UnknDoomer's corner of ultra silence - Short WAD Reviews / Longplays / Hints

[UnknDoomer]

140. U N W E L C O M E: Episode 1 (2018).

 

Screenshots:

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/unw_1-png.291274/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/unw_2-png.291275/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/unw_3-png.291276/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/unw_4-png.291277/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/unw_5-png.291278/

 

Grey, raspberry, blue, but at the same time beneficial looking, gamma, ambient sound effects, puzzles, level variation, from meditative spirit to arena - the four main elements, not counting the general surreal atmosphere inherent in this wad of 8 levels, presented by @Plusw.

 

 

Settings and features:

 

* GzDoom 4.10.0, UV difficulty.

* After pressing the switch in the form of a skull at all levels except the eighth, you must return to the beginning, to the point in the form of a combination of blue and pink lines.

* On one of the levels, you will need to solve a riddle with switches, for this, remembering the sequence on different parts of the map. The correct combination is: 1 - red, 2 - blue, 3 - red, 4 - blue, 5 - blue, 6 - red, 7 - blue, 8 - red.

* It takes ~ 2 hours to complete.

[UnknDoomer]

Part 3. In search of the unknown Kadat.

 

141. Strange Aeons (2015 / 2016). Cacowards 2015. Build 5.7.

 

https://mikestoybox.net/2017/01/04/strange-aeons/

https://doomwiki.org/wiki/Strange_Aeons

 

Screenshots:

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/sa_1-png.291282/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/sa_2-png.291283/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/sa_3-png.291284/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/sa_4-png.291311/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/sa_5-png.291312/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/sa_6-png.291315/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/sa_7-png.291349/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/sa_8-png.291422/

 

Finally, I would like to dwell on the most volume in the issue of content, consisting of 5 episodes and 45 levels (5 secret). Like the previously reviewed Dead, But Dreaming (was not translated), Lovecraft's "sleep cycle" is taken as the basis here, but, unlike the creation of DBP, the narrative lasts much longer and the events that take place are made not just on a similar basis, but in many ways directly cover events and locations, associated with the search for a strange city. I won't go into the details of the context, just like the plot of the wad specifically, those interested can find the book's preface on the DBP page (was not translated too), while the premise of SA is described in the PDF attached to the wad. Instead I will focus on more "practical" components.

 

In the context of the constituent parts, four elements are combined here at once - surrealism, horror, suspense and the strangeness inherent in dreams. There are 4 new types of weapons, among which there was a place in the spirit of Hexen, an AK-47 assault rifle, a crossbow and something like an alternative plasma gun. There are 3 new spheres that last longer than the original ones - infinite ammo, accelerated attack, modified berserk. There are 18 types of enemies.

 

To create the atmosphere a lot of custom and borrowed textures were used. The bulk of the soundtrack was taken from Chasm: The Rift, System Shock, 2, F.E.A.R. and not too well known to the layman Death Mask (1995), a shooter that once came out on the Amiga. Structurally and stylistically many levels, especially from the second episode, also refer to Chasm, however, somewhere there can be traced parallels with Quake / Unreal.

 

 

Settings and features:

 

* GzDoom 4.10.0, UV difficulty.

* Wad is focused on working with Ultimate Doom.

* Falling into the abyss here does not lead to death - the hero instead teleports to one or another fragment of the location.

* 3 types of monsters are present only in the fifth episode, while another 1 type, a reference to Maniac Mansion (1988), is only in one secret level.

* It takes ~ 7 hours to complete.

 

Secret levels.

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/sa_e1_secret-png.291285/

 

E1M3 -> E1M9. In the northwest you can find the level map. Otherwise, apparently, you need to press the switch on the platform in the center of the sewers. As a result a passage in the southeast will be available.

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/sa_e2_secret-png.291287/

 

E2M5 -> E2M9. If you move far enough from the point where the yellow key is marked on the map and then quickly run back, you can go into a small section and pick it up. The exit itself is located in the western part of the map, you will need to press a switch that has two sides.

 

E3M5 -> E3M9. After accessing the main exit, in particular by pressing the four switches in the tower near the start, you must return to the place where the only teleport is located - this time it will move to the secret exit.

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/sa_e4_secret-png.291401/

 

E4M1 -> E4M9.

 

You need to climb higher and follow the passage in the east.

 

E5M3 -> E4M9.

 

At the end of the level you need to stand on a square platform. Then run to the switch, then to the second switch - a passage to the main exit will open. After that you need to repeat the sequence, but after pressing the first switch go to the teleporter - after moving you will notice a section opened in the rock with another teleporter.

 

Pros:

 

+ General atmosphere.

+ Architecture and level design.

+ E1M9 - "Haunted Hospital". This map most clearly demonstrates the element of suspense.

+ E1M5 - "Juggernaut". The action takes place on a moving platform carrying weapons, explosive barrels and some insects in flasks.

 

Contras:

 

- E3M4 - "The Gondola Grotto". Since Daikatana in particular, it has been known that the use of fast, small and, on top of everything, quickly killing the hero enemies is a bad pick. The same applies to leveling to the level of the ranks of boss enemies, especially if they were such just an episode ago.

- E5M6 - "Cthonian Planet". The final battle on this one actually copies that of another episode, while at this point the creatures that act here as such intermediate bosses have already come across more than once on ordinary levels, with the difference that they could often be ignored. I did not calculate the balance for such an outcome, as a result there were not enough ammo to care of - I entered the "god" cheat code.

- The fifth episode actually feels rather secondary, in particular due to the presence of a lot of self-repetitions against the background of the other four.

[UnknDoomer]

142. You Have 1 HP (2023).

Wad of 32 (2 secret) ultra short, it may well be enough to pass the majority within 30 seconds, while the time to pass the rest is determined by the number of attempts, levels, presented by @BeachThunder. With only 1 HP on board you need to solve a series of "combat" puzzles, covering all sorts of spectrum, from the conditionally standard destruction of a mastermind with a plasma gun, continue with tasks like the need to place three pinkies under barrier, run over the revenants in order to press the switch and then activate the press, cutting circles and simultaneously pressing four switches, as result to summon enough friendly cacodemons to the arena so that they deal with the cyberdemon, ending with a fleeting move to the treasured switch to the next level, through the use of rocket jump.

 

 

Settings and features:

 

* GzDoom 4.10.0, Hard difficulty.

* The full passage takes ~ 40-50 minutes.

 

Secret levels.

 

M1 -> M31. It makes sense to leave one imp alive, after which, focusing on a light brown brick, finish him off - you will have like about 1 second to stand on the retractable switch. Further from it it will be possible to cross over the wall.

M26 -> M32. Before getting rid of the archvile you need to take invulnerability and ensure that he throws the doomguy behind one of the walls, where the texture looks a little different.

 

Pros:

 

+ Lots of small original concepts.

[UnknDoomer]

20. Hell Under (2023).

A variation on the theme of E4M1 from the original The Ultimate Doom, which is, in the main part, the same map, but with a number of changes. The difficulty has remained about the same - significantly higher than the original three episodes, but subjectively not higher than the original E4M1.

 

 

Settings and features:

 

* GzDoom 4.10.0, UV difficulty.

