This PC title, released in 2017, is a custom modification for the classic shooter Doom II: Hell on Earth. It offers a curated experience focused on challenging combat scenarios across five distinct maps. Designed with specific gameplay parameters in mind, it aims to provide a demanding yet rewarding experience for players who enjoy mastering intricate level designs and intense enemy encounters.

Core Gameplay and Design Philosophy

The core of this modification revolves around its meticulously crafted maps, specifically built for PrBoom+ complevel 9. The developer has focused on creating environments that test a player's combat proficiency and strategic thinking. The gameplay is rooted in the fast-paced, arena-style shooting that the original Doom II is known for, but with an emphasis on complex layouts and challenging enemy placements.

Difficulty and Player Experience

A key aspect of this modification is its tiered difficulty system, catering to a range of player skill levels. The primary difficulties, HNTR (Hurt Me Plenty) and HMP (Hardcore), are the focus of the initial map design, suggesting a balance between accessibility and challenge. For those seeking an extreme test, a UV (Ultra-Violence) difficulty is available, described as catering to players who enjoy facing overwhelming odds, including large numbers of formidable enemies.

Two bonus maps, Map31 and Map32, offer additional challenges. Map31 is exclusively available on UV difficulty, while Map32 provides HNTR, HMP, and UV options, with a recommendation for players to experience Map32 on HNTR for a more approachable, yet still engaging, encounter.

Technical Considerations and Recommended Settings

To ensure the intended experience, players are advised to consider specific technical settings. Due to the nature of flying monster behavior in conjunction with high ceilings within the maps, it is recommended to play with infinite height disabled in ZDoom-based ports. This modification was designed for PrBoom+ cl9, which features vanilla flying monster behavior. For optimal visual clarity and to best appreciate the map design, playing in software mode is also suggested.

What Makes This Mod Unique?

This modification distinguishes itself through its focused design on specific combat scenarios and its deliberate approach to difficulty scaling. The five maps are not merely extensions but are crafted environments intended to be played with particular gameplay parameters and enemy compositions in mind. The developer's detailed descriptions of each difficulty level provide clear insight into the intended player experience, from strategic engagement to facing immense swarms of enemies.

Map Design and Atmosphere

While the storyline is not detailed, the atmosphere is primarily conveyed through the level design and the intensity of the combat. The maps are structured to facilitate dynamic firefights, encouraging players to utilize the environment for cover and tactical advantage. The focus on challenging enemy encounters, such as swarms of specific monster types, contributes to a tense and demanding atmosphere.

What kind of player would enjoy this mod?

Players who appreciate the classic Doom II gameplay loop and are looking for a fresh set of challenging levels will find this modification appealing. Those who enjoy mastering difficult combat encounters, experimenting with different difficulty settings, and engaging with custom-designed maps that push the boundaries of the original game's mechanics are likely to find this experience rewarding.