This mod for Doom II: Hell on Earth transports players to Tartarus, a formidable Stygian fortress. Released in 2019, this shooter experience is structured as a challenging, collector-style map that places a significant emphasis on environmental hazards and intense combat arenas. The atmosphere is described as thick with a metallic mist of blood, with towering, unseen structures of Hell creating a palpable sense of dread. The mod's core appeal lies in its meticulously crafted environment, which is presented as being as dangerous as the enemies that inhabit it, offering a distinct and demanding gameplay loop.

Setting and Atmosphere

The setting is a nightmarish vision of the Gates of Tartarus, a hellish fortress shrouded in a haunted vapor. The environment is characterized by unimaginable pillars reaching into unseen structures, evoking a sense of immense scale and despair. This oppressive atmosphere is further amplified by the constant threat of falling into chasms, where any misstep results in instant death, reinforcing the narrative's sentiment of abandonment.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

At its heart, this mod functions as a collector-style map, requiring players to navigate intricate arenas and overcome formidable challenges. The gameplay heavily features traps and strategically placed enemies, demanding careful observation and precise execution. A lite slaughter finale concludes the experience, providing a climactic encounter. The mod utilizes vanilla Doom mechanics, incorporating all standard monsters and weapons, ensuring a familiar yet intensified experience for those acquainted with the original game.

Difficulty and Player Experience

The mod is designed to be challenging, offering two primary difficulty modes: Ultimate (UV) and Hurt Me Plenty (HMP) and lower. The UV setting represents the developer's intended experience, providing a rigorous test of skill. For players seeking a less demanding run, the HMP and lower option offers a more accessible, though still engaging, encounter with the mod's challenges.

What makes this mod unique?

The primary inspiration for this mod draws from the Nether Fortresses found in Minecraft, aiming to replicate the sensation of discovering such a location within the Doom universe. This translates into a map where the environment itself is a significant threat, mirroring the dangerous nature of the Nether. The absence of teleports and the unforgiving penalty for falling off ledges contribute to a unique survival-focused element within the shooter genre.

What is the core experience of this mod?

The core experience revolves around navigating a dangerous, trap-filled environment while engaging in combat with classic Doom enemies. It is a test of spatial awareness, combat proficiency, and resource management, all within a meticulously designed, hostile setting that actively works against the player.

Key Features

Collector-style map design
Emphasis on environmental traps and arenas
Challenging gameplay
Vanilla Doom monsters and weapons
Two difficulty modes: UV and HMP/lower
Unforgiving environmental hazards