* The complete passage takes ~ 10 minutes.

Edited June 25, 2023 by UnknDoomer

[UnknDoomer]

143. NEVER (2023).

Wad of 6 levels, presented by @tei tenga, with a predominance of dark tones. The soundtrack here, a rather rare phenomenon for Doom, is techno-style compositions. There are two new types of monsters - toothy cacodemons that chase the doomguy until they either die or run into an obstacle, and purple lost souls that shoot fireballs here, similar to those that the original cacodemons were equipped with. 2 new guns have been announced - a modified pistol, as well as the same one, but with an accelerated rate of fire, replacing the machine gun slot.

 

The output turned out to be a pretty good combination with a moderate level of complexity and a gloomy, somewhere surreal, atmosphere.

 

 

Settings and features:

 

* GzDoom 4.10.0, UV difficulty.

* Most of the puzzles on M5, with the exception of the first puzzle, can be ignored with proper use of rocket jump.

* It takes ~ 1,5 hours to complete.

[UnknDoomer]

21, 22, 23. Dimensions of Dismay, Data Fortress, UAC Restrooms (2023).

https://www.doomworld.com/forum/topic/136850-dimensions-of-dismay-a-doom-ii-map/, https://doommaps.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/dodis.zip

https://www.doomworld.com/forum/topic/136906-data-fortress-original-map/

https://www.doomworld.com/forum/topic/136305-uac-restrooms-a-512x512-messy-situation/

 

Today, a slightly unusual format - 3 maps of different spirit, from three different authors, @AleDoom, @Dee Legit, @RataUnderground, combined into one video. In the first doomguy got lost somewhere between the spaces and he has to get 3 keys in tough fights in order to return to his "usual track". In the second he will have to visit a fortress that combines medieval stylization and technogenic elements, get two keys and complete the process with a battle in a kind of arena, where monsters will teleport en masse. In the third, a skirmish with a cyberdemon awaits in one of the micro sections of the UAC bases, or rather, in a toilet in the 512x512 format.

 

 

Settings and features:

* GzDoom 4.10.0, UV difficulty.
* The complete passage takes ~ 5, 25 and 1 (excluding failed attempts) minutes, respectively.

[AleDoom]

Thanks for playing and for the video!

 

Cheers.

[UnknDoomer]

24. Long Drop and a Missing Stop (2023).

A short map, presented by @Wo0p, the atmosphere of which, according to the author, is inspired by Doom 3, although for me the little-known Polish shooter Pył (1998) is much closer here. The arsenal of weapons is small, only two varieties - SMG and something like a machine gun, which is capable of firing at one charge. Varieties of enemies, the number of which is within 100 here, are also not large - zombies in the spirit of Doom 64, only moving much faster, like fire gargoyles found in a number of other wads, baron, one piece.

 

 

Settings and features:

 

* GzDoom 4.10.0, Violence difficulty.

* It takes ~ 15 minutes to complete.

[Wo0p]

Spoiler

 

5 hours ago, UnknDoomer said:

24. Long Drop and a Missing Stop (2023).

A short map, presented by @Wo0p, the atmosphere of which, according to the author, is inspired by Doom 3, although for me the little-known Polish shooter Pył (1998) is much closer here. The arsenal of weapons is small, only two varieties - SMG and something like a machine gun, which is capable of firing at one charge. Varieties of enemies, the number of which is within 100 here, are also not large - zombies in the spirit of Doom 64, only moving much faster, like fire gargoyles found in a number of other wads, baron, one piece.

 

 

Settings and features:

 

* GzDoom 4.10.0, Violence difficulty.

* It takes ~ 15 minutes to complete.

 

Thank you so much for making a playthrough video of my WAD :D

[UnknDoomer]

144. DBP59: Zeppelin Armada (2023).

Wad from 18 (17 levels + epilogue) in steampunk style, presented by @matador. In addition to the abundance of custom textures and modified sound effects, one can noted - the possibility of completing optional small quests during the process, which, however, ultimately do not affect the gameplay as such. Maps range in size from small to medium. The story is told from the point of view of a time traveler who is faced with the fact that demons are also not averse to using this option.

 

 

Settings and features:

 

* GzDoom 4.10.0, UV difficulty.

* It takes ~ 3,5 hours to complete.

 

Pros:

 

+ Style, detail.

+ Visual effects such as smoke from chimneys or demons appearing from steam.

 

Contras:

 

- The abundance of textures of the same type sometimes does not make it clear which elements are interactive and which are not. One of the clearest examples is M15, where I didn't figure out how to pick up a red skull and use noclip as a result. On another level an invisible wall blocked the passage to the key, but in his case, the collection of two keys could be ignored due to the extraction of the third one using rocket jump.

- The typical predominance of stylization over all other elements, whether it be gameplay or some other basic components, was very noticeable even in the early works of the DBP forum and over time, with rare exceptions, this trend has not gone away. Last but not least, the short production time of wads, 1-2 months, obviously plays a role here, shifting the bet on the quantity at which, whatever one may say, some elements fade into the background.

- M17. The tendency of recent years to turn every second map into a protracted massacre has managed to fill the teeth. I've seen quite a few hard maps in this context, both quite successful and not so good, but the ending of this particular wad is not only typical, but also elevates this trend to an absolute to a certain extent. A pile of monsters, under ~ 900, the need to press a large number of switches and destroy, for the umpteenth time, the local similarity of the icon of sin, which, unlike its counterparts on other maps, spawns monsters with an increased frequency - about 6 at a time, which only makes it difficult to pass, but does not contribute to perceiving this element in any way interesting.

[UnknDoomer]

1. The Evil House of D'Sparil's Uncle's Brother's Dentist (2023).

Short, but at the same time quite interesting and well-balanced map for Heretic in "vanilla" format, presented by @kinker31. The whole passage will take about 15 minutes on 4/5 difficulty.

 

 

[UnknDoomer]

145. DBP60: Eldritch Voyage (2023). Build 1.1.

Screenshots:

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/dbp60_1-png.295924/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/dbp60_2-png.295987/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/dbp60_3-png.295988/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/dbp60_4-png.295992/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/dbp60_5-png.295993/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/dbp60_6-png.295994/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/dbp60_7-png.295995/

 

Wad of 14 levels, presented by @matador, in the style of the jungle. The plot is practically not covered, but, in the end, the doomguy will have to confront Cthulhu. Such a style and theme has previously been repeatedly embodied in one form or another in the realities of Doom, so it cannot be called unique, at the same time, the traditional attention to small details in the works of DBP has remained in place, like other typical components - relatively short duration of maps, moderate number of monsters.

 

 

Settings and features:

 

* GzDoom 4.10.0, UV difficulty.

* It takes ~ 2 hours to complete.

 

Pros:

 

+ M3 - "Tomb Raided".

+ M7 - "Blast Temple".

