If you thought that the original Doom couldn’t possibly be released again, you’re dead wrong. Nightdive Studios, iD Software, and MachineGames released Doom + Doom II at QuakeCon 2024 earlier this month, giving the foundational classic its most souped-up version yet.
While Doom and Doom II: Hell on Earth are typically re-released every few years, Doom + Doom II stands out as their best re-release to date. This version includes all the official Doom episodes, including a new one called Legacy of Rust. It boasts full online support for co-op and multiplayer, a vault with never-before-seen assets, and robust modding capabilities, even for players on current-gen consoles who can access mods right from the main menu.
Doom + Doom II is as enjoyable as any modern game launching this month, fostering a community that feels stronger than ever. Many former modders were involved in bringing this new collection to life. According to developers from Nightdive, the original Doom games are an unstoppable force that will never die, as the developers keeping these classics alive were initially inspired by them.
The ‘gravitational pull’ of Doom
Nightdive is renowned for remastering and remaking beloved older games. Established in 2014 after co-founder Stephen Kick acquired the rights to System Shock 2, Nightdive has garnered a reputation for remastering classic PC games over the past decade, particularly shooters like System Shock, Turok, and Star Wars: Dark Forces. However, the developers at Nightdive all have a special connection to Doom.
Co-founder Daniel Grayson recalls discovering the franchise through the eerie Doom 3 and then exploring the earlier games. Larry Kuperman, director of business development, reminisces about playing Doom on a Shareware disc and even creating cables to play Doom multiplayer with his nephew. Numerous other Nightdive developers were recruited directly from the Doom modding community, including individuals like Samuel Villarreal, Edward Richardson, and Xaser Acheron, who all played significant roles in the development of Doom + Doom II.
What tends to keep people into the game is once you realize how wide and how deep the well goes.
Acheron, a veteran modder whose work spans over two decades, contributed to the official content in Doom + Doom II, emphasizing the vast community-created content and the enduring appeal of the game. The Doom modding scene has flourished, with even original game developers like John Romero creating their own Doom mods. The support for mods in Doom Eternal further highlights the passion of the modding community.
“People don’t see it as an old, ancient game as much as they see it as a cool, retro vintage thing. On top of that, once you start going past the surface, there’s an insane amount of community-created content like mods,” Archeron tells Digital Trends. “Hundreds of thousands of levels have been made for this game. What tends to keep people into the game is once you realize how wide and how deep the well goes. It has got a gravitational pull. As a kid, I remember being floored when I found out you can go to the internet and download more Doom.”
The path to Doom + Doom II
Doom + Doom II isn’t the first collaboration between Nightdive, Id Software, and Bethesda. Prior to the launch of Doom Eternal, Nightdive proposed a Doom 64 remaster to Bethesda, which eventually led to a partnership resulting in the re-release of Doom 64 as a preorder incentive for Doom Eternal and a standalone launch. This collaboration extended to remasters of Quake and Quake 2, culminating in Doom + Doom II. The partnership between Nightdive and the other companies emphasized the importance of supporting the modding community.
Bethesda and iD Software played a significant role in shaping Doom + Doom II, with Nightdive implementing their vision using the Kex Engine. While aspects of Doom’s gameplay may seem outdated by modern standards, the game’s original design elements remain engaging and exhilarating. Nightdive’s efforts in refurbishing the game highlight the timeless quality and community appeal of the Doom series.
Modders make Doom
One of the key challenges faced by Doom + Doom II was creating a new, official episode called Legacy of Rust that could stand alongside the original content. Acheron drew upon his modding experience to craft this new episode, infusing it with a unique concept that set it apart from traditional Doom levels.
This entire project was an amazing opportunity to put together all the things I love about Doom modding.
With access to previously cut Doom content and a team well-versed in modding, Nightdive managed to create a standout addition to the game. Acheron and his collaborators brought their passion for Doom and modding to the forefront, resulting in a successful addition to the game.
The collaborative effort between Nightdive, iD Software, and Bethesda in creating Doom + Doom II has resulted in a remaster that pays homage to the original game while incorporating modern enhancements. The game, including its robust modding support, is a testament to the enduring legacy of Doom and its dedicated community. The hope is that this work will inspire a new generation of Doom fans and modders to carry on the legacy for years to come.
