This PC title, released in 2014, is a mod for the classic shooter Doom II: Hell on Earth. It is a megawad, meaning it's a large collection of custom levels, developed from the results of four speedmapping contests. These contests focused on themes such as winter, thawing landscapes, precipices, and ancient civilizations. Over time, the maps were finalized, with some undergoing significant revisions and others being created from scratch.

The narrative follows a Marine preparing to celebrate the New Year. However, monsters disrupt the seasonal cycle by stealing winter. Players must journey through a variety of environments, including mountains, castles, underground crypts, a flooded city, a solitary island, and even the edge of hell, to restore the normal progression of seasons. The adversaries have prepared further challenges to coincide with winter's return.

What is the core experience of this mod?

The core experience is a first-person shooter adventure that utilizes the established gameplay mechanics of its parent game. Players engage in fast-paced combat against various enemies, employing a range of weaponry. The mod's design emphasizes diverse level layouts, presenting distinct environmental challenges and visual styles that contribute to the progression of its story.

What makes this game unique?

This mod's uniqueness stems from its origin as a community-driven project, originating from speedmapping contests. This collaborative development process has resulted in a megawad featuring a wide array of creative level design. The thematic progression, moving from wintery settings to hellish landscapes, provides a varied backdrop for the action, offering a fresh visual and tactical experience across different segments of the game.

What are the key features and content?

Key features include:

Diverse Environments: Explore a variety of meticulously crafted maps, from snowy mountains and ancient ruins to flooded cities and the edge of hell.
Thematic Progression: Experience a narrative that unfolds across different seasons and locations, driven by the objective of restoring winter.
Classic Shooter Gameplay: Engage in the familiar and satisfying combat mechanics of the Doom II engine.
Community-Driven Design: Discover levels born from a series of speedmapping contests, offering a unique blend of creative vision.

What kind of gameplay can players expect?

Players can expect a challenging shooter experience that emphasizes exploration, resource management, and combat proficiency. The varied map designs require players to adapt their strategies, utilizing different weapons and approaches to overcome enemy encounters and environmental obstacles.

What is the setting and atmosphere?

The setting is a world where the seasons have been disrupted by supernatural forces. The atmosphere shifts dramatically throughout the game, moving from the stark beauty of winter to the oppressive environments of ancient civilizations and the fiery depths of hell. This dynamic setting contributes to the overall narrative and the player's sense of progression through a world in disarray.