This PC mod for Doom II: Hell on Earth, released in late 2021, presents a unique community-driven project focused on expanding the classic gameplay experience. It functions as a collection of custom-made levels, all designed to be accessed through a central hub, offering a cohesive yet diverse set of challenges.

The core concept revolves around a collaborative mapping event that encouraged participation from creators of all experience levels. This approach resulted in a substantial compilation of 209 distinct maps, each contributing to a larger, interconnected experience. The mod is built to run on the GZDoom engine, a popular platform for Doom modifications, ensuring compatibility and access to enhanced features.

What is the core gameplay loop?

The primary experience offered is one of exploration and combat across a wide variety of custom-designed environments. Players navigate through these maps, engaging with the familiar Doom mechanics of shooting and survival, while encountering the creative interpretations of level design submitted by numerous contributors. The hub system provides a central point from which players can select and enter the different maps, allowing for a non-linear progression through the project's content.

What makes this mod unique?

This mod stands out due to its origin as a large-scale mapping event. It is not a single, curated experience from one developer, but rather a compilation of 209 individual maps created by a broad spectrum of mappers. This diversity in design and approach is a key aspect of its appeal, offering a vast amount of content that showcases a wide range of mapping styles and ideas within the Doom framework.

How is the content organized?

All the individual maps are linked together and accessed via a dedicated hub level. This structure ensures that players have a clear starting point and a method for navigating the extensive collection of levels. The mod utilizes the GZDoom engine, which facilitates the loading and integration of these numerous custom maps into a single, playable package.

What is the technical foundation?

The mod is built upon the GZDoom engine, a versatile platform known for its support of extensive modifications and enhancements to the original Doom games. This technical foundation allows for the seamless integration of a large number of custom maps and ensures a stable experience for players on PC.