he was also introducing the GeForce iii.

The id Tech iv engine showed how far engineering science had come in the years since Doom. Avant-garde lighting and shadows, more complex animations, and interactive surfaces helped brand Doom 3 as much a full-blown horror as a shooter—as those who soiled their pants when looking in the bath mirror volition adjure. It's almost half an hr into the game before y'all actually shoot anything, and some nighttime areas strength yous to apply a flashlight instead of a weapon; information technology'due south one or the other, a quirk of the game that divided opinion.

Doom 3's narrative was fleshed out and interesting for a modify. id Software even hired a professional person science-fiction writer named Matthew J. Costello to create the script and help in storyboarding. Doom iii is set on a Mars base of operations—and partly in Hell—with a plot involving the Matrimony Aerospace opening a gateway that allows demons to saunter through, only at present nosotros go a lot more than just screens of text explaining what'south going on, with actual cutscenes and lengthy dialogue. There's also the RPG trope of emails, logs, and video messages that fill in more of the backstory, as well every bit containing admission codes

Another pregnant modify in Doom 3 is that reloading is necessary, with each weapon requiring specific ammo types. There are new enemies to deal with, and many of the traditional demons have been given a modern makeover.

Well-nigh critics and gamers loved Doom 3, praising the looks, presentation, and atmosphere, though in that location were a few players who believe it moved a bit too far from the frantic pace of its predecessors, and many establish the "torch or weapon" selection a pain in the donkey. By 2007, over 3.5 meg units had been sold, making it id Software's most successful game up to that point.

Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil (2004)

While Resurrection of Evil (ReO) is an expansion to Doom three that requires the base game (except on Xbox), it'south worth a mention for some of its additions. Developed by Nerve Software, which had previously worked on the multiplayer manner and Xbox port of Return to Castle Wolfenstein, Doom RoE is set up two years after the events of Doom 3. It features a 12-level campaign, half dozen new enemies, 4 multiplayer maps, and some new weapons, including the much-missed super shotgun.

Some memorable elements of RoE are the Ionized Plasma Levitator, aka the Grabber, which is Half-Life 2's Gravity gun in everything but name, and The Artifact, aka the Heart of Hell, which can slow down time, requite players and their weapons berserk strength, and make them temporarily invulnerable.

Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil received mostly positive ratings, though some complained that it was retreading erstwhile ground.

Doom (2016)

Twelve years later on Doom iii and three years later on co-founder John Carmack left the company to go CEO of Oculus VR, a rebooted Doom was ready upon the globe.

The game had a colorful development: initially appear as Doom 4 at QuakeCon 2007, it fell into the category of "evolution hell" a few years later. Co-ordinate to reports, Doom four's heavily scripted events and cinematics made it more than akin to a Phone call of Duty game, simply, thankfully, about of this ended up discarded. The parts left over evolved into one of the all-time games of the decade.

The new Doom went back to basics, abandoning the slow-paced, survival horror-like elements of Doom iii for fast and frantic gunplay—reloading weapons is once more a matter of the past—and the Tech six engine looks fantastic even today.

While the plot is once more more coherent than the originals, Doom's gameplay remains its nearly memorable element. The experience is a furious pulse racer, the physical incarnation of a thrashing heavy metal rails, testosterone in video game course, liquid expiry.

Despite the frantic action, there's plenty of exploring to be done in Doom, from hunting downwards the keycards and skullkeys to uncovering secrets. It besides adds depth to the weapons, with alternate burn modes and upgradeable mods, making for some very satisfying demon-killing devices. And and then in that location'southward the visceral Celebrity Kills: melee executions that can be carried out one time an enemy's health is depression enough in return for some health. Using the chainsaw, meanwhile, brings ammo.

Despite the "never stand nonetheless" mantra, Doom is often a tactical game that requires plenty of thought, especially in big fights when deciding which monster to take downwards showtime and with what weapon. Players must also consider the most opportune moments for dishing out glory/chainsaw kills.

Combine all this with the time trials, Mick Gordon'south pounding soundtrack, and the SnapMap level editor, and you've got a game worthy of conveying the Doom proper noun, even with the pretty weak multiplayer segment. Doom was praised by critics and players akin, receiving multiple nominations and awards at gaming events. For many fans, information technology remains their favorite entry in the serial.

Doom VFR (2017)

Another entry away from the main serial, Doom VFR answers that question, "Can you lot imagine how awesome Doom would exist in virtual reality?" Not particularly, information technology seems.

