[BETA] dllDooM: non-linear survival and exploration

EDIT: 

 

dllDooM is now in beta! By my definition that means the overall design is compete, no new paths to add but plenty of visual niceties, a few area reworks, and tightening up of the secret areas in order.

 

Download the WAD here

 

To celebrate.. another video! This one shows off part of the last major area I detailed - it was a bit of a challenge given the path was kind of pointless. So now it's a rewarding end-game path that (if you're up for the challenge) can be navigated in the opposite direction, and let's you tackle the map in a different way.

 

 

 

 

Hello everyone! It has been a while. You’ll notice this is my first post from this account, I used to participate in the Doomworld forums around 10 years ago, but since then life has taken over. I’ll put some details around that and proof of identity at the end of this post for anyone interested.

 

The short story is that I’ve been working in game design and production for the last decade. I’ve moved into the corporate environment a bit, which is actually really exciting, taking design thinking and game design skills, and applying them to big / non-digital problems.

 

Earlier this year I hit a creative block, and began to question whether I was actually extending my skills, or just drifting from my game design roots.

 

So I’ve decided to make a Doom map, to see if I still can, and I’d like to share my progress with you.

 

Download the WAD here

 

It’s called dllDooM, and it’s a rather personal project - I have not been up to date with the Doom community in a decade, so I’m going to be really interested to see what you think. I don’t know what styles of mapping are current or popular, or what lessons have been collectively learned. I’ve tried to make something that’s true to how Doom feels when I think back on it, but I'm sure it's somewhat unconventional.

 

I’m looking forward to your feedback and hope you enjoy my progress so far. It’s one large stand-alone map, that is non-linear, and plays like a survival experience. The difficulty level spikes, ammunition is tight, and there are traps and secrets. There are a mix of organic and non-organic environments, including a dark cave system that really calls for slower, careful gameplay.

 

I think it’s the kind of level that gets better after multiple attempts, as you learn where items and weapons are, and discover the consequences of taking different paths, and find your preferred method of cutting through the level. I would love to hear your thoughts!

 

A handful of screenshots

 

 

For the details:

• Intended for any limit removing port (if I still remember what that means!), but so far only tested with zDoom 2.8.1.
• No use of new assets, or source port features, and should be played without freelook, jumping/crouching etc.
• Intended for single player, although closer to release I’ll be focusing on multiplayer as I think the labyrinthine nature would make it great for deathmatch.
• It is intended to be played without music.
• For use with the doom2 IWAD
• It is one large level (MAP01), and should take 40+ minutes to complete.
• I’ve balanced it so that “Hey, not too rough” plays well - but am looking for feedback on difficulty, as I’m out of sync with the community and the current level of play.

 

I would love to hear completion times - as it stands I’ve completed playthroughs on “Hey, not too rough”, and 100% kill playthroughs on “I’m too young to die.”

 

I’ve also started a twitter profile to post updates, screenshots and videos, as well as the WAD download link. Feel free to check that out at https://twitter.com/dllDooM.

 

Proof of identify and more info about me, for anyone interested.

I’m Dean, and I’ve spent the last 10 years working in the games industry in design and production roles. I entered the industry as part of the game design team for LA Noire, since then I’ve worked on and released mobile indie games, and education games, and have turned my focus more and more towards methods of production and team organisation. I believe game design skills are overlooked and undervalued, and I cannot think of a better toolkit to work from in trying to solve problems in a fast changing and uncertain world.

 

Previously I posted as @.:DartmerC:. (or Dartmerc on the EDGE forums).

Here is a link to an EDGE forum post where I mention working on LA Noire.

Here is a link to my LinkedIn to cross reference.

Looking at my old posts is making me cringe - it sounds like I was a bit of an idiot back then :/

 

Finally I want to thank @CapnClever and everyone else who helped with this great post that was really useful!

 

 

 

Edited December 9, 2017 by dll : beta announcement!

39 minutes ago, dll said:

Intended for single player, although closer to release I’ll be focusing on multiplayer as I think the labyrinthine nature would make it great for deathmatch.

Neat map for SP, but don't waste your time with this deathmatch bit, this map is in no way shape or form suitable for any decent form of pvp action I can think of, whether its with game play mods, last man standing, DM, or team play.

6 minutes ago, Decay said:

Neat map for SP, but don't waste your time with this deathmatch bit, this map is in no way shape or form suitable for any decent form of pvp action I can think of, whether its with game play mods, last man standing, DM, or team play.

Maybe with something that implements a ton of freeform mobility or straight-up flight? Might be a bit cramped in some parts for that, though, and any wayward impassible lines could thwart that.

Loving the look of those screenshots and judging by the automap, I'd agree with Decay that this is much better for single player / multiplayer co-op than deathmatch or PVP game modes. Thanks for sharing your work!

Getting randomly killed for pressing a switch is bs, specially as I was playing the map saeless.

this looks like my sort of thing, thanks for uploading :3

Screenshots look good, I'll play it later.

Thanks everyone for the initial feedback.

 

@Ancalagon I thought I'd wait a few days before replying, have you returned to the map or did you play on at all after this?

 

@Decay @Arctangent @Doomkid Thanks for the musings on multiplayer. I had hoped that, given the way the level opens up after collecting keys / unlocking paths, and with the deliberate placement of weapons, deathmatch would be a rewarding experience that rests as much on your understanding of the space as cold skill.. but that's probably far too hopeful! I appreciate the feedback letting me know to put those thoughts to rest.

 

Apparently I can embed tweets :O 

I've been trying to skill myself up on making video content (as well as improving my confidence speaking both on and off camera, and about my own work.. something I'm not generally great at), here's a new snippet of footage showing off one particularly dark and organic looking area.

 

Edited November 20, 2017 by dll : grammar, spelling

I'm pleased to announce dllDooM is now in beta! I'd love to get some feedback from this community, specifically on difficulty, if you're keen to take a look.