This title is a single-level modification for the classic PC game Doom II: Hell on Earth, released in January 2018 for PC (Microsoft Windows). It stands out as a unique experience within the modding community, focusing on atmosphere and intricate puzzle-solving rather than traditional combat.

The core of the experience lies in exploration and environmental interaction. Players are tasked with navigating a vast, highly detailed single area, deciphering a series of puzzles to progress towards a central island. The map is designed to evoke a specific mood, complemented by the music track "The Village that Time Forgot."

To fully experience this modification, players will need a source port for Doom II that supports increased limits, such as PrBoom+ or GZDoom. A secondary WAD file, TheGivenLD, is also provided, offering a version with reduced detail to potentially improve performance for those encountering issues due to the map's complexity.

What is the core gameplay loop?

The gameplay deviates significantly from the typical action-oriented nature of its parent game. Instead of engaging in combat with monsters, players must rely on their observational skills and logic to solve a variety of puzzles. These challenges are integrated into the environment, requiring careful navigation and interaction with the map's design to unlock new areas and ultimately reach the island at the map's center.

What is the setting and atmosphere?

The modification emphasizes a strong sense of atmosphere and exploration. The single, expansive level is crafted with a high degree of detail, aiming to immerse the player in its environment. The accompanying music track, "The Village that Time Forgot," further contributes to the intended mood and setting. While the map itself contains no monsters or direct hazards, the intricate design and puzzle elements create a unique challenge.

For players interested in the narrative context, the included plain text file named PROLOGUE offers over 2500 words of lore. This background information provides the setting and backstory for the map, enriching the player's understanding of the world they are exploring.

What makes this mod stand out?

This modification garnered significant recognition, notably winning the inaugural Machaward at the 2017 Cacowards. It was also one of three maps that contributed to its creator being named "Mapper of the Year" in the same awards. This acclaim highlights its innovative approach to gameplay within the Doom II modding scene, prioritizing puzzle-solving and atmospheric design over traditional combat encounters.

Are there performance considerations?

Due to the map's extensive detail and single, large area design, some players may experience performance issues. To address this, an alternate version of the WAD, named TheGivenLD, is included. This version features reduced detail, which can help improve frame rates and overall performance on a wider range of systems.