This modification for Doom II: Hell on Earth, released in December 1995 for DOS and PC, offers a distinct holiday-themed experience. It transforms the familiar demon-slaying action into a festive, albeit grim, Christmas adventure. The mod introduces new music tracks inspired by Christmas carols, alongside a suite of new graphics that embrace a Yuletide aesthetic. A custom HUD is also included, further enhancing the thematic presentation.

This particular modification gained recognition, being featured in Doomworld's Top 100 WADs of All Time as one of the top ten WADs of 1995. It serves as a sequel to a prior Christmas-themed minisode, "Xmas Doom," released in 1994.

Story and Setting

The narrative places players in the role of Santa Claus, who awakens on a desolate flight to find his plane in disarray. Bloodstains and evidence of a struggle suggest a dire situation. Upon disembarking, Santa encounters a gravely wounded DoomGuy, who reveals that Mrs. Claus has been taken. With his last breath, DoomGuy entrusts Santa with his signature weapon, a beretta, and a cryptic warning about a "second brain," urging Santa to rescue Mrs. Claus and save Christmas.

What is the core gameplay experience?

At its core, this mod retains the classic first-person shooter mechanics of its parent game. Players will navigate through environments, engage in combat against various enemies, and progress through levels. The unique appeal lies in the juxtaposition of the established Doom II gameplay with its Christmas-themed presentation. This includes the aforementioned new music, graphics, and HUD, all contributing to a festive yet challenging atmosphere.

Unique Features and Content

The mod's defining characteristic is its Christmas theme, which permeates its visual and auditory elements. This includes:

New music tracks based on Christmas songs.
Custom graphics with a Christmas aesthetic.
A new HUD for an altered player interface.

What makes this mod stand out?

The mod's distinction comes from its successful integration of a holiday theme into the established Doom II framework. This approach offers a novel way to experience the game, appealing to players seeking a thematic twist on a classic shooter. Its inclusion in prominent WAD rankings further underscores its impact within the Doom modding community.