Summary
- Doom 3 had slower gameplay and a less popular multiplayer mode compared to the original.
- Doom Eternal introduced unconventional multiplayer modes like Battlemode.
- Classic Doom still holds up with an active multiplayer community and memorable gameplay.
Doom revolutionized the FPS genre and brought about a new age of multiplayer gaming. It is interesting to see how multiplayer changed and developed throughout the series' different entries. How do the multiplayer modes stack up against each other?
Did multiplayer become a more important part of the package, or did it fade and not live up to the standards of the original title as multiplayer juggernauts like Call of Duty and Fortnite took up all the attention? The answers are below. Regardless of how the multiplayer modes were received, every Doom game is worth playing, regardless of its age.
The Wildest Things That Doom Can Be Played On
The original Doom is an iconic title but doesn't require much to run. These devices surprisingly have no problems getting the game to work.
Doom 64 is a different game than Doom. It is not on this list because, despite the Nintendo 64's reputation for great console multiplayer, the game did not feature a multiplayer mode.
5 Doom 3
A Slower Type Of Doom
DOOM 3
- Released
- August 3, 2004
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence
- Developer(s)
- id Software
- Publisher(s)
- Activision, Aspyr
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox (Original), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation (Original), PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Doom 3 comes more than a decade after Doom 2. The jaw-dropping technological innovations were impressive, but some fans were not into the slower gameplay that prioritized horror over action. There are at least a couple of levels that return to more classic Doom action, but they are brief.
At least the multiplayer retains the arcade-like atmosphere of 90s FPS games. It is not as hectic as Quake or the original Doom games, but it should still satisfy those looking for similar sensibilities. The Xbox release included co-op through the campaign, but those servers have long since shut down.
The game makes it to the lowest spot because, while it is a thoroughly entertaining mode, many players will be hard-pressed to find a multiplayer match. Doing so is nearly impossible on consoles. The PC version at least still has a small community of players, but other entries on this list have options for most consoles still available.
4 Doom Eternal
Unconventional Modes Met With Mixed Results
DOOM Eternal
- Released
- March 20, 2020
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence
- Developer(s)
- id Software
- Publisher(s)
- Bethesda
- Platform(s)
- Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch
The 2016 Doom and its sequel, Eternal, are surprisingly different games under the hood. The latter game forces the player to balance resources on the fly to efficiently slay demons. The game also departed from its predecessor with an atypical multiplayer implementation.
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Discover the definitive weapons in Doom games based on power, versatility, and game-changing capabilities against demonic hordes.
Instead of a traditional multiplayer suite, the only competitive offering was Battlemode. In it, two demons of varying types teamed up against one Doom Slayer. It is a far cry from the typical deathmatch action for which the series is known, but the attempt at something different is commendable.
In addition to Battlemode, a Horde Mode was also added in a later update. It is a fun cooperative diversion from the main game, but it is bare-bones and features an uncompelling progression system. One should not go into it expecting a competitor to Call of Duty's Zombies Mode.
An Invasion Mode that allowed players to control demons in anyone's single-player session was planned. It was ultimately canceled, however.
3 Doom (2016)
Underwhelming Level Editor And A Straightforward Suite
DOOM
- Released
- May 13, 2016
- Developer(s)
- id Software
- Publisher(s)
- Bethesda Softworks
- Franchise
- DOOM
The 2016 Doom reboot made the old feel new again. Its attempt to recreate the classic Doom action from the early 1990s made for one of the most refreshing modern FPS experiences.
The release stressed the game's SnapMap feature. This extensive map editor offered players the ability to create their own multiplayer and single-player maps. It is a cool idea, but it did not meet many people's expectations.
Doom's legacy is partly built upon the extensive modding community. Snap Map does not allow for the same creativity that many modders show in their works. At least the game still included a run-of-the-mill multiplayer suite. It is standard fare, but it is still fun to compete against other players using the updated gameplay from this game.
2 Doom
Classic Action With An Active Community That Still Holds Up
Doom (1993)
- Released
- December 10, 1993
- Developer(s)
- id Software
- Publisher(s)
- id Software
- Franchise
- DOOM
The first game in the series is still a blast to play. The game is simple enough to understand and does not require the same aiming skills modern FPS games require. The multiplayer holds up perfectly fine, too. Doom is so legendary, it is often cited as the origin of the term "Deathmatch." It is difficult to imagine, but there was once a time when this term was not a part of every gamer's vernacular. On top of that, the campaign is playable with up to three other players on most modern re-releases.
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Doom may be one of the most brutal games out there, but for anyone looking for a similar experience, any of these games would be a great choice!
Though the game is older than most people reading this, its competitive multiplayer is still active. The recent Doom 1 + 2 re-release adds crossplay between consoles and PC, ensuring as lively a community as possible.
The 2024 re-release is easily the best way to play both games. It is the most complete and even features new levels. Other console ports are hit-and-miss.
1 Doom 2
Like The Original, But Bigger
Doom 2
- Released
- October 10, 1994
- Developer(s)
- id Software
- Publisher(s)
- GT Interactive
- Franchise
- DOOM
- Platform(s)
- Android, iOS, Nintendo Game Boy Advance, PC, Sega Saturn, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PlayStation (Original), Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Doom 2 does not add any huge innovations over its predecessor. It is simply bigger, harder, and faster. That does not necessarily make it a better game, especially since some might be turned off by the higher difficulty of its later levels.
It does, however, mean that its multiplayer infrastructure was highly improved. This is a little harder to appreciate in today's age when the game is readily available and easy to play, but it deserves its spot on the list for what it did at launch. Doom 2 came out just a year after the first game, so the developers jumped quickly at Doom's runaway success to keep the train rolling with its sequel.