Doom Games is a legendary first-person shooter franchise that has captured the hearts of gamers for over two decades. With the original game’s release in 1993, Doom revolutionized the gaming industry with its fast-paced gameplay, intense action, and iconic soundtrack. The series has become one of the most successful and influential video game franchises ever, spawning countless sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, the Doom games offer thrilling and innovative experiences that leave you on the edge of your seat. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 Doom games of all time, showcasing the best this iconic series offers.
The Doom Game Series
Doom is a first-person shooter video game franchise that started in 1993 with the release of the original Doom game. The game is known for its fast-paced, action-packed gameplay, where players must fight through hordes of demons and monsters to reach their objectives. The series has been praised for its innovative gameplay mechanics, intense atmosphere, and iconic soundtrack.
Here are the five main games in the official Doom series
- Doom (1993): The original Doom game is a first-person shooter that started the franchise. Players take on the role of a space marine who battles demons and monsters at a research facility on Mars. There has even been a sci-fi film based on the title.
- Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994): Players continue fighting against the demons in Doom Eternal, which occurs sometime after the previous game’s events. The game introduces new mechanics, weapons, and enemies to the series and features a single-player campaign and a multiplayer mode.
- Doom 3 (2004): Doom 3 is a franchise reboot with improved graphics and a darker, more atmospheric tone. Players assume the role of a marine stationed at a research facility on Mars. They must fight demons and uncover a sinister plot.
- Doom (2016): The 2016 game is a franchise reboot that returns to the series’ roots. The game features fast-paced, intense gameplay, with players taking on the role of a space marine fighting against demons on Mars.
- Doom Eternal (2020): The latest game in the series is a direct sequel to the 2016 game. Players again take on the role of the Doom Slayer, battling demons across Earth, Mars, and other dimensions.
These five games make up the official Doom series, and they have been praised for their innovation, intense gameplay, and iconic status in the gaming industry. In addition to these main games, there are several spin-off titles, expansion packs, and re-releases of the original games. These include titles such as Final Doom, Doom 64, and Doom VFR, among others.
Best 10 Doom Games of All Time
From the original game that started it all to the latest release, Doom Eternal, these games will surely provide an unforgettable gaming experience. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top 10 Doom games of all time.
1. Doom (1993)
Doom is a first-person shooter video game that was initially released in 1993. In the game, you play as a space marine sent to a research facility on Mars after an experiment goes wrong and opens a gateway to Hell. You aim to fight through hordes of demons and other hellish creatures to stop the invasion and close the gateway. Doom is known for its fast-paced, visceral gameplay and innovative use of 3D graphics and networked multiplayer.
One of the key features of Doom is its modding community, which has created countless custom levels, mods, and total conversions for the game over the years. The game has also been re-released on various platforms and ported to numerous operating systems, including modern Windows, macOS, and Linux versions.
Pros: Doom is an iconic game that defined the first-person shooter genre and still holds up well today. The fast-paced, visceral gameplay is incredibly satisfying, and the level design is excellent. The soundtrack is also memorable and has become a classic in its own right.
Cons: The game’s graphics and sound are pretty dated by modern standards, and the story and character development could be more complex.
2. Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994)
Doom II: Hell on Earth is the sequel to the original Doom game. It was released in 1994 and picks up where the first game left off, with the demons now invading Earth. Once again, you play as the space marine, fighting through the streets, buildings, and other locations to stop the invasion and defeat the demon lord.
One of the critical improvements in Doom II over the original game is the addition of new weapons and enemies. The game also features more significant levels and a more intricate design than its predecessor. Like the original game, Doom II has a large modding community that has created countless custom levels, mods, and total conversions for the game.
Pros: Doom II is an excellent continuation of the first game’s formula, with more variety in weapons and enemies and a challenging level design. The modding community has created a wealth of additional content and improved the game’s graphics and sound over the original game.
Cons: Like the original game, Doom II still has some limitations due to its age, and the story is still quite basic.
3. Doom 3 (2004)
Doom 3 is a reboot of the series that was released in 2004. The game features a new storyline and engine for more advanced graphics and lighting effects. In Doom 3, you play as a marine stationed at a research facility on Mars, where a scientific experiment has gone wrong and unleashed demons from Hell. Your objective is to fight through the facility and stop the demon invasion.
One of the key features of Doom 3 is its horror elements. The game is much darker and more atmospheric than its predecessors, and it features several jump scares and other horror tropes. The game’s graphics and sound are also top-notch, making it one of the most visually impressive games of its time.
Pros: Doom 3 is a fantastic series reboot with improved graphics and sound and a more immersive atmosphere. The horror elements add a new dimension to the game, and the modding community has created several impressive mods and custom levels.
Cons: The game’s focus on horror may turn off some players who prefer the more action-packed gameplay of the previous games in the series. The game is also fairly linear, with limited exploration options and a more restricted level design than earlier games.
