The Latest Official Doom Fan Campaign Digest
In this final installment of our Doom fan campaigns digest, we explore seven more standout WADs that showcase the enduring creativity of the Doom community. These additions bring a variety of experiences to both PC and console versions of the game, each with their own unique flavor. Here’s a rundown of the latest fan-made campaigns that have been officially incorporated into the re-releases of Doom.
1. Anomaly Report
- Author: Michael Jan Krizik
- Original Release Date: May 5, 2022
- Current Ports Date: July 5, 2022
- Created For: Doom II: Hell on Earth
- Duration: 32 maps
- Ultra Violence Difficulty: Moderate
- Rating: Commendable
Overview: Anomaly Report starts off with a rough opening but quickly redeems itself. The early maps are uninspired, but the campaign gains momentum as it progresses, delivering a challenging and visually engaging experience. Despite a shaky start, the latter levels are well-designed with a blend of tough enemy placements and satisfying combat.
2. Revolution! + MIDI Pack
- Authors: Thomas van der Velden and Doomworld Musicians (MIDI Pack)
- Original Release Date: 2001
- Current Ports Date: August 18, 2022
- Created For: Doom II: Hell on Earth
- Duration: 32 maps
- Ultra Violence Difficulty: Easy
- Rating: Commendable
Overview: Revolution! reflects the mid-90s shift in FPS design influenced by games like Half-Life. While the mod brings unique assets and ambitious design, it struggles with pacing and depth, especially in its latter half. It offers a nostalgic nod to the era’s shift in gaming but doesn’t quite reach the heights of Doom’s best mods.
3. Harmony
- Authors: Thomas van der Velden, Roland van der Velden, and James Paddock
- Original Release Date: November 2, 2009
- Current Ports Date: October 18, 2022
- Created For: Doom II: Hell on Earth
- Duration: 14 maps (13 + credits)
- Ultra Violence Difficulty: Easy
- Rating: Amazing
Overview: Harmony stands out as a Total Conversion mod with a Duke Nukem 3D aesthetic. It brings a fresh look to Doom II with new weapons, monsters, and environments, delivering a vibrant and engaging experience. Despite some minor balance issues, it’s a standout mod that captures the essence of old-school shooters with modern flair.
4. Base Ganymede
- Author: Adam Woodmansey
- Original Release Date: January 20, 2012
- Current Ports Date: May 9, 2023
- Created For: Doom
- Duration: 3 episodes (27 maps)
- Ultra Violence Difficulty: Advanced
- Rating: Commendable
Overview: Base Ganymede offers a mix of challenging gameplay and intricate traps. It starts slowly but evolves into a tense experience with well-designed ambushes and traps. While it can feel repetitive at times, the mod’s innovative use of traps and puzzles makes it a noteworthy addition to Doom’s library.
5. Scientist (2023)
- Authors: Roland van der Velden and Thomas van der Velden
- Original Release Date: August 10, 2023
- Current Ports Date: August 10, 2023
- Created For: Doom II: Hell on Earth
- Duration: 20 maps
- Ultra Violence Difficulty: Easy
- Rating: Commendable
Overview: Scientist is a visually striking mod with a retrowave aesthetic. Although it doesn’t fully realize its potential, it offers a visually engaging experience with unique textures and environments. The gameplay is solid but lacks the excitement of the van der Velden’s previous works.
6. The Troopers’ Playground
- Author: Matthias Worch
- Original Release Date: March 29, 1996
- Current Ports Date: November 30, 2023
- Created For: Doom II: Hell on Earth
- Duration: 9 maps
- Ultra Violence Difficulty: Easy
- Rating: Pass
Overview: The Troopers’ Playground feels dated and poorly executed by modern standards. While it may have been impressive in the 90s, it struggles with clumsy design, poor visuals, and outdated gameplay mechanics. Despite a few decent areas, it largely fails to stand out in today’s Doom modding scene.
These additions showcase the breadth of creativity and skill in the Doom modding community. From high-quality total conversions to experimental designs, each mod brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re revisiting classic Doom or exploring new content, these campaigns offer plenty of action and nostalgia for fans of the series.