The Doom franchise has been a staple of the gaming industry for decades, with its fast-paced action, intense combat, and dark atmosphere captivating audiences worldwide. With numerous games in the series, it can be daunting for new players to decide where to start. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the franchise, explore the different games, and provide recommendations for beginners.
A Brief History of Doom
The first Doom game was released in 1993 by id Software and revolutionized the first-person shooter genre. Developed by John Carmack, Tom Hall, and John Romero, the game was initially intended to be a 3D version of the popular Wolfenstein 3D. However, the team’s vision evolved, and Doom became a unique entity, praised for its immersive gameplay, 3D graphics, and heavy metal soundtrack.
The success of Doom led to the creation of a sequel, Doom II: Hell on Earth, in 1994. This game built upon the original’s formula, introducing new enemies, levels, and gameplay mechanics. The franchise continued to grow, with the release of The Ultimate Doom in 1995, which added new levels and improved graphics.
The Classic Era (1993-1997)
The classic era of Doom refers to the original games developed by id Software. These games are still playable today, and their influence can be seen in many modern shooters.
Doom (1993)
The original Doom is a seminal game that defined the FPS genre. Players take on the role of a space marine, fighting against hordes of demons from Hell. The game’s 3D graphics, smooth gameplay, and intense action made it an instant classic.
Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994)
Doom II built upon the success of the original, introducing new enemies, levels, and gameplay mechanics. The game takes place on Earth, where the player must fight against an invasion of demons.
The Ultimate Doom (1995)
The Ultimate Doom is an expansion pack for the original game, adding new levels, enemies, and gameplay mechanics. This game is a must-play for fans of the classic era.
The Modern Era (2000-2016)
The modern era of Doom began with the release of Doom 3 in 2004. This game marked a significant departure from the classic formula, introducing a more horror-focused approach and improved graphics.
Doom 3 (2004)
Doom 3 is a reboot of the franchise, taking place on Mars, where the player must fight against an invasion of demons. The game’s focus on horror and survival made it a departure from the classic era.
Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil (2005)
Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil is an expansion pack for Doom 3, adding new levels, enemies, and gameplay mechanics. This game is a must-play for fans of the modern era.
Doom (2016)
The 2016 Doom game is a reboot of the franchise, taking place on Mars, where the player must fight against an invasion of demons. The game’s fast-paced action, intense combat, and dark atmosphere made it a critical and commercial success.
The Current Era (2020-Present)
The current era of Doom began with the release of Doom Eternal in 2020. This game built upon the success of the 2016 reboot, introducing new gameplay mechanics, enemies, and levels.
Doom Eternal (2020)
Doom Eternal is a direct sequel to the 2016 game, taking place on Earth, where the player must fight against an invasion of demons. The game’s fast-paced action, intense combat, and dark atmosphere made it a critical and commercial success.
Which Doom Game Should I Start With?
With so many games in the franchise, it can be daunting for new players to decide where to start. Here are some recommendations:
- For fans of classic games: Start with the original Doom (1993) or Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994). These games are still playable today, and their influence can be seen in many modern shooters.
- For fans of modern games: Start with Doom (2016) or Doom Eternal (2020). These games offer fast-paced action, intense combat, and dark atmospheres, making them a great introduction to the franchise.
- For fans of horror games: Start with Doom 3 (2004) or Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil (2005). These games offer a more horror-focused approach, making them a great introduction to the franchise for fans of the genre.
Conclusion
The Doom franchise is a staple of the gaming industry, with its fast-paced action, intense combat, and dark atmosphere captivating audiences worldwide. With numerous games in the series, it can be daunting for new players to decide where to start. By understanding the history of the franchise and exploring the different games, players can make an informed decision about which game to start with. Whether you’re a fan of classic games, modern games, or horror games, there’s a Doom game out there for you.
Recommended Games for Beginners
| Game | Release Year | Platform |
| — | — | — |
| Doom (2016) | 2016 | PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch |
| Doom Eternal | 2020 | PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch |
| Doom 3 | 2004 | PC, Xbox, Mac |
| Doom II: Hell on Earth | 1994 | PC, Mac, Linux |
Note: The recommended games are available on various platforms, including PC, consoles, and mobile devices.
