Playing Doom Games Chronologically: A Guide For Beginners And Veterans

Pedro Alvarez

5 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

4.2

Share

The Classic Doom Era (1993-1996): A Foundation in FPS History

This era established Doom as a legend, defining the FPS genre for years to come. Playing these games chronologically allows you to witness the evolution of the engine and design philosophies firsthand.

Doom (1993):

The original Doom revolutionized gaming. Its simple yet effective gameplay, combined with its terrifying atmosphere and innovative level design, set a new standard.

• Key Features: Simple but effective arsenal of weapons (pistol, shotgun, chaingun, rocket launcher), iconic monsters like Imps, Cacodemons, and the terrifying Baron of Hell, sprawling maze-like levels filled with secrets.
• Mods and Community: The original Doom fostered a massive modding community, creating countless custom levels, weapons, and monsters, extending its lifespan for decades.
• Availability: Readily available on various platforms including PC (through various digital stores and GOG), and even some modern consoles through emulation or backward compatibility.

Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994):

Doom II built upon its predecessor's success, adding new features and enhancing the experience.

• New Enemies, Weapons, and Levels: Introduced iconic monsters like the Arch-Vile and the Mancubus, along with new weapons like the super shotgun and plasma gun. Levels were larger and more complex.
• Increased Difficulty: Doom II significantly increased the challenge, demanding greater skill and strategy from players.
• Lasting Impact: Doom II cemented the Doom franchise's place in gaming history, further solidifying its influence on the FPS genre and spawning countless imitators.

Doom 64 (1997):

This Nintendo 64 exclusive offered a unique experience, showcasing improved graphics (for its time) and exclusive levels.

• Improved Visuals: While not graphically groundbreaking by today's standards, the enhanced visuals were impressive for the N64.
• New Levels and Enhanced Sound Design: Doom 64 featured entirely new levels and a more atmospheric soundscape compared to its predecessors.
• Rarity and Collectible Status: Due to its limited initial release on the N64, Doom 64 has gained a reputation as a rare and collectible title.

The Reboot Era (2016-Present): Modernizing the Classic

id Software's reboot breathed new life into the franchise, combining classic elements with modern design sensibilities. A chronological Doom playthrough necessitates experiencing these titles next.

Doom (2016):

This reboot returned to the series' fast-paced, brutal combat roots while modernizing the graphics and gameplay.

• Gameplay Mechanics (Glory Kills, Movement): The introduction of "glory kills" — brutal melee executions — added a visceral and satisfying layer to combat. Improved movement mechanics allowed for more fluid and aggressive playstyles.
• Weapon Variety: A diverse arsenal of powerful weapons provided strategic depth and allowed for various combat approaches.
• Level Design Philosophy: The levels were meticulously designed to encourage exploration and provide numerous opportunities for creative combat encounters.
• Impact on the FPS Genre: Doom (2016) significantly influenced the modern FPS landscape, inspiring a renewed focus on fast-paced, aggressive gameplay.

Doom Eternal (2020):

Doom Eternal doubled down on the fast-paced action, adding new mechanics and expanding the lore.

• New Gameplay Mechanics: The addition of the grappling hook and platforming elements opened up new possibilities for movement and combat.
• Weapon Upgrades: An expanded weapon upgrade system allowed for greater customization and strategic depth.
• Story Expansion: Doom Eternal significantly expanded the Doom lore, providing a more comprehensive narrative experience.
• Difficulty Scaling and DLC Content: Doom Eternal offered a challenging experience with adjustable difficulty settings and substantial DLC expansions.

Other Notable Doom Games and Spin-offs:

While not strictly fitting a perfectly linear chronological playthrough, games like Doom 3, Doom 3: BFG Edition, and various spin-offs deserve a mention. Doom 3, for example, shifted to a more survival horror-focused approach, drastically different from the fast-paced action of the other titles. These games offer alternative gameplay experiences and should be explored based on individual preference.

• Key Differences: These titles often feature vastly different gameplay styles, story arcs, and even graphical presentations, making them unique additions to the overall franchise, but potentially disruptive to a strict chronological playthrough.

Resources and Where to Play:

Doom games are available across a variety of platforms, ensuring accessibility for most gamers.

• Platform Availability: PC (Steam, GOG, Bethesda.net), PlayStation (various generations), Xbox (various generations), Nintendo Switch (some titles).
• Recommended Versions: Check reviews and community feedback to find the best versions for each game, considering things like updated graphics and improved controls.
• Potential Emulation Options: Emulation might be needed for some older titles, but proceed with caution, ensuring you only use legally obtained ROMs.

Conclusion:

Playing Doom games chronologically allows for a unique appreciation of the franchise's evolution, showcasing the development of its gameplay, graphics, and story. From the groundbreaking simplicity of the original Doom to the frenetic pace of Doom Eternal, this journey demonstrates the lasting influence of the franchise on the FPS genre. Now that you've explored the timeline, it's time to experience the glory of playing Doom games chronologically! Whether you start with the original Doom or jump into the modern reboot, prepare for an unforgettable adventure through Hell. Embark on your chronological Doom playthrough today and discover the unparalleled legacy of this iconic franchise!