The Doom series is a first-person shooter video game franchise by id Software. The series was first released in 1993 with the original Doom and has since spawned numerous sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise. It revolutionized first-person shooters in a way that popular FPS franchises today still credit Doom 1993 as their greatest inspiration to achieve where they are now.
Get your hands on the best game in the Doom franchise as of date! Get Doom Eternal today on Xbox for a low price by following this link here.
The games in the Doom series are set in a post-apocalyptic world where demons have invaded Earth. The player takes control of a marine known as the Doom guy, who must fight his way through hordes of demons to stop them from taking over the world.
The Doom games are known for their fast-paced action, intense violence, and iconic soundtrack. The series has received several praises from critics and gamers alike and has sold over 30 million copies worldwide. Today, the series is perhaps stronger than ever. With the excellent Doom Eternal leading the charge for the new wave of Doom games to follow, the future of the series arguably never looked better.
To celebrate the legacy that the Doom series has cultivated over the decades of its existence, let us take a look back at the Doom games starting from the 1993 original to the latest Doom Eternal. Here are all the Doom games in chronological order.
Doom (1993)
The game started it all. The game that many credits as their first exposure to the first-person shooter genre. In fact, many tout Doom 1993 as the specific game that made them fall in love with the now-polarizing genre. Yes, it may look outdated by today’s standards, but, back then, it was the jewel in the eyes of many.
Unlike modern Doom games, the 1993 original did not focus much on plot details or story developments. Instead, it put all its cards on the gameplay, ensuring that it makes its mark back then and even today.
id Software’s masterpiece came in December 1993 for MS-DOS. The game was a critical and commercial success and is considered to be one of the most influential first-person shooter games of all time.
Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994)
It did not take long for id Software and Bethesda to come up with the follow-up for the success of the original Doom. Doom II: Hell on Earth was released in October 1994 for MS-DOS and Macintosh PCs. The sequel was well-received and scored several high scores after launch. Much like the original, Doom II was a critical and commercial success as well.
Due to the advent of new computer hardware, developers were able to apply significant engine improvements that provided players with more content and complex levels. If you thought the original Doom was filled with things to do and fun, then you’ve seen nothing yet. Doom II arguably provides twice as much of everything.
Final Doom (1996)
Whereas the first two Doom games were developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks, the Final Doom was made by the modding group “TeamTNT” under the supervision of the series’ developers. It was released in 1996 for MS-DOS and Macintosh PCs.
Final Doom is a compilation of two expansion packs for Doom II: Hell on Earth. The expansion packs are titled “TNT: Evilution” and “The Plutonia Experiment.” Gameplay-wise, it is basically the same as Doom II albeit much more challenging. Overall, Final Doom serves as a complimentary game for the first two Doom games.
Doom 64 (1997)
Again, Bethesda trusted another developer to handle the follow-up to their now-rapidly developing and highly-successful series. This time, they handed over the reins to Midway Games. Doom 64 was released in November 1997 for the Nintendo 64.
Like Final Doom, Doom 64 isn’t exactly a sequel or direct follow-up to any of the previous Doom games. Instead, it serves as a port of the original Doom to the shiny new console of that time. Nevertheless, it featured new graphics and gameplay elements that took the series to an entirely new level of fun and immersion.
Doom 3 (2004)
It would take another seven years following Doom 64 to have another game in the franchise. And this time, they aren’t looking for a supplementary entry, they are pursuing to release the third Doom game itself. That said, Doom 3 did not come to expand the Doom lore further, it was meant to reboot the franchise as a whole.
In an interesting turn of events, Doom 3 looked to refresh the Doom series and take it to brand new avenues. Instead of sticking to the tried-and-tested nonstop action formula, Doom 3 took a more realistic and horror-oriented approach. Bold as it may be, this was seen as a mistake by many, leading to its bombing in reviews.
Yes, the shooting is better than ever before, and the atmospheric tone the game is opting for is effective at times, but this…it just isn’t Doom. This soured the look of many towards the franchise, compelling it to become dormant for an extended period. Even more so than the seven-year break it took after Doom 64.
Doom (2016)
Twelve years after the failure of Doom 3, Doom 2016 came and effectively revived the franchise as a whole. Doom 2016 serves as yet another reboot attempt at the franchise, but this time it worked. It succeeded in introducing new gameplay elements that make it more appealing to modern gamers while also remaining faithful to the approaches that proved effective back then.
The Doom reboot released in May 2016 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Moreover, id Software and Bethesda Games are fully back at the helm. In summary, Doom 2016 was the breath of fresh air the Doom series desperately needed after the disastrous Doom 3. Now, thanks to it, the series is back to its best form. As a matter of fact, there is an argument that the Doom series has never looked better thanks to Doom 2016.
Doom Eternal (2020)
Following up on the successes of Doom 2016 was a major undertaking, but to hell with it, Doom Eternal proved to be even better. This game took everything that worked on the previous game and turned it up a notch even. Everything is more fluid, dynamic, and fun. The action-packed gameplay never looked as satisfying as how Doom Eternal managed to provide. Doom guy is at his best form here, and we’d be willing to fight for that opinion.
Doom Eternal is so good that we cannot recommend it enough. Anyone who is remotely into the franchise or in the FPS genre as a whole should give it a try! You can read our article review of the game after this to know exactly why we have so many good things to say about it. It is available for both current-gen and next-gen consoles as well as PC.
Ultimately, Doom Eternal is the culmination of the entire series itself. Everything you love in the Doom franchise is here and more. Truly, the future of Doom is bright thanks to this masterpiece of a game.
For full disclosure, we want everyone to know that this article includes affiliate links. It may include items and products with promo deals and discounts. We also want to assure you that we do not use links that we would not use or follow.
