Level-by-level analysis of Doom

Today marks the 1-year anniversary of the Level-by-level analysis of Doom2, and we're going to celebrate by doing the exact same thing for Doom.

Before we begin, I believe Shaviro has a guideline to follow...

Lüt said:

Before we begin, I believe Shaviro has a guideline to follow...

Sure do! It works like this: We discuss all the levels of The Ultimate Doom! The secret levels (EXM9) will be dealt with after the final levels (EXM8). Here are all the points we need to discuss in detail!

Level points:

Design
-Layout
-Game flow
-Originality
-Overall

Gameplay
-Enemy placement
-Replay value
-Originality
-Overall

Music
-How well does it suit the level?


Overall judgement in percent.

I have to say the placement of the barrel to the right of where you start is very meaningful. I'm not sure what the level would be without that barrel.

Lüt said:

I have to say the placement of the barrel to the right of where you start is very meaningful. I'm not sure what the level would be without that barrel.

The barrel is very essential to the overall meaning and gameplay of the episode!

Shaviro said:

The barrel is very essential the overall meaning and gameplay of the episode!

We shouldn't forget the wonderful balance that the 2 health potions in the same room provide for the episode's gameplay.

Shaviro said:

The barrel is very essential to the overall meaning and gameplay of the episode!

But what about the subtle, welcoming yet threatening hue of the blue carpet?

Lüt said:

I have to say the placement of the barrel to the right of where you start is very meaningful. I'm not sure what the level would be without that barrel.

Most certainly. Especially since it's right next to the window. Pure genius.

SlayeR said:

Most certainly. Especially since it's right next to the window. Pure genius.

The windows are a marvel by themselves, no denying that.

Lüt said:

We shouldn't forget the wonderful balance that the 2 health potions in the same room provide for the episode's gameplay.

And don't forget the gibs lying on the blue floor! When I first played Doom, it kinda told me "Bad stuff is going on!"

SlayeR said:

Most certainly. Especially since it's right next to the window. Pure genius.

Ah ha, but it isn't really a window is it? I think the mapper's decision NOT to include glass is a stroke of genius.

ZarcyB said:

But what about the subtle, welcoming yet threatening hue of the blue carpet?

It puts it all in contrast! I also like how it blends in with the design.

SlayeR said:

Most certainly. Especially since it's right next to the window. Pure genius.

I bet many people were surprised when shooting at that barrel for the very first time!

Shaviro said:

It puts it all in contrast! I also like how it blends in with the design.

I agree! I think it is the inclusion of this carpet that really makes E1M1 a great map. If only they had included some sofas and a coffee table... lull the player into a false sense of security!

ZarcyB said:

Ah ha, but it isn't really a window is it? I think the mapper's decision NOT to include glass is a stroke of genius.

Yeah it's always fun to try to hit the enemies on the other side!

ZarcyB said:

But what about the subtle, welcoming yet threatening hue of the blue carpet?

That's a down-point for me, I always thought that was a swimming pool when I saw screenshots and I was thoroughly disappointed to find that it wasn't when I played the game.

ZarcyB said:

I agree! I think it is the inclusion of this carpet that really makes E1M1 a great map. If only they had included some sofas and a coffee table... lull the player into a false sense of security!

Agreed! It would also give the player a feeling of abandoned civilization!

ZarcyB said:

Ah ha, but it isn't really a window is it? I think the mapper's decision NOT to include glass is a stroke of genius.

True, but the fact that you can't go through it (even by jumping in source ports) suggests there is in fact some glass present.

Lüt said:

That's a down-point for me, I always thought that was a swimming pool when I saw screenshots and I was thoroughly disappointed to find that it wasn't when I played the game.

Why have an indoor pool when you have an OUTDOOR POOL (in the courtyard)!!!! :D

Lüt said:

That's a down-point for me, I always thought that was a swimming pool when I saw screenshots and I was thoroughly disappointed to find that it wasn't when I played the game.

Well would you have a swimming pool in a hangar?

ZarcyB said:

Why have an indoor pool when you have an OUTDOOR POOL (in the courtyard)!!!! :D

I've never considered nukage to be the best place for a swim.

ZarcyB said:

Why have an indoor pool when you have an OUTDOOR POOL (in the courtyard)!!!! :D

Man! That is so classic ---> I want the armour, but I do not want to get hurt doing so! :D

Shaviro said:

Well would you have a swimming pool in a hangar?

Recreation for all the hangar workers!

Lüt said:

I've never considered nukage to be the best place for a swim.

I love skinny dipping in nukage pools. It gives a nice, but tingly feeling to my skin.

Shaviro said:

Well would you have a swimming pool in a hangar?

I certainly would, especially since it's so near to the windows which would provide efficient solar heating for comfortably lukewarm water.

SlayeR said:

True, but the fact that you can't go through it (even by jumping in source ports) suggests there is in fact some glass present.

Invisible man-blocking glass!

deathz0r said:

I love skinny dipping in nukage pools. It gives a nice, but tingly feeling to my skin.

Really? Last time I tried I didn't have any skin left O_o

deathz0r said:

I love skinny dipping in nukage pools. It gives a nice, but tingly feeling to my skin.

and it doesn't stop there! It has effects on you for ever after! :)

Lüt said:

I've never considered nukage to be the best place for a swim.

That's because you didn't find the über-secret on E1M1, the SECRET STASH OF PROTECTION SUITS! (Now in spring colours)

SlayeR said:

True, but the fact that you can't go through it (even by jumping in source ports) suggests there is in fact some glass present.

That is why IDCLIP exists, so you can jump through the window.

Hmm what do we all think of the first door? Or am I progressing too fast here?