When developer id Software first released DOOM for MS-DOS in late 1993, the world was forever changed. Engulfed by this fast-paced frenzy of demon slaying, gamers old and new were enamored with the genre-defining first-person shooter. 10 months later, DOOM II arrived, serving as a perfect sequel that was bigger, better, and bloodier than anything that came before it. Although it was officially released over 30 years ago on October 10, 1994 for MS-DOS, DOOM II is just as fun to play now as it was in decades past. As this beloved sequel surpasses its 30th anniversary, let’s take a look back at the hectic FPS gem in all of its gory glory.
Hell on Earth
Like the original DOOM, the story in DOOM II is lean and puts action center stage. Set immediately after the “Thy Flesh Consumed” episode from the first game, the sequel picks up with the armies of Hell swarming the Earth through portals, leaving the planet’s population immediately vulnerable to demonic attack. Gearing up for another quest to rid the world of every last demon, you fill the shoes of the silent protagonist, Doomguy, and enter the fray.
After a few introductory levels, DOOM II opens up in a major way, leading to sprawling levels on a much larger scale than its predecessor. Levels feel less maze-like and more exploratory, especially as you venture into levels that represent cities and other Earth-specific locales. Though you’ll still dash through plenty of sewers and tight hallways, DOOM II gives you plenty of room to work your magic, along with some interesting layouts and level-specific gimmicks. It’s clear that the level designers cut their teeth with the development of the first game, resulting in more polished stages in the sequel with clearer themes and ideas.
Rip and Tear in New Ways
DOOM II also introduces a few new elements into the expected action, including fresh foes to destroy and extra weapons with which to dole out pain. This includes new enemies like the deadly Chaingunners, horrific Arachnotrons, floating Pain Elementals, and more. To aid in your battle, the Megasphere power-up makes its debut, offering maximum health and armor to anyone who picks it up.
However, the biggest boon of DOOM II is the Super Shotgun: a double-barreled weapon that packs a serious punch. You simply need to pull the trigger a few times to understand the overwhelming destruction that the Super Shotgun affords. Alongside other weapons like the pistol from Halo (Xbox, 2001) or the gravity gun from Half-Life 2 (PC, 2004), the Super Shotgun goes down in history as one of the best weapons in any FPS, ever.
You’ll need all the strength you can muster, since DOOM II holds no prisoners in terms of difficulty or intensity. With those larger levels comes an even greater number of enemies, so it’s common to run into waves of a dozen or more baddies, with even a few boss enemies sprinkled in the mix. In DOOM II, weapons like the Rocket Launcher and BFG 9000 are a necessity rather than overkill, and often spell the difference between life and death. Thanks to the added accessibility of multiplayer, you can also take a buddy along for the ride in cooperative play, or face off against servers of skilled players in competitive deathmatch. Either way, DOOM II offers FPS bliss that’s still unmatched in its timeless design and entertainment.
The Legacy of DOOM II
While many would consider the original DOOM as the father of all first-person shooters, in hindsight, the series truly found its groove with DOOM II. This sequel established the brutal, unrelenting reputation that the franchise has fostered to this day, all while delivering an uproarious romp that’s withstood the test of time. After experimenting with survival horror-style gameplay in Doom 3 (PC, 2004), id Software has since returned to the ultra-fast and chaotic violence in modern titles like Doom: Eternal (PC, 2020), proving that the act of shredding through demons at breakneck speeds never really gets old.
Modern installments aside, DOOM II is still thriving 30 years after its release, with a massive fan base that grows larger every day. It seems like every few years, there’s a new port or collection featuring DOOM II, encouraging diehard veterans to purchase this masterpiece on every platform possible while also coaxing in new players aplenty. Look no further than DOOM + DOOM II (Xbox Series X, 2024), a recent multi-platform port that offers every official level pack and expansion, complete with online multiplayer and mod support. Speaking of custom content, the DOOM modding community is still going strong, producing thousands of fan-made levels, skin packs, and conversion mods every year. Even 30 years later, there’s no sign of things slowing down, either.
Do yourself a favor and, in honor of DOOM II‘s 30th anniversary, boot up this beautiful mixture of blood and mayhem and let it rip. Whether you’re experimenting with custom mods on PC through a program like GZDoom, trying out the new DOOM II KEX Engine port, or playing any version from over the years, you’re guaranteed to have a good time. Playing DOOM II is a perfect way to blow off some steam and join in the celebration of this unforgettable FPS that changed the genre in countless ways.
