Not only is Doom an iconic game with a storied place in video game history, it also has one of the strongest fan communities of all time. The number of ways the game has been modified, or recreated as an 80s pixel shooter, by fans is astounding. Now, one fan's hard work will see an official release as a free add-on to the re-release of Doom & Doom 2.
Unlike most fan mod projects, which receive cease and desist letters from the developer or publisher, modifications of Doom are allowed to exist. Because of this lax attitude, the game has been heavily modified over the years, so much so that it has practically become a meme. Modders put the game on all kinds of devices, from a pregnancy test to the new Nintendo Game & Watch.
Some fan modifications really strike a chord, even catching the eye of publisher Bethesda. Doom Zero uses the original game's engine and offers fans 32 new levels to explore, with "challenges that'll get even seasoned Slayers putting on their thinking caps." The mod, created by developer Christopher Golden, was released last year to mark the 25th anniversary of Doom 2. It will now be available officially as a free add-on, downloadable for those who purchased the console, mobile, or PC re-release of Doom & Doom 2.
Golden worked on the mod for 2 years, so to see his efforts recognized is very cool. The game doesn't merely recycle the original Doom's assets either, Golden has added new demons, bosses, sounds, music, and sprites to the mix.
While Doom enjoys its status as infinitely modifiable, porting Doom Eternal to Switch was a huge challenge for the team at developer Panic Button. Maybe they needed Christopher Golden on their team.
Doom & Doom 2 (now with Doom Zero) are available now for Mobile, PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
Source: Engadget