Demystifying Final Doom: A Deep Dive into the Classic FPS
Final Doom isn’t a direct sequel like Doom II or a reimagining like Doom 3. It’s a standalone compilation of two 32-level episodes, or megawads, titled TNT: Evilution and The Plutonia Experiment. These weren’t developed internally by id Software but were instead created by external teams and licensed for official release, making Final Doom a unique entry in the Doom franchise.
Understanding Final Doom’s Place in the Doom Universe
Final Doom occupies an interesting space in the Doom timeline. Released in 1996, between Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994) and Doom 64 (1997), it continues the story after the events of Doom II. However, its status as a collection of community-made levels distinguishes it from the core numbered entries. Think of it as a professionally curated expansion pack offering a significant amount of new content for experienced Doom players.
TNT: Evilution: Licensed Carnage
Developed by TeamTNT, TNT: Evilution was officially licensed by id Software. This megawad offers a more conventional Doom experience, albeit with increased difficulty compared to Doom II. The levels are well-designed, feature a variety of environments, and maintain a consistent aesthetic.
The Plutonia Experiment: A Gauntlet of Pain
Created by the Casali brothers, The Plutonia Experiment is notorious for its extreme difficulty. Request by id Software, is often regarded as one of the most challenging experiences in the entire Doom series. Expect relentless enemy encounters, intricate traps, and a punishing level of gameplay that will test the skills of even the most seasoned Doom veterans.
The Core Gameplay of Final Doom
Despite being created by external teams, Final Doom retains the core gameplay mechanics of Doom II. Players navigate intricate levels, battling hordes of demons with a variety of weapons, searching for keys, and solving environmental puzzles. There are no new enemies or weapons introduced in Final Doom, but the level design and enemy placement are significantly more challenging than in previous installments.
Final Doom’s Legacy
While not as iconic as Doom (1993) or Doom II, Final Doom holds a special place in the hearts of many Doom fans. Its challenging gameplay and the sheer volume of new content made it a popular choice for players seeking a more intense Doom experience. It also showcased the talent and creativity of the Doom modding community, paving the way for countless fan-made levels and modifications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Final Doom
1. Is Final Doom Doom 64?
No. Final Doom and Doom 64 are separate games. Final Doom is a collection of two megawads for Doom II, while Doom 64 is a standalone title developed by Midway Games for the Nintendo 64.
2. Is Final Doom after Doom 2?
Yes, the story in both episodes of Final Doom takes place after the events of Doom II: Hell on Earth.
3. Is Final Doom official?
Yes and no. While Final Doom was officially released and licensed, it wasn’t developed internally by id Software. It features levels created by third-party users.
4. Is Final Doom the same as Doom 1?
No. Final Doom uses the Doom II engine and expands upon its gameplay. Doom 1 (The Ultimate Doom) is the original game that started it all.
5. Does Brutal Doom work with Final Doom?
Yes, Brutal Doom, a popular gore-themed gameplay mod, is compatible with Final Doom, as well as with other Doom games.
6. Is Ultimate Doom just Doom 1?
The Ultimate Doom is essentially Doom 1 with an additional episode, Episode 4: Thy Flesh Consumed.
7. What is the last level of Doom?
In the original Doom (1993), the last level is E4M8: Unto the Cruel. In the new Doom (2016), the final level is Argent D’Nur.
8. Why is Final Doom so hard?
Final Doom is known for its challenging level design and intense enemy encounters, particularly in The Plutonia Experiment.
9. Is Final Doom Doom 3?
No. Final Doom is a collection of megawads for Doom II, while Doom 3 is a reimagining of the original Doom, with a greater emphasis on horror elements.
10. Is Final Doom canon?
While not a direct sequel, Final Doom is generally considered to fit into the broader Doom canon, although its community-developed nature sets it apart from the core numbered entries.
11. Is Final Doom on PlayStation?
Yes, Final Doom was released on the PlayStation.
12. What does Final Doom include?
Final Doom includes two 32-level episodes: TNT: Evilution and The Plutonia Experiment.
13. Which Doom is the hardest?
Many consider The Plutonia Experiment episode of Final Doom to be one of the most challenging experiences in the entire Doom series.
14. Is there a story in Final Doom?
Yes, there’s a basic story provided within the text files of the game that setup the premise for each of the two episodes, but in a similar fashion to Doom and Doom II, the story is told within level progression and combat.
15. Are there new textures or enemies in Final Doom?
Final Doom does not include any new enemies or new weapons but there are some new textures.
Conclusion: Final Doom – A Worthy Challenge for Doom Veterans
Final Doom might not be a mainline entry in the Doom series, but it offers a substantial and challenging experience for fans of classic FPS gameplay. Its unique status as a licensed collection of community-made levels makes it a fascinating piece of Doom history and a testament to the creativity and dedication of the Doom modding community. If you’re looking for a tough-as-nails Doom experience, Final Doom is definitely worth checking out. To learn more about the influence of games on learning and society, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.