Edited August 22, 2023 by UnknDoomer

[UnknDoomer]

Earlier, I, by and large, did not talk about the alternative development branch of console adaptations, whose name is PsyDoom. The reason for this, at that time, was the almost complete absence of both wads and single cards for this port, but recently the situation has begun to change - by the current moment, 1 full-fledged wad and 7 single cards have been released. In this regard, and also taking into account the fact that the releases of fresh adaptations for Doom CE / 64, as well as the fresh build of Doom 64 EX, were shelved by their authors, it's time to disassemble the version, which can be called "more canonical" in the context of following both the original atmosphere and the technical limitations of the PSX version. Separately, I note that it is planned to review all currently completed maps, with the exception of Doomsday of UAC, because it's original version was already considered not so long ago here.

 

Installation.

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/psydoom-png.296020/

 

1. PsyDoom can be picked up here: https://github.com/BodbDearg/PsyDoom/releases. The last build from 13.06.23.

2. To run you need the original disk image in .bin+.cue format.

3. Run PsyDoom.exe. In the "Game Disc" field, you need to specify the disk image, and in the "Mod directory" folder with wad, for example E:\Games\Steam\SteamApps\common\Doom 2\base\fastest shovels 8.

4. In the context of connecting to Steam, a simple replacement of dosbox.exe is indispensable, because the file also performs the functions of a launcher with parameters, and in this case, you need to specify the configuration separately. I have not yet figured out how to organize it in the right way.

 

146. Fastest Shovels 8 (2023).

The first full-fledged wad, presented by @Walter confetti, focused on working with the mentioned port, consists of 8 short levels. Following the well-known saying about "the first pancake is lumpy", one can note the fact that the levels do not stand out with something special, in particular when compared with works under 64 or PSX-style wads, based on the original Doom II. At the same time, the horror component characteristic of the PSX, they convey quite successfully. Perhaps @intacowetrust can tell more how to setup it manually. Then I might add into instruction here.

 

 

Settings and features:

 

* PsyDoom 1.1.1, UV difficulty.

* It takes ~ 30 minutes to complete.

 

Edited August 22, 2023 by UnknDoomer

[UnknDoomer]

25. Caldera Of Wretchedness (2021).

Historically the first and relatively extensive map for PsyDoom from the author of the port. The main purpose of its creation was to demonstrate the technical capabilities inherent in such:

 

Quote

It showcases some of the new features of PsyDoom versus the original PSX Doom engine such as greatly extended limits, Doom 64 style dual colored lighting, Lua scripting for advanced sector actions, Arch-viles and so on. It also features new music, composed in the engine's original tracker format as well as new textures and flats (courtesy of OTEX).

 

The action takes place in a mountainous area full of elevation changes, which often makes skirmishes with enemies rather non-trivial. Other features include the use of platforms for jumping.

 

 

Settings and features:

 

* PsyDoom 1.1.1, UV difficulty.

* The complete passage takes ~ 30-40 minutes.

[UnknDoomer]

26, 27, 28. 1x1, ITWASPSX (2022), Warlock (2023).

 

https://www.doomworld.com/forum/topic/130335-psydoom-1-on-1-from-maximum-doom/

https://www.doomworld.com/forum/topic/132889-itwaspsxwad-psx-edition-a-psydoom-final-doom-level/

https://www.doomworld.com/forum/topic/139245-warlock-a-psydoom-wad/

 

1x1, presented by @VL2M STUDIO, stands out with an interestingly built structure, which fits well with the atmosphere characteristic of the PSX version of Doom. At one time, the original was included in the collection known as Maximum Doom.

 

ITWASPSX, presented by @mrthejoshmon. You will need Final Doom to run it. The theme here revolves around the "haunted house", with the difference that the latter have been replaced by demons.

 

Warlock. The excavation of the ancient temple did not go according to plan and most of the involved participants in the process turned into zombies or demons. The hero is invited to figure out what's what. The action begins in a vast, technogenic base, which is quite typical for Evilution, but is subsequently transferred to another dimension. As with the second map, Final Doom is required.

 

 

Settings and features:

 

* PsyDoom 1.1.1, UV difficulty.

* The complete passage takes ~ 8, 15 and 16 minutes, respectively.

Edited August 22, 2023 by UnknDoomer

[UnknDoomer]

29, *. Welcome to die PSX, Devil May Die (2023).

 

https://www.doomworld.com/forum/topic/138801-welcome-to-die-psx-psydoom/

https://www.doomworld.com/forum/topic/138813-devil-may-die-psydoom/

 

The collection ends with a dilogy of two compact and simple maps, with an emphasis on high complexity, presented by @DoodlesGDX. The first, according to the author, is more of a "pen test". The second one is distinguished by the presence of two unique, for PSX, monsters - archvile and soldiers from Wolfenstein 3D, but I could not try it out due to the specifics of the launch, which is discussed in more detail in the topic.

 

 

Settings and features:

 

* PsyDoom 1.1.1, UV difficulty.

* It takes 1 minute to complete the first map if you collect the skulls and immediately proceed to the exit.

[UnknDoomer]

146. Deep Breath (2023).

A wad of 6 levels, presented by @EduardoAndFriends, the action of which takes place underwater, similar to BioShock - on the bottom of the ocean. The textures are taken from Quake, the general style is reminiscent of the BTSX dilogy, and the protective suit was replaced with a scuba gear from Duke Nukem 3D. The mechanics of passing certain moments are built around the latter, but otherwise the wad is quite standard in the context of the narrative and, in my opinion, does not stand out as anything special.

 

 

Settings and features:

 

* GzDoom 4.10.0, UV difficulty.
* ~ 1 hour to complete.

[UnknDoomer]

About 2,5 years ago, I began reviewing the console theme with, at that time, a rather rare phenomenon - the release of a large, full-fledged wad for Doom 64, which was initially tied to a generally obsolete EX port that dates back to 00's. Later, a version for the 2020's remaster arrived, as well as other adaptations, including the CE port, which I talked about in detail in the before. I liked it for two reasons - the possibility of fine-tuning, in particular in comparison with the original EX port, and also compatibility with GzDoom, which I use by default for most of the wads.

 

1,5 years have passed since then, but subsequent adaptations, a number of old PSX-oriented wads in particular, have not yet followed CE. The same can be said about 64, the modding of which has been actively developing lately, but the port developer, and those else who involved, clearly cannot keep up with the pace of the release of new wads, which cannot be said about the updated revision of EX under the subtitle EX+, as well as its suddenly emerging offshoot Super EX+, in many ways, they have now become “default” ports - often support for the official remaster may not be declared, which, to a certain extent, is quite clumsy, and the only supported port at the time of release is EX+.

 

To summarize all of the above. Next, it is planned to consider 2 new and 1 old wad in the Doom 64 setting in combination with the Super EX+ port, and then, gradually, about 9 wads in the spirit of PSX, tied to working with GzDoom, 8 of which were originally released in the period 2010-2018, and one back in the 90's. The last wad, as well as one of the mentioned “eight”, received fresh revisions this year.

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Combine 64 EX Plus / 64 Super EX Plus with Steam.

 

Permanent instructions for launching all the main ports that are mentioned here are... here. Nevertheless, let's look at the question separately again.

0. You can download this or that port here - https://github.com/atsb/Doom64EX-Plus/releases and here - https://github.com/Styd051/DOOM64-Super-EX-Plus/releases/. This time I settled on the second one.

