Summary
Doomrevolutionized the FPS genre and brought about a new age of multiplayer gaming. It is interesting to see how multiplayer changed and developed throughout the series' different entries. How do the multiplayer modes stack up against each other?
Did multiplayer become a more important part of the package, or did it fade and not live up to the standards of the original title as multiplayer juggernauts likeCall of DutyandFortnitetook up all the attention? The answers are below. Regardless of how the multiplayer modes were received, everyDoomgame is worth playing, regardless of its age.
Doom 64is a different game thanDoom. It is not on this list because, despite the Nintendo 64’s reputation for great console multiplayer, the game did not feature a multiplayer mode.
Doom 3comes more than a decade afterDoom 2. The jaw-dropping technological innovations were impressive, but some fans were not into the slower gameplay that prioritized horror over action. There are at least a couple of levels that return to more classicDoomaction, but they are brief.
At least the multiplayer retains thearcade-like atmosphere of 90s FPS games. It is not as hectic asQuakeor the originalDoomgames, but it should still satisfy those looking for similar sensibilities. The Xbox release included co-op through the campaign, but those servers have long since shut down.
The game makes it to the lowest spot because, while it is a thoroughly entertaining mode, many players will be hard-pressed to find a multiplayer match. Doing so is nearly impossible on consoles.The PC version at least still has a small community of players, but other entries on this list have options for most consoles still available.
The 2016Doomand its sequel,Eternal, are surprisingly different games under the hood. The latter game forces the player to balance resources on the fly to efficiently slay demons. The game also departed from its predecessor with an atypical multiplayer implementation.
Instead of a traditional multiplayer suite, the only competitive offering was Battlemode. In it, two demons of varying types teamed up against one Doom Slayer. It is a far cry from the typical deathmatch action for which the series is known, but the attempt at something different is commendable.
In addition to Battlemode, a Horde Mode was also added in a later update. It is a fun cooperative diversion from the main game, but it is bare-bones and features an uncompelling progression system. One should not go into it expecting acompetitor toCall of Duty’sZombies Mode.
An Invasion Mode that allowed players to control demons in anyone’s single-player session was planned. It was ultimately canceled, however.
The 2016Doomreboot made the old feel new again.Its attempt to recreate the classicDoomaction from the early 1990s made for one of the most refreshing modern FPS experiences.
The release stressed the game’s SnapMap feature. This extensive map editor offered players the ability to create their own multiplayer and single-player maps. It is a cool idea, but it did not meet many people’s expectations.
Doom’slegacy is partly built upon the extensive modding community. Snap Map does not allow for the same creativity that many modders show in their works. At least the game still included a run-of-the-mill multiplayer suite. It is standard fare, but it is still fun to compete against other players using the updated gameplay from this game.
The first game in the series is still a blast to play. The game is simple enough to understand and does not require the same aiming skills modern FPS games require. The multiplayer holds up perfectly fine, too.Doomis so legendary, it is often cited as the origin of the term “Deathmatch.” It is difficult to imagine, but there was once a time when this term was not a part of every gamer’s vernacular. On top of that, the campaign is playable with up to three other players on most modern re-releases.
Though the game is older than most people reading this, its competitive multiplayer is still active. The recentDoom 1 + 2re-releaseadds crossplay between consoles and PC, ensuring as lively a community as possible.
The 2024 re-release is easily the best way to play both games. It is the most complete and even features new levels. Other console ports are hit-and-miss.
Doom 2does not add any huge innovations over its predecessor.It is simply bigger, harder, and faster.That does not necessarily make it a better game, especially since some might be turned off by the higher difficulty of its later levels.
It does, however, mean that its multiplayer infrastructure was highly improved. This is a little harder to appreciate in today’s age when the game is readily available and easy to play, but it deserves its spot on the list for what it did at launch.Doom 2came out just a year after the first game, so the developers jumped quickly atDoom’srunaway success to keep the train rolling with its sequel.
