Doom II, one of the most iconic video games of all time, has hit Xbox LIVE Arcade for a cool 800 Microsoft points. However, is a game that is almost two decades old worth $10? The answer is a resounding yes.
Backstory
Recently republished by Bethesda Softworks for Xbox 360’s LIVE Arcade, Doom II was originally developed by id Software almost two decades ago.
Recently republished by Bethesda Softworks for Xbox 360’s LIVE Arcade, Doom II was originally developed by id Software almost two decades ago.
Doom II was a huge success when it first day viewed. It made several improvements over its predecessor, packing more levels, new enemies to kill, and new weapons and power ups to shoot them with. In addition to larger maps for gamers to explore, the levels themselves were harder – however with a trusty double-barreled shotgun and a BFQ-9000 in your inventory you could send all the demons back to hell.
New Features
For the transition to Xbox 360 Arcade, Doom II has several new features, including: “5.1 Surround Sound, HD display, never before seen Achievements, multi-player, and co-op over LIVE.” There is also a “never-before-seen bonus chapter, No Rest for the Living.”
For the transition to Xbox 360 Arcade, Doom II has several new features, including: “5.1 Surround Sound, HD display, never before seen Achievements, multi-player, and co-op over LIVE.” There is also a “never-before-seen bonus chapter, No Rest for the Living.”
Doom II features two brand new Avatar awards – an old school Doom II T-Shirt and a full-body Doom Marine uniform. For those who like to get 100% of all achievements, Doom II will pose a serious challenge to even the most veteran gamers as beating every level on “Ultra Violence” is certainly no walk in the park.
Doom II Delivers The Nostalgia
Doom II was the third PC game that I had played as a child, on the heels ofWord Munchers and The Oregon Trail. Needless to say I was impressed. Doom II for Xbox LIVE Arcade brings back everything that made myself and millions of other gamers fall in love with it in the first place: stylish, frantic destruction.
Doom II was the third PC game that I had played as a child, on the heels ofWord Munchers and The Oregon Trail. Needless to say I was impressed. Doom II for Xbox LIVE Arcade brings back everything that made myself and millions of other gamers fall in love with it in the first place: stylish, frantic destruction.
From the moving portrait located on the bottom of the screen to hidden door locations, everything is exactly the way you remembered it. Be it a Rocket Launcher or Chain Saw, there is a weapon for every occasion – however nothing beats destroying an entire room of enemies with the BFG.
Controls
Doom II‘s controls fit naturally on an Xbox 360 controller, and great use is made of the controller’s dual analogue sticks. However the inability to pan up and down, or jump might bother younger generations of gamers who did not grow up playing this game. Additionally, turning your gun from to the right takes significantly longer than what many Halo players who are used to a high look sensitivity level are accustomed to. Comparing modern shooters to the title which made the genre so popular isn't fair. It is incredible to see just how well it's held up over time.
Doom II‘s controls fit naturally on an Xbox 360 controller, and great use is made of the controller’s dual analogue sticks. However the inability to pan up and down, or jump might bother younger generations of gamers who did not grow up playing this game. Additionally, turning your gun from to the right takes significantly longer than what many Halo players who are used to a high look sensitivity level are accustomed to. Comparing modern shooters to the title which made the genre so popular isn't fair. It is incredible to see just how well it's held up over time.
Deathmatch Sadly Not What Used To Be
The Deathmatch in Doom II is sadly not what it used to be. Doom II was an innovator in multiplayer with the original “deathmatch” and there is no question that we wouldn’t have modern first person shooters without id’s work years ago. The problem with deathmatch on Xbox LIVE is that it can take forever for two good players to kill each other with constant power-ups widely available. As soon as a 3rd or 4th player enters the scenario spawn deaths become incredibly commonplace.
The Deathmatch in Doom II is sadly not what it used to be. Doom II was an innovator in multiplayer with the original “deathmatch” and there is no question that we wouldn’t have modern first person shooters without id’s work years ago. The problem with deathmatch on Xbox LIVE is that it can take forever for two good players to kill each other with constant power-ups widely available. As soon as a 3rd or 4th player enters the scenario spawn deaths become incredibly commonplace.
Aside from the multiplayer and refinishing the campaign on higher difficulties to obtain all of the achievements, Doom II offers online leaderboards to help extend its replay value.
Final Opinions
Despite outdated graphics and inferior controls to modern day standards (the ability to look up and down), Doom II manages to still be one of the best two first person shooters available from the Xbox LIVE Arcade that this gamer would recommend to anyone who owns an Xbox 360 (the other being Perfect Dark).
Despite outdated graphics and inferior controls to modern day standards (the ability to look up and down), Doom II manages to still be one of the best two first person shooters available from the Xbox LIVE Arcade that this gamer would recommend to anyone who owns an Xbox 360 (the other being Perfect Dark).
Doom II for Xbox LIVE Arcade can be purchased for 800 Microsoft Points. For more information on Doom II and Besthesda Softworks, visit bethsoft.com. Did you enjoy this article? Please share it and subscribe for updates.
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