It would be safe to say that, id Software’s DOOM redefined the genre of first person shooter (FPS) games and paved the way to conceptualise new age FPS games. Released in 1993, the game had a pinnacle reach of 10 million players by 1995. With myriad fans around the globe, the game brought in new features which were at that time almost fresh in the industry. The game went on to grab so much attention, that it was followed by several expansions, sequels and also a film, and is still considered as one of the best games of all time.
Now, 23 years after DOOM’s debut as a PC game, one of its co-creators, John Romero has recently released a new level for the game. Named E1M4b, the map was announced by the man himself on twitter, stating it as a ‘warm-up’ to his upcoming FPS named Blackroom.
Time for a surprise! This is the kind of classic FPS gameplay I’m promising. [[ E1M4b ]] https://t.co/JmlrJmL9Sd pic.twitter.com/UpObtLIfNP
— John Romero (@romero) April 26, 2016
The new level’s description reads:
With the Toxin Refinery in the rearview, you make your way to Phobos Mission Control where the computers crunching the data from the Phobos Anomaly are located. You need to use them to gain access to the Phobos Lab, but remember hearing that the computers were tied into all areas of the installation and that you never knew when the environment around you would change. You need to keep your eyes alert to all movement–this place is not what it seems…
He also went on to say that, it’s the “kind of classic FPS gameplay” we can expect from his new game, Blackroom. According to him, the new FPS game will feature both – single player and multiplayer options, player created maps and in-game abilities like rocket jumping, shooting, cycle strafing. A crowd sourcing campaign for the game is already live on Kickstarter to collect $700,000 and has reportedly already garnered around $100,000 in pledges. Romero announced the game earlier this week with DOOM co-creator Adrian Carmack that’s scheduled to release sometime in 2018.
Having resorted to DOOM to hint (and promote) his upcoming game, Romero gave DOOM’s fans an absolute treat and a reason to look forward to his new game, which promises a similar or even better gameplay. It just goes on to prove that DOOM is still holding on strong to its legacy.