What is the Doom franchise, and why is it iconic?
The Doom franchise is a series of first-person shooter video games created by id Software. The series began in 1993 with the release of the original Doom, which revolutionized the gaming industry with its 3D graphics, fast-paced action, and intense combat. Since then, the franchise has grown to include numerous sequels, spin-offs, and remakes, cementing its place as one of the most iconic and influential gaming franchises of all time.
The Doom franchise is known for its dark, gothic atmosphere, intense action sequences, and a wide variety of demonic enemies to battle. The series has also spawned numerous novels, comics, and other media, further expanding its reach and influence. With its rich history, engaging gameplay, and dedicated fan base, the Doom franchise continues to be a major force in the gaming world.
What is the best Doom game for beginners?
For beginners, the best Doom game to start with is likely Doom (2016), a reboot of the classic series. This game offers a modern take on the classic Doom formula, with fast-paced action, intense combat, and a wide variety of enemies to battle. The game also features a more accessible difficulty curve, making it easier for new players to jump in and start playing.
Doom (2016) also features a more streamlined gameplay experience, with a greater emphasis on movement and action. The game’s levels are designed to be more linear, making it easier for players to navigate and focus on the action. Additionally, the game’s graphics and sound design are top-notch, making for a more immersive and engaging experience.
What is the difference between the classic Doom games and the newer ones?
The classic Doom games, including the original Doom and Doom II, are known for their challenging gameplay, simple graphics, and retro aesthetic. These games were released in the 1990s and were groundbreaking for their time, but they can be difficult for modern players to adjust to. In contrast, the newer Doom games, such as Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, offer more modern graphics, smoother gameplay, and a greater emphasis on storytelling.
The newer Doom games also feature more complex level design, with a greater emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving. Additionally, the newer games have a greater variety of enemies and weapons, making for a more diverse and engaging gameplay experience. However, some fans of the classic games may prefer the simpler, more challenging gameplay of the originals.
Should I play the Doom games in chronological order?
While playing the Doom games in chronological order can be a good way to experience the story and gameplay evolution of the series, it’s not strictly necessary. Each Doom game is designed to be a standalone experience, and players can jump in at any point in the series. However, playing the games in order can provide a sense of continuity and context, and can help players appreciate the series’ development over time.
That being said, the Doom series is not known for its complex storytelling, and the games are primarily focused on action and gameplay. As such, players can feel free to jump in at any point in the series, and can still enjoy the games without worrying about missing out on important story details.
Are the Doom games suitable for all ages?
No, the Doom games are not suitable for all ages. The series is known for its graphic violence, dark atmosphere, and mature themes, making it more suitable for older players. The games feature intense action sequences, gore, and demonic imagery, which may not be suitable for younger players.
Additionally, the Doom games often feature strong language and mature themes, making them more suitable for players aged 18 and above. However, the suitability of the games ultimately depends on individual preferences and sensitivities, and parents or guardians should use their discretion when deciding whether or not to allow younger players to play the games.
Can I play the Doom games on any platform?
The Doom games are available on a wide range of platforms, including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. However, the availability of specific games in the series may vary depending on the platform. For example, the classic Doom games are available on a wide range of platforms, while the newer games may be exclusive to certain platforms.
Players should check the system requirements and availability of the games on their platform of choice before purchasing or downloading. Additionally, some games in the series may be available through subscription services, such as Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Now, which can provide access to a wide range of games for a flat monthly fee.
Are the Doom games still worth playing today?
Absolutely, the Doom games are still worth playing today. Despite the series’ age, the games remain incredibly popular, and the newer games in the series have received widespread critical acclaim. The series’ fast-paced action, intense combat, and dark atmosphere continue to appeal to players, and the games remain a staple of the gaming community.
Additionally, the Doom games have had a significant influence on the gaming industry, and continue to inspire new games and developers. As such, playing the Doom games can provide a unique insight into the history and evolution of the gaming industry, and can help players appreciate the series’ enduring influence and appeal.