Review: FreeDoom
At a Glance
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How to Save and Pause:How your progress is saved depends on the source port you're using. Many will automatically save your game between levels or allow you to manually save whenever you want. How you pause the game is also determined by the source port you're using; most of the time, pressing ESC will pause the game and bring up a menu. Time needed per session:The levels in this game are gigantic and often filled with traps, so plan on playing for thirty minutes or more. I'd also suggest that you save frequently, as not everything is as straightforward as it appears.
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Does this game pose issues for Christian players?
 | Some players may have concerns Although this is essentially a fan "remake" of the first two Doom games, most of the demonic references and imagery have been removed in favor of a space alien theme. That said, this game still features a lot of blood, gore, and graphic violence, just like the original games. |
Screenshots
![[view screenshot]](../images/screenshots/freedoom_0.jpg)
![[view screenshot]](../images/screenshots/freedoom_1.jpg)
![[view screenshot]](../images/screenshots/freedoom_2.jpg)
Game Overview
One of the quirks of older games like Doom or Wolfenstein 3D is that their engines and content are entirely separate from each other. This has allowed many different people to create new, custom engines that allow these old games to be played on modern systems. In fact, getting Doom to run on things that don't normally support video games - like cameras, printers, medical equipment, and even ATMs - is an entire hobby in and of itself.
The FreeDoom project approached this situation from the opposite direction. Instead of providing a fancy new engine, they've created a free fan-made replacement for the original content. Everything the game needs - the sound effects, music, graphics, and levels - has been recreated from scratch by this team of volunteers. But, not only do these files replace Doom and Doom II's assets, they're also designed to be used in place of those files. This means that you can use FreeDoom to play custom level sets without having the original games installed - and that's a really amazing thing to have accomplished.
As if that wasn't already impressive, FreeDoom's files can also be used as a pair of unique stand-alone first person shooter games with their own story. This time, instead of having the player clean up the aftermath of an ethically questionable teleportation experiment going awry, the hero of this game was imprisoned by a corrupt interplanetary corporation that creates mutant weaponry for some shady military organization. Thus, you need to fight through hordes of cybernetic zombies and angry aliens in order to make your escape.
As a long-time fan of the Doom franchise, I've got to say that the FreeDoom community has done some seriously astounding work, and if you enjoy classic FPS games, then you must take this project for a spin in your favorite Doom-compatible source port. The developers of FreeDoom suggest ZDoom
or Crispy Doom for the best experience, but it worked fine in Zandronium, which is the one I prefer.
Just be aware that the FreeDoom's level designers are working around the original game's engine, which doesn't feature jumping or vertical aiming. This means there are a few levels where being able to jump can result in sequence breaking or other problems, so remember to disable jumping if your source port supports it.
The FreeDoom project approached this situation from the opposite direction. Instead of providing a fancy new engine, they've created a free fan-made replacement for the original content. Everything the game needs - the sound effects, music, graphics, and levels - has been recreated from scratch by this team of volunteers. But, not only do these files replace Doom and Doom II's assets, they're also designed to be used in place of those files. This means that you can use FreeDoom to play custom level sets without having the original games installed - and that's a really amazing thing to have accomplished.
As if that wasn't already impressive, FreeDoom's files can also be used as a pair of unique stand-alone first person shooter games with their own story. This time, instead of having the player clean up the aftermath of an ethically questionable teleportation experiment going awry, the hero of this game was imprisoned by a corrupt interplanetary corporation that creates mutant weaponry for some shady military organization. Thus, you need to fight through hordes of cybernetic zombies and angry aliens in order to make your escape.
As a long-time fan of the Doom franchise, I've got to say that the FreeDoom community has done some seriously astounding work, and if you enjoy classic FPS games, then you must take this project for a spin in your favorite Doom-compatible source port. The developers of FreeDoom suggest ZDoom
or Crispy Doom for the best experience, but it worked fine in Zandronium, which is the one I prefer.Just be aware that the FreeDoom's level designers are working around the original game's engine, which doesn't feature jumping or vertical aiming. This means there are a few levels where being able to jump can result in sequence breaking or other problems, so remember to disable jumping if your source port supports it.
Points of Interest
Effectively two new games + deathmatch maps
Part of the beauty of this project is that it's not just a free to use reskin of the first two Doom games - it also provides entirely new campaigns for the player to enjoy. There's even a special set of levels for multiplayer deathmatches.
Excellent redesigns
Every monster, item, and weapon has been remade with a bold new look. Many of these redesigns are especially nice, like the new cacodemon or the brain-aliens that replaced the imps. My personal favorites among these new graphics are some of the weapons, like the plasma cannon or the rocket launcher.
But, there are a few monsters that got something of a downgrade with this change. The mancubi have been replaced with an unimpressive looking pile of glop, and it looks like the sprites for the spider mastermind aren't quite finished yet.
But, there are a few monsters that got something of a downgrade with this change. The mancubi have been replaced with an unimpressive looking pile of glop, and it looks like the sprites for the spider mastermind aren't quite finished yet.
Made by veterans, largely for veterans
Unfortunately, the biggest downside to this project is that it's not exactly beginner friendly. FreeDoom's levels are clearly intended to challenge people who've been playing old FPS games for a long time. There are even several levels that flip the script, tasking the player with solving puzzles without confronting the monsters.
On the plus side, the FreeDoom community is already aware of this issue and is taking steps to make the difficulty more adjustable.
On the plus side, the FreeDoom community is already aware of this issue and is taking steps to make the difficulty more adjustable.
Concerns and Issues
Less demonic than the originals
The Doom franchise is notorious for the large amount of satanic symbols and occult references on display. By switching the focus to an out of control bioengineering experiment, FreeDoom ended up removing most of the offending content. That said, you will still find a wall tile or two depicting pentagrams, but these are rarely used in the current FreeDoom levels.
Lots of graphic violence
On the flip side, FreeDoom did virtually nothing to clean up the game's violence and gore. Enemies still bleed or die in puddles of their own blood, just like before. Also, while some of the decorations have been replaced with science fiction equipment, there still are walls depicting mutilated bodies and other graphic things.