1. Place all files in \Steam\SteamApps\common\Doom 64.

3. For testing purposes you can run DOOM64EX+ Launcher.exe once to check the resolution, but in general it will not be needed further.

3. Rename DOOM64EX+.exe to DOOM64_x64.exe.

4. Open Steam, Doom 64 properties, write in the launch parameters, for example -file "ea64_100.wad".

5. Done.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

147. Elegant Agony 64 (2023).

Screenshots:

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/ea64_1-png.297567/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/ea64_2-png.297568/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/ea64_3-png.297569/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/ea64_4-png.297573/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/ea64_5-png.297574/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/ea64_6-png.297575/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/ea64_7-png.297598/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/ea64_8-png.297599/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/ea64_9-png.297600/

 

A wad of 13 levels (1 secret), presented by @isthisnametaken. The levels have a fairly diverse style, which is not so common in small wads, but at the same time they have an intricate structure. There are a large number of secrets.

 

 

Settings and features:

 

* DOOM64 Super EX+ V1.0.0.6, difficulty "I Own Doom!".

* Complete completion requires 3,5 hours.

* I’ve already seen levels M12 and M13 (29) somewhere before... I just don’t remember where.

 

Pros:

 

+ M9 - "Kalachakria". The specifics of level construction and the shortage of ammunition will make you think about how to outwit a vast mass of enemies.

+ M10 - "Cathedral".

 

Secret levels.

 

M4 -> M13 (29). One of the three runes, unmaker, as well as the exit to the secret level are located on the fourth level. It is difficult to say unambiguously which sequence of switches plays a role here. I will only note that here you can find a map of the location, as well as the fact that some of the switches need to be shot / a number of walls open when passing through a certain sector. The alternative exit is located next to the main one.

 

One of the runes is on the thirteenth level. To get it you need a red key, which I was unable to get, but this is not significant, because... in fact, this rune duplicates another.

 

The second one is on the fifth, you will need to solve a rather simple puzzle with a running start - the door closes after a few seconds when entering the room in front of the room with the rune.

 

The third on the sixth - you will need to figure out a series of switches, correctly combining shot accuracy and running speed.

 

However, all three runes will also be available at level eight without any problems.

[UnknDoomer]

*. Fusion of Realities (2016 / 2019).

 

https://www.moddb.com/mods/doom-64-fusion-of-realities/downloads/fusion-of-realities-v10-doom-64-ex

 

A little-known wad that began its history in 2016, at a time when the release of any creations in the Doom 64 theme, on the one hand, was a rare occurrence, and on the other, as a rule, the matter was limited to single maps. FoR version 0.2 was something similar at the time of publication on iddqd. I tried to run version 1.02, released three years later and consisting of 10 maps. The name is justified by a small plot plot:
 

Quote

Doomguy got too far. After the death of the Motherdemon the great Demon Lord Marbas decided to stop the main hero by putting him into the illusion created by memories of the past. Now you must relive all those brutal battles mixed together like in a bad dream.

Settings and features:

 

* DOOM64 Super EX+ V1.0.0.6 / DOOM64 EX+ 3.6.5.8. In its original form, the wad is tied to the original EX port and has not been really tested by anyone on its modern variations. Testing on both variations was unsuccessful - the game crashes on startup.

 

Therefore, FoR remains to be skipped for now and moved on.

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

148. Ethereal Breakdown (2022).

Screenshots:

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/eb_1-png.297636/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/eb_2-png.297637/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/eb_3-png.297638/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/eb_4-png.297706/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/eb_5-png.297727/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/eb_6-png.297728/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/eb_7-png.297776/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/eb_8-png.297777/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/eb_10-png.297817/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/eb_11-png.297857/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/eb_12-png.297863/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/eb_13-png.297864/

 

Wad of 31 levels (taking into account the fact that some are occupied by the introduction or credits), of which 3 are bonus, presented by @Neigh Winny. From the hub 27 are initially available, while access to “Blood Temple” is initially blocked, which, apparently, is a bug. Noclip won't help here. because the teleport doesn’t work either, you need to enter the code “idclev21”, which will move you to level number 21. And enter it not in the console, but simply on the keyboard. In addition it is worth keeping in mind that if some artifacts have already been collected by this moment, they will disappear - you must either complete the level before collecting them, or save the game in a separate slot for the purpose of a purely separate visit.

 

EB is the collective work of several authors who came together to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the original game by releasing something iconic. Looking ahead, I’ll note that the initiative was a success. There is a background:

 

Quote

The Mother Demon was slain... you laugh as you think about it so long ago; how you thought it was the end. You laugh as you think about how far you were from the truth, and how far you've come now. Hell is no more... Where are you? The last thing you remember was a violent collapse, the head had swallowed it's tail... You look around, but there is nothing, just laughter... Suddenly, you laugh so hard your abdomen bursts, and a blinding light bursts forth, absorbing you and nothing else in it's wake. You're covered in gross sludge, and wipe yourself down. You clean your visor to find yourself inside a fountain. Wherever you are, it's somewhere strange. Outside creation itself; yet within it at the same time. Amidst your confusion, you can feel something evil lurking amok. Now you know why you're here. There's one last demon who's escaped. A powerful one, a master of minds. What was it your commanding officer said all those years back? "The brain is the next battlefield." Yes, this wretched mastermind needs to be utterly destroyed. This is why you were put here. To venture forth through all of creation, and hunt for the power to stop this beast. The Creator uses many things for a greater purpose; it seems that you're real fun to work with.

The three parts of your soul, Spirit, Mind, and Nous have been scattered throughout the universe and your memories. Find them and slay the best which torments you!

The style, structure of the maps, as well as the time required to complete them, varies significantly. From typical, but intricate, tech. bases and huge fortresses to the first levels of Wolfenstein 3D and Duke Nukem 3D, fog-filled locations, an ice arena, somewhere in another world and pure, otherworldly surrealism. Levels can be visited repeatedly, the main task is to find three artifacts.

 

 

Second video, Third video.

 

Settings and features:

 

* DOOM64 Super EX+ V1.0.0.6, difficulty "I Own Doom!".

* Levels can be completed in any order.

* Because the central hub is used, collected weapons are not saved.

* If before exiting the level you enter the code “noclip” in the console, ~, then you will not return to the hub and you will be able to see the following image:

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/eb_9-png.297778/

 

* Complete completion requires ~11 hours.

* I didn’t find a way to directly get to the bonus levels, so the commands “idclev2”, “idclev3” and “idclev4” were used.

 

Artifacts.

 

I counted the numbering of levels from right to left, if we take it from the initially blocked central passage, starting from the level in the style of Wolfenstein.

 

1. The first artifact, without any problems, can be found on M4, "Switchless". Hidden in one column.

2. The second one is on M9, "Dark Retrospect", where you need to press the switch in the room in front of the cave with teleporters, and then quickly run into the second one in order to pick up the artifact before the wall near one of the platforms closes.