Being VR, you lot take to rely on a combination of "teleport" and "dash" buttons to move effectually. A lot of the Doom 2022 elements are here, from Glory Kills to near every enemy from the master game, simply it is very cutting down—look to complete the campaign in around three hours.

Doom VFR has a Mixed rating on Steam, with most of the complaints aimed at the awkward controls, bugs, and lack of polish. Doom in virtual reality could be amazing, but not similar this.

Doom Eternal (2020)

Given the positive reception Doom 2022 received, the proclamation of Doom Eternal at E3 2022 generated plenty of excitement. Like 1994's Doom 2, most of the activity takes place on earth, and there are plenty of similarities to Doom 2022, but it's a very unlike game in many ways.

Doom Eternal is intense. Very intense. Some people complain that information technology goes a bit too far in this respect, becoming stressful rather than fun. The same rut-of-battle decisions you lot needed to make in the previous game are however here, along with a bucketload of extra elements to consider: in add-on to Glory Killing for health and chainsawing demons for ammo, you lot can now set up enemies afire to receive armor; there's the monstrously powerful Blood Dial; and ice bombs/frag grenades to employ. All these factors must be considered while continuously avoiding attacks, making it one of the most adrenaline-pumping games ever made.

Upgrading and modding weapons with alternate fire modes render from the concluding game, and we now get a grappling hook for the Super shotgun. Movement is enhanced with the ability to swing from monkeybars, and there are new enemies and weapons.

Additionally, there are several disproportionate multiplayer modes, a Fortress of Doom hub, Slayer Gates, weekly challenges—loads to go along you occupied long after finishing the tough entrada.

Doom Eternal arrived to a mostly positive reception, peculiarly from reviewers, though it wasn't without its detractors. Every bit previously mentioned, the intense, unrelenting pace may exist a scrap likewise much for some people. The number of options available can experience overwhelming, and not everyone likes platforming in a Doom game. Withal, it sold nearly 3 times the number of units in its launch month than its predecessor and won Best PC Game and Best Activity Game at the Game Critics Awards 2022.

Doom Eternal: The Ancient Gods Role Ane (2020)

What's unusual well-nigh Doom Eternal's two expansion episodes is that they don't require buying of the base game, though it would be unwise to dive in without honing your skills in the original campaign starting time. Equally hard every bit Eternal is, this is even more difficult.

All your bonuses carry over from the main game, which is practiced as you'll need them. You lot get what you would wait from an expansion: more missions, locations, and enemies. One new bad guy is the Spirit, a ghost-like version of Doom 2022's Summoner, whose ability to possess and supercharge another demon can be teeth-gnashingly abrasive.

In a similar way to Doom Eternal, virtually reviewers and players like the Aboriginal Gods, merely some notice its difficulty, specially the sheer number of enemies thrown at the actor at once, frustrating.

Doom Eternal: The Ancient Gods Part 2 (2021)

Drawing a shut to the modern version of Doom is this last expansion for Doom Eternal. There are six extra enemies this time, including a cybernetic armour-clad Businesswoman of Hell, calculation to the roster of demons from the base of operations game and the previous expansion.

A major new weapon makes an appearance: the Sentinel Hammer. This area-of-effect monster sends out a shockwave that stuns or kills outright, and is one of the all-time parts of the TAGPT. Elsewhere, the expansion adds Escalation Encounters for the sadistic completionists out there. Strangely, while critics seem to similar Ancient Gods Part 2 more than than Part 1, it's the other mode around for gamers; information technology currently has a Mixed rating on Steam. Notwithstanding, it's worth noting that a lot of the hate stems from that final boss fight.

The movies

Doom

Back in 2005, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, looking nothing like he does today, had just made the motility from wrestler to movie star. Doom sees him joined by Karl Urban, best known for The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Dredd, and the profanity-loving pseudo-cockney Billy Butcher from The Boys. Like 95% of movies based on video games, information technology's more often than not garbage, with a plot that'south only tenuously related to the source material.

Doom'due south definitely isn't on the same vomit-inducing awfulness level as, say, Alone in the Dark, and at that place's that famous 5-minute get-go-person scene at the end, which goes some manner to redeeming the residuum of the movie.

Doom Annihilation

Following the game'southward successful relaunch a few years earlier, someone decided to have another crevice at making a Doom movie. While this direct-to-video offer is closer to the games in terms of story, that doesn't make it skillful. Again, it'south non the worst video game movie out there, but that isn't an accolade to exist proud of.