This PC title, released in 2013, is a significant mod for the classic shooter Doom II: Hell on Earth. It presents a collection of 32 distinct levels, meticulously crafted by members of the French Doom community. The core concept behind its creation involved a unique time-based challenge, where each map was intended to be developed within a three-hour window. While this constraint aimed to foster rapid level design, the project evolved to allow participants to contribute multiple levels, and some individual maps even saw development times extending considerably beyond the initial limit.

What is the core experience of this mod?

The fundamental experience revolves around navigating a series of challenging environments, engaging in fast-paced combat against familiar foes from its parent game. As a mod, it expands upon the established gameplay mechanics of Doom II, offering players a substantial new set of maps to explore and conquer. The value proposition lies in the sheer volume of new content and the unique development origin, providing a fresh challenge for fans of the original shooter.

What makes this game unique?

The defining characteristic of this mod is its development methodology. Unlike traditional speedmapping events that occur in a single, continuous session, the creation of these 32 levels was spread out, with each map built under a self-imposed three-hour time limit. This approach, while not strictly adhered to for every single map, fostered a specific design philosophy that emphasizes efficient layout and immediate action. The result is a diverse collection of environments, each potentially reflecting the focused design efforts of its creator within a compressed timeframe.

Gameplay and Atmosphere

Players can expect the signature run-and-gun action that defined the original Doom II. The mod delivers a shooter experience focused on arena-style combat, exploration of intricate level designs, and strategic use of weaponry. While there is no explicit storyline provided, the atmosphere is driven by the classic Doom aesthetic – a blend of sci-fi horror and intense action, amplified by the varied environments presented across the 32 levels. The focus is squarely on the gameplay challenges presented by each map.

Level Design Philosophy

The levels within this mod are a direct product of their time-limited creation. This often translates to maps that are tightly designed, with a clear flow and emphasis on combat encounters. Players will encounter a variety of layouts, from claustrophobic corridors to more open arenas, each designed to test their combat skills and environmental awareness within the constraints of the development process.

Content and Scope

With 32 levels, this mod offers a significant amount of new content for players. It provides a substantial expansion to the original game, offering many hours of gameplay for those who enjoy the classic Doom formula. The sheer number of maps ensures a diverse range of challenges and visual styles, reflecting the contributions of multiple designers.