4. Doom (2016)
Doom (2016) is a reboot of the series that was released in 2016. The game features a new storyline and engine, allowing for even more advanced graphics and gameplay mechanics. In the game, you play as the Doom Slayer, a legendary warrior who awakens from a tomb on Mars to find that the demons have once again invaded. Your objective is to fight your way through the facility and stop the demon invasion once and for all.
One of the key features of Doom (2016) is its fast-paced, visceral gameplay. The game’s combat system is incredibly satisfying, with a wide range of weapons and special abilities that allow you to rip demons apart in a variety of ways. The game also features several exploration elements, allowing you to discover hidden areas and power-ups throughout the levels.
Pros: Doom (2016) is an excellent reboot of the series, with fantastic graphics and sound, satisfying gameplay mechanics, and a good balance of action and exploration elements. The game also features an excellent soundtrack and a strong sense of humor that helps balance out the game’s darker elements.
Cons: Some players may find the game’s focus on action over horror a drawback, and the game’s story is relatively straightforward.
5. Doom Eternal (2020)
Doom Eternal is the most recent game in the series, released in 2020. The game continues the story of the Doom Slayer as he battles against a new invasion of demons from Hell. Doom Eternal features even more advanced gameplay mechanics than its predecessor, including new weapons, abilities, and environmental hazards. The game also features a new multiplayer mode and several other features and improvements.
One of the key features of Doom Eternal is its emphasis on strategy and resource management. The game requires you to carefully balance your ammo, health, and armor throughout the levels and use various tactics to defeat different types of enemies. The game also features several exploration elements, allowing you to discover hidden areas and power-ups throughout the levels.
Pros: Doom Eternal is an excellent follow-up to Doom (2016), with even more advanced gameplay mechanics and impressive graphics and sound.The game adds depth to the gameplay, focusing on strategy and resource management. Additionally, the soundtrack is once again excellent.
Cons: The game’s difficulty may be too challenging for some players, and the story still needs to be more complex than other modern games.
6. Master Levels for Doom II (1995)
Master Levels for Doom II is an expansion pack for the original Doom II game, released in 1995. The pack features 21 new levels created by various designers and a new game mode that allows players to create their own levels using the included editor. The levels are generally more challenging than base game ones, with more complex puzzles and challenging enemy encounters.
Pros: The Master Levels pack provides additional content for Doom II with new levels and a level editor. It’s perfect for fans who want more challenges and creativity.
Cons: Some players may find the pack’s increased difficulty level frustrating. The lack of a cohesive storyline may also be a turnoff for some players.
7. Doom 64 (1997): Spin-off Doom Games
Doom 64 is a version of Doom released exclusively for the Nintendo 64 console in 1997. The game features new levels, enemies, weapons not found in the original Doom games, and improved graphics and sound. The game also features a new storyline that takes place after the events of Doom II.
Pros: Doom 64 has improved graphics, new weapons, enemies, and a fresh storyline. It’s an excellent addition to the Doom series.
Cons: Some players dislike puzzles, exploration, and a lack of multiplayer.
8. Doom RPG (2005)
Doom RPG is a mobile game that was released in 2005. It combines elements of the Doom series with classic role-playing game mechanics. The game features turn-based combat, character customization, and a variety of quests and missions to complete. The game also features a new storyline and a unique art style that sets it apart from other Doom games.
Pros: Doom RPG focuses on exploration, character development, and strategy. Fans also appreciate its art style and storyline.
Cons: Some players may not like the game’s mobile format, and turn-based combat may not appeal to everyone.
9. Doom Resurrection (2009)
In 2009, the developers released Doom Resurrection, a first-person shooter game exclusively for the iPhone. The game boasts improved graphics and sound, new levels, and enemies. The game is set in the Doom universe, featuring a new storyline that takes place after the events of the original Doom game. It offers players a fresh perspective on the game’s lore and setting.
Pros: Doom Resurrection has impressive graphics and sound. It offers exciting action and combat. Doom Resurrection is exclusive to the iPhone platform. It is a great addition to the Doom series.
Cons: The game’s reliance on the iPhone’s accelerometer for movement may be a turnoff for some players. The lack of exploration and other RPG elements may be a drawback for others.
10. Doom Classic (2009)
Doom Classic is a re-release of the original Doom game for the iPhone and iPod Touch, released in 2009. The game features improved graphics, sound, and touch-screen controls, allowing more precise aiming and movement. All levels, enemies, and weapons from the original game are preserved in a faithful recreation.
Pros:Doom Classic is an updated version of the original game that can be played on modern platforms. The game comes with improved graphics, sound, and easy touch-screen controls.
Cons: Some players may find the game’s lack of modern gameplay features a drawback. The game’s difficulty may be too great for some players.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Doom games have left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. The franchise’s revolutionary gameplay, intense action, and iconic soundtrack have made it a fan favorite for over 25 years. From the original game to the latest release, Doom Eternal, the series has consistently delivered thrilling and innovative experiences. Looking for fast-paced, pulse-pounding action? The top 10 Doom games of all time offer something for everyone, with a mix of classic and modern games that showcase the series’ evolution. So, grab your weapons and prepare for battle because Doom games are not for the faint of heart!