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/eb_artifact_3-png.297729/

 

3. Third on M13, "Castle of the Damned". Quite not easy. First you need to find a small room and press the switch in it - the artifact will drop into the dungeon. Having reached it at the end, you will need to press the switch - the artifact will move to the starting point. Returning to it, you will notice a small hint - a white texture. By going back and going around the nearest rooms in the mansion, you will find a similar background behind a candle - you need to shoot at it, then go back again and click on the portrait. You can finally pick up the artifact and head out of the level through the gate. Artifacts can also apparently be found on other maps, but in my opinion, these three are the easiest to find.

 

Pros:

 

+ The Ethereal Breakdown compilation is probably one of the three best megawads for Doom 64 ever created, along with Community Chest 64 and The UnMaking, as well as one of those in general, if we talk about the global top, including Doom I / II, Heretic, Hexen.

+ Variety of styles.

+ "Frostwave".

+ "Hollywood Holocaust". The first level from Duke Nukem 3D, transferred without any special changes to the reality of Doom 64.

+ "Death Gate".

+ "Castle of the Damned". The name speaks for itself. You have to explore a gloomy castle full of secrets, where occult research by the owner of parallel worlds did not end well, and paintings like Alone in the Dark (1992) can come to life... Among the shortcomings, can note the finale of the level, where, having a low HP reserve, passing the trap system without cheat codes actually becomes impossible, and with 100 units in stock you can still die from one shot.

+ "Visions of Hostility". A good map in a technogenic style, not overloaded with unnecessary elements.

+ "Living Walls". Interesting combination of color palette.

+ "Templum Mortis". A tomb with many ingenious traps and a pile of enemies. There will be two protracted battles in the arenas. In the case of the final one, three bosses are applied in succession.

+ "Override". A good example of branched technogenic corridors.

+ "The Mephitic Aqueduct". "Arena" type location. Structurally, it is one of the most interesting, at the same time, the easiest in the context of passing due to the excess of cartridges and items. Here, in one place, there are 3 artifacts at the same time, but I haven’t figured out how to pick them up.

+ "Blood Temple". A gloomy temple, lost somewhere in the caves.

++ "Consumitur Insania". The final level, combining several aspects at once. Platform elements, interesting puzzles, traps, battles both regular and in arenas. At the end, a protracted battle and a colorful boss awaits.

+ "Deja Vu". The map, which begins as another variation on the theme of the original E1M1, turns into a long journey through a mixture of man-made bases and demonic inclusions. Other familiar elements will also appear. Among the shortcomings, a certain repetition can be noted - in the final, once again, you have to fight four bosses. If you do not use items very wisely, without knowing this feature, as well as if you miss the secret with artifacts, then the battle promises to drag on. As a result, I entered the cheat code "god".

 

The fragment with puzzles was not included in the video due to recording problems, so I will describe it briefly here. You need to solve several puzzles while avoiding unkillable ghosts. In particular, run under the presses, from catching missiles, and also, in another place, to the switch. Walk correctly on the tiles to avoid activating the trap. Consistently, but quickly, block the mother of demons on four sides so that you can activate the next plate with symbols.

 

Not far from the gate that leads to the exit from the level you can see the inscription “Exit” in a column, blocked at the time of the finale. If you return to the level again, it will be open, the exit returns to the hub and, apparently, does not affect anything.

 

Contras:

- "Haunted Eye". Wandering in the dark looking for switches, unkillable ghost monsters and not the most logical puzzle with platforms make this map rather tedious rather than interesting.

- "Map Not Found". A map consisting entirely of references to the Internet phenomenon "behind the scenes". What in theory may sound interesting to one degree or another, in practice sometimes turns into a protracted wandering with the question “where to go next?” - finding the right portal often turns out to be quite problematic and in this regard the map is conceptually inferior to clearly more interesting solutions, like the ones I considered in the surrealist cycle.

- "Residence of Evil". An attempt to implement a potentially iconic level in the style of the first part of RE1 turns out to be a complete failure due to the unknown reason for the changed control scheme - it is almost impossible to pass the map in this form. After a couple of attempts I gave up and moved on.

- "Ring of Fire". Another arena, another battle with waves of opponents. The map does not stand out in any way from the others presented in the selection, incl. two other bonus ones, one of which occupies the same niche. The only difference here is that the degree of hardcore here is significantly increased - a shortage of ammunition and a protracted battle with opponents cannot be avoided, and in the end you still have to dodge homing projectiles for quite a long time. In a word, it may be of interest only to those who have not had time to get tired of this kind of activity, incl. time to complete the main content.

[UnknDoomer]

149. Threshold Of Pain - Special Edition (2010 / 2014). #114. Cacowards 2010.

Screenshots:

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/topsp_1-png.297933/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/topsp_2-png.297941/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/topsp_3-png.297942/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/topsp_4-png.297943/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/topsp_5-png.297944/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/topsp_6-png.297950/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/topsp_7-png.297951/

 

The first part of the wad duology in PSX style, presented by @scalliano. Consists of 12 levels (2 secret). There are two new types of weapons, a minigun and an unmaker, as well as one new sphere, which, similar to that from Quake, increases damage several times. The standard roster of monsters has been expanded with modified, read enhanced, variations; in addition, there are custom varieties drawn from Realm667 and ZDCMP. There is an original boss at the end, and a couple more in one of the bonus levels.

 

The difficulty is stated to be increased to the standards familiar on the PC, as opposed to what could be observed in the original console version. It is also worth noting the presence of archvilles, which were not present in either PSX or 64. As for the “Special Edition” console, it is distinguished from the original release by the correction of a number of bugs and even greater use of the capabilities of GzDoom. Finally, I’ll add that this wad is considered, and not without reason, to be one of the standards for embodying the atmosphere of PSX on PC, therefore, among other things, it can serve as a good start for getting acquainted with this area of modding as such in a fairly short time frame.

 

 

Settings and features:

 

* GzDoom 4.10.0, UV difficulty.

* Jumping and squatting must be enabled.

* Unmaker uses its own projectiles.

* Complete completion requires ~ 4 hours.

 

Unmaker.

 

Can be found on the M7 - "Bedlam".

 

1 - secret passage to the yellow skull.

2 - yellow skull.

3 - secret passage to the door, where you will need the mentioned skull.

4 - platform with a gun.

 

It will also be possible to pick it up on the M8 without any problems. A characteristic fact is that there is a type of enemy that is also equipped with similar weapons.

 

Secret levels.

 

M2 -> M11. I missed the exit during the playthrough, so to record this level, as well as M12, I needed to use the console. It is located behind a small gray door in the south of the map, but I haven’t figured out how to open it. Maybe I missed something, or maybe one of the triggers is just broken, because... ever when all the secrets are found, the door remains closed.

M11 -> M12.

 

Pros:

 

+ Atmosphere.

+ Balance combined with well-chosen new types of opponents.

+ Nice bonus levels. One clearly refers to a puzzle level from Doom 64, the second... is a kind of joke on the topic of "super secret" levels.

