Playing Doom Games In Order: A Chronological Walkthrough

Kenji Nakamura

5 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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The Original Doom (1993) & Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994): The Genesis of the Franchise

1993's Doom was revolutionary. Its simple yet effective gameplay, combined with innovative level design, cemented its place in gaming history and essentially created the first-person shooter (FPS) genre as we know it. The game's impact is still felt today, influencing countless titles. Its success was driven by several key features:

• Iconic Weapon Arsenal: The shotgun, chaingun, and rocket launcher became instantly recognizable and highly sought-after tools in the fight against hell's hordes. Mastering these weapons was key to survival.
• Classic Monsters: From the lowly imp to the terrifying Baron of Hell, Doom's monster roster is iconic. Each enemy presented unique challenges, demanding different tactical approaches. Learning their behaviors was crucial to success. The cacodemon, for example, became a symbol of the game itself.
• Impact on Gaming Culture: Doom transcended gaming, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Its influence on the FPS genre, and gaming as a whole, is undeniable. It popularized deathmatch multiplayer, laying the foundation for competitive online gaming.

Doom II: Hell on Earth, released in 1994, built upon this success. It refined the gameplay, introduced new weapons like the super shotgun and plasma rifle, and added a host of terrifying new demons, expanding the demonic bestiary significantly. The enhanced graphics, while modest by today's standards, were a significant improvement, and the refined gameplay made it even more addictive. Doom II's enduring popularity solidified the franchise's position as a legendary series. The introduction of new enemies, like the Arch-vile and the Mancubus, further challenged players, ensuring the game remained fresh and engaging.

Doom 3 (2004): A Darker, More Atmospheric Experience

Doom 3, released in 2004, marked a significant departure from its predecessors. The fast-paced, run-and-gun gameplay was replaced with a slower, more atmospheric experience. The shift in tone brought a darker, more horror-focused approach to the franchise.

• Darker, More Atmospheric Setting: The game’s setting shifted from the brightly lit levels of the original games to a claustrophobic and terrifying research facility on Mars.
• Incorporation of Horror Elements: Doom 3 incorporated elements of survival horror, emphasizing suspense, resource management, and a greater emphasis on atmosphere and scares.
• Improved Graphics and Technology: Doom 3 leveraged the advancements in technology, boasting significantly improved graphics and lighting effects, further enhancing the game's unsettling atmosphere. The use of advanced lighting significantly contributed to the immersive, terrifying atmosphere.

Doom (2016) & Doom Eternal (2020): The Modern Revival

The 2016 Doom reboot revitalized the franchise, returning to the fast-paced, brutal combat of the originals while incorporating modern gaming sensibilities. It was a triumphant return to form.

Doom (2016):

• Emphasis on Speed and Brutal Combat: The game rewarded aggressive play, encouraging players to get up close and personal with the demons, using a variety of weapons to tear them apart.
• Streamlined Level Design and Weapon Variety: The level design was more focused and less maze-like than previous entries, while retaining the core elements of exploration and discovery. The weapon variety was greatly expanded, offering players more strategic options.
• Return to a More Straightforward Narrative: While not abandoning story entirely, Doom (2016) focused more on the visceral action than on complex storytelling.

Doom Eternal (2020):

• Increased Complexity and Challenge: Doom Eternal ramped up the difficulty, demanding precise timing, mastery of movement mechanics, and strategic resource management.
• New Movement Mechanics and Weapon Upgrades: New traversal mechanics and weapon upgrades added layers of complexity and strategic depth to the gameplay. The introduction of the grappling hook revolutionized movement.
• Expansion of the Lore and Narrative: Doom Eternal significantly expanded upon the lore established in Doom (2016), weaving a more compelling narrative around the demonic invasion.

Other Notable Doom Games and Spin-offs (Brief Overview)

While the main entries are outlined above, other games like Doom 64, a Nintendo 64 exclusive, and Doom 3: BFG Edition, a remastered version of Doom 3 with added content, deserve a mention. These titles offer additional perspectives on the Doom universe and can enrich your overall understanding of the franchise's evolution. Further research into these titles will enhance your appreciation of the full Doom experience.

Conclusion

This chronological walkthrough of the Doom games provides a comprehensive guide to experiencing this legendary franchise in the intended order. From the groundbreaking originals to the modern, brutal revivals, each Doom game offers a unique and thrilling experience. By playing the Doom games in this order, you'll witness the evolution of a genre-defining series and appreciate the nuances of its enduring legacy. So, grab your shotgun, prepare for hell, and begin your Doom journey – playing the Doom games chronologically is the ultimate way to experience the saga! Remember to consider the best Doom games chronological order for the most satisfying gameplay experience.