SKYEWOOD

In terms of pure gameplay, Skyewood is a bit of a letdown with weak geometry, small-scale encounters, and confusing map progression. In terms of pure creativity, however, Skyewood stands out even 25 years later due to its surreal visuals and originality. The forests are quite convincing for 1996 taking mouselook limitations into consideration, and the early attempts at the "void" style are quite captivating.

 

There are a lot of Doom maps of varying quality set inside techbases on Phobos. You won't find nearly as many that feature fire-breathing dragons, chattering trees, or exploding toads in the archives. I have to give it points for that alone.

Let's go. Trippy alice in wonderland experience. Mumbling trees, mushrooms and giant toads. Really groovy. Excellent midis. The final boss (so fluffy) makes the adventure close like a dream.

^^ Oh dear, someone needs to take a chill pill. It's a surreal experience that I guess won't appeal to some. But I love good wads that aren't run of the mill. There are many "military base" levels (etc.) and too few that take us into a different reality of some sort. 5/5

Fucking Awesome, considering it's age -NMN

Three maps filled with nice ideas. Especially cool considering the age! -- 5/5

Nothing special in terms of gameplay, but was at least interesting for some of the trippy ideas and resources. The Evil Dead sound bites were a bit excessive in places, though. Now back to hobbit hunting.

Very nice looking wad, nothing special though. I like outdoors maps very much. Also, is that the "let's go" sound from Raiders of The Lost Ark?

Jeez, is this WAD set fugly. Annoying noises too. Just take some real shrooms instead. You'll have more fun. - PrinceOfDorkness

One of the best!

Brilliantly surreal and beautiful map. The "angry tree" was creepy enough too. 5*

This is NOT Doom.

who cares, it's cool

A very interesting set of maps that do try to use Vanilla Doom effects to create a new style of game. Although my favourite level is the first, the second was also quite playable. Interesting features include interesting sounds and thoughful use of textures to increase detail. The dragon boss well-inspired however not as well executed. I would give this wad 4 stars if it had been released today. I grant it an extra star for being 12 years old. 5/5 -Kilkakon.

Absolutely brilliant. Steve Rescoe later worked on Doom3 (credited as a "Designer").

Very unconventional, very refreshing, and very good indeed.

I think I like this one more now than I did when it came out. Really awkward and interesting. **** -sargebaldy

Steve Rescoe also worked on Daikatana. What stories he must have. This is a visual feast. It looks wonderful even today, and goes to show that style doesn't age. Best of all, it's the author's own work, not just sprites taken from another wad. It has a real Alice in Wonderland acid nightmare quality. Map01 is an introduction, Map02 is the meat, Map03 is a let-down (it's just a big maze). The dragon is cute and silly.

cool 5