[UnknDoomer]

150. Threshold Of Pain II (2012).

 

https://forum.zdoom.org/viewtopic.php?t=32519

 

Screenshots:

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/topii_1-png.298031/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/topii_2-png.298032/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/topii_3-png.298033/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/topii_4-png.298080/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/topii_5-png.298081/

 

Three days have passed since you defeated the Cyber Prototype and closed the Triton portal for good. All that should have remained was grabbing a few snacks from the mess hall and catching a few movies in the rec room while waiting for the bus home, right? Right, so why did you receive a distress call from the evac ship just seconds before it was blown to pieces? Looks like you're not going home just yet - there's still some work to do. The captain said something about heavy fire, but there's no hardware on all of the Triton base capable of bringing down a starship from that distance. So where the hell did it come from? You head back to the lab complex to see if you can find anything that might give you a clue as to what's going on. Prizing a top-level access card from a dead scientist's grasp, you manage to gain access to the classified Triton files. You can't believe what you find. The files contain a schematic of the Gabriel - a large, heavily-armed orbital station which maintains a constant bearing above the main research facility - on the surface of Neptune itself! Turns out the Triton facility was just a front for what the UAC was really doing in the main facility on Neptune. They've been purposefully sending people through the portal there into Hell in the name of "scientific research". Except it gets worse - they found something. An artefact simply codenamed "U-1", believed to be a weapon of immense power that supposedly contains the souls of those who fell in some ancient war aeons ago. Could be bullshit, but if it's not, chances are those demonic bastards want to get their hands on it, and no doubt they plan to use it. The Gabriel's main purpose was to protect the Neptune facility, and has the ability to break orbit, blow the base to smithereens and act as a lifeboat if it ever came to it. If Neptune suffered the same fate as Triton, chances are the demons have control of the Gabriel, too. So, they get the artefact, ride the Gabriel all the way to Earth, and then - who knows? The files give directions to a seperate facility a few clicks away which houses the teleporter to the Neptune base, but it involves a trek across Triton's less than hospitable wilderness. Still, you know those bastards won't make their big play until they get rid of that one last fly in the ointment... However, just as you are about to grab your gear and set off, a huge explosion rocks the base. Looks like Triton's orbit has brought it into the Gabriel's range and now they're gunning for you. No time to stock up now, you're just gonna have to grab what you can find on the way...

 

A continuation of the previously reviewed wad, which was also supposed to consist of 10-12 levels and, like the original, 4 acts, and the release of the final build was planned for 2015. As a result, the process went differently, the build available to the public was stuck at the level of 7 levels (1 secret), 2 acts, and the project was frozen and there has been no news about it for the last 8+ years.

 

In addition to the generally familiar features from the first part, new elements were added, inspired in particular by Doom 64 and, to a significant extent, Doom 3, as well as a three-dimensional floor and the ability to swim in flooded segments. The variability of the themes of the levels has increased, and the choice of difficulty level now inherits the character of that of 64. The plot, as will become clear in the process, is largely a retelling of the events of Doom 3, and the last, sixth map, completely identically quotes individual moments, such as the battle with one from intermediate bosses.

 

Among the innovations can note:

 

- enemies with double-barreled guns and rocket launchers, including cyborg barons, spiders and teleporting creatures from Doom 3.

- protective sphere.

- a grenade launcher that specifically throws grenades, not rockets, and they can bounce off walls.

 

 

Settings and features:

 

* GzDoom 4.10.0, "Watch Me Die!" difficulty. In fact, this is the same UV here, but with some shortage of cartridges. I wouldn't compare this difficulty to that of Doom 64.

* Jumping and squatting must be on.

*Complete completion will take ~3 hours.

 

Secret level.

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/topii_secret_1-png.298041/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/topii_secret_2-png.298042/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/topii_secret_3-png.298043/

 

M4 -> M13. You will need to find several error screens and disable them. Screens vary in color. After this a passage to the secret level will open. The pattern of behavior of a hostile crystal at such a final stage may seem impossible to pass, but the issue is leveled by the fact that you can go straight to the tower and here none of the attacks will reach the hero, while there are enough leftover cartridges for a double-barreled shotgun to cope with an unusual opponent.

[UnknDoomer]

151. The S-Project (2011 / 2014).

 

https://www.moddb.com/games/doom-ii/addons/the-s-project

 

Screenshots:

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/tsp_1-png.298136/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/tsp_2-png.298137/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/tsp_3-png.298138/

 

Quote

The UAC... What a crooked heap of crap it is. After the climactic battle with the Gatekeeper, your superiors decided to inform you about the secret things they did while you were out there fighting. It was not the demons who kept the seventh gate open. It was, in fact, the UAC who were trying to figure out a way to utilize the immense energy coming out from the gate. Once they understood how it could be manipulated, you would be terminated immediately without payment. Even though you stopped the Gatekeeper and let the quantum accelerator close the gate, leaving you still employed by the UAC, you felt used, violated, betrayed... All those men who were lost in the massacre... Why?

Nevertheless, they compromised. Being aware of your excellence in warfare, they decided to make a formal apology and promote you to the highest position in the UAC army. The cash rolled in with impressive quantities, and you felt like you could rule the world. Hell, maybe even the galaxy! Then something came along that made your body cringe...

According to the UAC, there was a "slight mishap" that took place in one of the recently established bases on Earth. The board representing the army branch specifically asked for you to assess the situation. You asked yourself: 'If it's just a "slight mishap", why don't they get a team of capable soldiers to clear things up?'. The reason for this mission was that no one else but you could make the best decisions regarding the integrity of the so called "S-Project" that was being conducted there. Your suspicions began to grow. This just didn't sound right.

Having prepared yourself for the trip to Earth, a recon craft was to drop you off at the security station so that the guards assigned there could enlighten you on this matter. As the pilots were getting closer to the base, the sky was... changing. Your heart almost sank as the sky in the vicinity of the base was now a sinister color of crimson. The pilots, feeling extremely uneasy, told you that they had to drop you off now. You stepped out of the craft, at which point the pilots took off and raced through the sky.

You had no choice but to enter the base and find some answers as soon as possible...

 

A wad of 6 levels (1 secret), presented by @CarpetolA, to a certain extent similar in atmosphere to the "Threshold Of Pain" duology, with the difference that there are no global custom elements here, with the exception of the final boss, textures and sound replacement.

 

 

Settings and features:

 

* GzDoom 4.10.0, UV difficulty.

* The secret level will require jumping.

* Complete completion will take ~ 1 hour.

 

Secret level.

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/tsp_secret-png.298139/

 

M3 -> M10. It occupies the tenth map slot, although there are six levels in the game. It is not clear whether this is a trigger for accessing the secret exit, or whether this fact only affects the appearance of new opponents, but, one way or another, upon reaching the end of the level, you can go back and activate the teleporter marked in the screenshot.

[UnknDoomer]

152. Innocence X (2016).

The first wad from the Innocence trilogy, presented by @jazzmaster9, which, on the one hand, draws basic elements from PSX, and on the other, part of the atmosphere and sound effects from 64. Consists of 10 levels (3 secret). A distinctive feature of the wad is the small number of opponents - on any map it does not exceed 150. There are custom varieties, the regular chainsaw has been replaced with a double one.

 

 

Settings and features:

 

* GzDoom 4.10.0, "Watch Me Die!" difficulty. By analogy with TOP II - in fact, this is the same UV, but with some shortage of cartridges. I wouldn't compare this difficulty to that of Doom 64.

* Complete completion will take ~ 1 hour.

* The final boss is identical to that from The S-Project, with the difference that his behavior pattern is slightly different and is easier to deal with here.

 

Secret levels.

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/ix_secret_1-png.298148/

 

M3 -> M8. If you approach a curb / barrier in the southeast of the map, the wall nearby will lower.

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/ix_secret_2-png.298168/

 

M5 -> M9. Apparently there are no special conditions here. At the end of the level, just turn around and go back - you will notice an open teleport.

 

As a result of visiting these two cards, you can find an unmaker and one rune for it. Finding them will make the final battle on M7 much easier.

 

M10. Apparently, this map can only be accessed by entering a command in the console, although indirect evidence suggests that the output could be located on M1, but it is not.

Edited September 26, 2023 by UnknDoomer

[UnknDoomer]

153. Innocence X2 (2016).

Screenshots:

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/ix21-png.298194/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/ix22-png.298195/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/ix23-png.298204/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/ix24-png.298209/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/ix25-png.298208/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/ix26-png.298210/

 

A sequel to the previously reviewed wad and its plot continuation. Like the original it consists of 10 levels (3 secret) and generally adheres to the same parameters. Among the innovations can note cacodemons firing bursts of three charges, as well as soldiers and Wolfenstein 3D hiding on a secret M10, among whom there are rocket launchers.

 

 

Settings and features:

 

* GzDoom 4.10.0, UV difficulty.

* Complete completion will take ~ 2 hours.

 

Secret levels.

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/ix2_secret_1-png.298193/

 

M3 -> M8.

 

The solution is rather not obvious. You need to shoot at two walls from a certain height and angle. If the hit is scored, the texture will change color and a passage will open in the east.

 

1 - point for shooting at the wall, designated under 2.

3 - point for shooting at the wall, marked under 4.

5 - exit. On this map you can find an unmaker, although to pick it up you will need to perform a rather non-trivial jump.

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/ix_secret_2-png.298203/

 

M5 -> M9.

 

The exit is located on the right side of the main one. Apparently there are no special triggers here and it opens to achieving the main one. You can find a rune here. As in the previous wada, combining it with unmaker will significantly simplify the final battle.

 

M9 -> M10.

 

The normal exit will lead to M10.

 

Pros:

 

+ High-quality performance, compared to the first part, has reached a new level.

+ M10 - "The New Order". A level that combines the style of Doom and Wolfenstein 3D, the action of which takes place in a huge, mobile fortress on tracks.

+ Successfully implemented final boss.

[UnknDoomer]

154. Innocence X3 (2018).

The last and final wad in Innocence trilogy. Consists of 7 levels (1 secret).
 

 

Settings and features:

 

* GzDoom 4.10.0, UV difficulty.

* M7 is a sort of a reference to one of the most difficult maps in history - https://doomwiki.org/wiki/No_Chance (2008).

* Complete completion will take ~ 1 hour.

 

Secret level.

 

M3 -> M7. Access opens upon reaching the regular exit, the secret one is easy to spot on the map.

 

Pros:

 

+ M3 - "Deep Six". At this level in a secret you can find a local variety of unmaker, more reminiscent of a plasma gun. Rune, apparently, not provided.

+ Soundtrack.

+ In the context of atmosphere this part can be called the best of the three.

Edited October 7, 2023 by UnknDoomer

[UnknDoomer]

155. PSX DooM: The Forgotten Chapter (2010 / 2023).

Screenshots:

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/psxd_tfc_1-png.298358/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/psxd_tfc_2-png.298359/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/psxd_tfc_3-png.298364/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/psxd_tfc_4-png.298365/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/psxd_tfc_5-png.298367/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/psxd_tfc_6-png.298368/

 

An extraordinary, in every sense forgotten vad, which began its history back in 2010 on IDDQD under the authorship of comrade @Dantosking, known in narrow circles for the fact that he periodically organizes themed LAN parties in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation. The final release took place ~ 13 years after the start of development.

 

Consists of 13 levels (2 secret). Wad was not least inspired by the previously reviewed "Threshold Of Pain" duology and, although it does not stand out as anything special compared to other representatives of PSX-oriented creations, one thing cannot be taken away from it - the elaboration of small details, which probably took a significant part of the time.

 

 

Settings and features:

 

* GzDoom 4.10.0, UV difficulty.

* Complete completion will take ~ 3 hours.

 

Secret levels.

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/psxd_tfc_secret_1-png.298357/

 

M3 -> M31. The secret exit in the warehouse apparently opens before the normal one is reached.

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/psxd_tfc_secret_2-png.298366/

 

M9 -> M32. The situation is similar. During the passage, you can use a teleport, which will open upon reaching the main exit.

 

Pros:

 

+ "Eternal Twilight". The largest map in the war, both in scale and in detail and the number of opponents, more than 600. The complexity is balanced.

+ Custom cyberdemon in the finale.

[UnknDoomer]

156. Psx Doom Uniques Revamped (2023).

Screenshots:

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/psxdur_1-png.298401/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/psxdur_2-png.298402/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/psxdur_3-png.298407/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/psxdur_4-png.298408/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/psxdur_5-png.298409/

 

One of the features that distinguished Doom for PSX from the original Doom for PC was the presence of 8 new levels (2 secret). Over time some things play the same as they did many years ago, while others become obsolete. The author of this wad, @Kan3, included the mentioned levels into the last category. The purpose of creating the wad itself was to bring them together specifically and give them a new look, acceptable by current standards. The list of innovations is as follows (hereinafter quoting the author):

 

Quote

New graphics
New textures
3 new monsters
1 new powerup
Brightmaps (also thanks to the mod BRIGHTMAPS PLUS 1.9.1)
New sounds (a couple of "my own" and the monsters etc. from DOOM PLAYSTATION SOUND REVISITED)
New lights
Breakable decorations

 

 

In addition to this, we can note the fact that now this is not just a set of levels - there is a narrative, and at the end a custom boss. You can feel differently about the result obtained, but one thing can be said - the visual component has changed radically, as has the perception of the cards as a whole - as a visual comparison here you can take M3 and compare it with M28 from "Console Doom" from 2002, which I remember more than others at the time. If in "Console Doom" it was, by and large, just a retelling of the level structure from PSX in the context of Doom II, now the atmosphere is much closer to the specifics of PSX specifically, not least due to the options that GzDoom provides.

 

Some will like the result, others will not, just as the idea of revising classic maps in general is not new, including, as you can see, in the context of Doom for PSX and Doom 64 in particular, but the fact itself has value, especially taking into account the fact that in general there are no more than a dozen PSX-style wads, as well as single cards within the same framework.

 

Settings and features:

 

* GzDoom 4.10.0, UV difficulty.

* Complete completion will take ~ 2-2,5 hours.

 

Secret levels.

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/psxdur_secret-png.298400/

 

M3 -> M7. Just like before. In the north of the map you can find a secret passage, then press the green torch and quickly run to the opposite side of the cave.

 

M5 -> M8. Here it is easier to watch the video starting from 1:55:30.Pros: + Visual component.

 

Pros:

 

+ Visual component.

Edited September 28, 2023 by UnknDoomer

[UnknDoomer]

157. Fall of Triton Remake - TRITON II (2018 / 2020).

Screenshots:

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/triton_ii_1-png.298529/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/triton_ii_2-png.298530/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/triton_ii_3-png.298537/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/triton_ii_4-png.298558/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/triton_ii_5-png.298684/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/triton_ii_6-png.298738/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/triton_ii_7-png.298750/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/triton_ii_8-png.298751/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/triton_ii_9-png.298752/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/triton_ii_10-png.298753/

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/triton_ii_11-png.298866/

 

The last wad, presented by @Isolation and @BeeWen, in this collection and in the previously designated console format as a whole - by now all key works have been reviewed, both in the context of Doom 64 and PSX, not counting the Fusion of Realities wad that was postponed until a potential adaptation to the latest version of the EX port. In the future, it is planned to consider only new releases, without any connection to one aspect or another, most of which, most likely, will not be released this year - of the publicly identified works, about 5 wads in the context of Doom 64 are in development and 1 in case of PSX. Probably also, as a notable exception, 1 wad for SEGA 32X will be considered.

 

FoTR II - scale wad. It consists of 40 levels (10 secret) and is a remake of the work of the same name, which was released in 2018. The following changes have been announced:

 

Quote

- All Original Maps Completely Remastered
- New Locations, Much Bigger Worlds To Explore
- PlayStation Doom Style Lighting
- A New Monster
- Much Harder, Faster Gameplay
- The Geometry And Game Mechanics Of The Maps Have Been Completely Improved.
- PSX DOOM Music (Updated to Fit The Themes of Each World)
- Much More Detailed Levels

 

Otherwise, in short, this creation can be described as a classic example with a PSX atmosphere, where, due to the large number of slots involved, there was a place for all sorts of mechanics and types of cards - the action begins in man-made bases, then moves to the demonic surroundings, and then to a strange, otherworldly world, with elements of the first and second. One of the gameplay features is the hero’s movement speed - if HP drops to 25 units or below, then it decreases significantly. In this context, two versions are supplied - hardcore and simpler:

 

Quote

Alternative Version (Changes 50% Health Speed Penalty to 20%)

 

Although such mechanics look fresh, I personally don’t particularly like such designs, so the emphasis was placed on an alternative version, where the effect is quite noticeable, in particular, a run towards the same machine gunner along a long corridor can end badly. The maps are vast and there are many enemies. The roster of enemies and textures are generally standard for PSX, although there are a number of custom monsters.

 

 

Second video, third video.

 

Settings and features:

 

* GzDoom 4.10.0, UV difficulty.

* A noticeable shortage of ammunition throughout the entire wad.

* Hardcore.

* Complete completion will require ~ 16-17 hours.

 

Secret levels.

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/triton_ii_secret_1-png.298531/

 

1. M2 -> Bonus 1. You can return to this before reaching the main exit, pressing any switches does not seem to be required, and if required, then, as an alternative, you can perform a rocket jump.

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/triton_ii_secret_2-png.298532/

 

2. Bonus 1 -> Bonus 2. You must press the switch next to the main exit, which is guarded by a cyberdemon - the fence blocking the passage to the alternative exit will be removed.

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/triton_ii_secret_3-png.298535/

 

3. M6 -> Bonus 3. After finding the blue key, you need to press the switch on the east of the map. On this map there may be problems with selecting one of the keys due to the fact that the teleport trigger appears to have been set incorrectly - noclip will be required.

 

4. Bonus 3 -> Bonus 4. A normal exit from the level will lead to Bonus 4.

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/triton_ii_secret_4-png.298678/

 

5. M15 -> M31. Reaction speed combined with at least one pressed switch will be required. 1 - switch, 2 - output. Under ? indicated a barely noticeable switch nearby, it’s difficult to say whether it affects anything, as well as a platform with an ID inscription that did not fit on the map - if you walk around the building, you can teleport to a sector with a secret exit.

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/triton_ii_secret_5-png.298680/

 

6. M31 -> M32. To access the specified area you will need to find a yellow key.

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/triton_ii_secret_6-png.298754/

 

7. M20 -> Bonus 5. In the specified location you will need a sufficient supply of HP to perform a rocket jump.

 

8. Bonus 5 -> Bonus 6. Having reached the main exit, you will notice that there are two switches - one is a regular exit trigger, and pressing the other will open a teleport leading to the section with the cyberdemon and the secret exit.

 

https://www.old-games.ru/forum/attachments/triton_ii_secret_7-png.298838/

 

9. M27 -> Bonus 7. Towards the end of the level at the indicated point you can raise a wall. Behind it there will be an archville and a switch, pressing which will open the passage to the secret exit.

 

10. Bonus 7 -> Bonus 8. The normal exit will lead to this level.

 

Pros:

 

+ M11 - "Burning Blood",

+ M14 - Acid Falls",

+ M15 - "Jaws of Darkness",

+ M31 - "The Devils Inside",

+ M32 - "True Terror",

+ and in particular Bonus 4 - "Hot Metal".

 

The drop in movement speed, combined with a severe shortage of ammunition, becomes especially noticeable on these, in every sense, especially in the case of M11, M14 and M15, “demonic” maps - you have to invent new strategies, often ignoring a significant part of the opponents in certain places, or by betting on clashes between them.

+ M17 - "Crying Fears".

+ M18 - "Torture Chambers". The level is similar in spirit to Grout's mansion from Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines (2004) - the demons here are not enemies, but random prisoners like the main character.

+ Bonus 8 - "Hells Gateway". Of all the available maps, perhaps one of the most hardcore, not so much because of the number of monsters, there are few of them here, but because of their specific chosen type and the structure of the map like a puzzle.

+ M29 - "Hellcore". Of the "demonic" cards I've ever seen, this one can be called one of the most detailed. The general ambience and complexity... the original third episode against this background will seem like an easy walk in the park.

+ M30 - "Devastation".

 

Questions & notes:

 

1. M6, mentioned earlier. If I remember correctly, the problem is related to the red key.

2. M16. After picking up the blue skull, leaving the section without a noclip seems impossible.

*. M18. The door requiring the red skull appears to only open on one side and, as a result, this section can only be accessed via rocket jump.

3. M25. The trigger responsible for opening the exit door appears to be broken => noclip.

4. Bonus 7. The exit trigger is located outside the teleport with the inscription exit => noclip.

*. M28. The blue skull was only taken by means of a rocket jump.

*. M29. Climbing the peculiar tower in the east of the map, where the switch is located, is possible, apparently, only with the help of rocket jump.

Edited October 7, 2023 by UnknDoomer

[UnknDoomer]

158. MIDNIGHT (2023).

 

An run'n'gun wad in dark colors, presented by @EANB. Contain of 7 levels, the main feature of which was the starry sky. The emphasis is on storytelling, while the number of monsters per level does not exceed the number of 120. It is worth noting that the number != ease - tough skirmishes await on almost all maps.

 

 

Settings and features:

 

* GzDoom 4.10.0, UV difficulty.

* Complete completion will take ~ 1 hour.

[BeeWen]

All these maps are passed to the finish line without irreversible situations. It's about the player's attentiveness and desire to explore the mysterious world of Triton II.