Ah, Doom 64! The game that picked up where the original Doom trilogy left off, took a long, deep breathe, and came back to haunt your living room. When the original Doom made its grand debut in the 90s, it sent shockwaves through the gaming community. Doom 64, originally released in 1997 on Nintendo 64, kicks down the door for its remastered Switch debut, showcasing impressive visuals and enough hellish monsters to make a parent clutch their pearls. Well, let’s dig into what makes this ghost of gaming past worthy of your attention.
Doom 64 keeps the gameplay that made the original an absolute blast while throwing in enough new content that you’ll swear someone was inspired by MDMA and pent-up rage. Players traverse through 28 wicked levels (and 4 secret levels because who doesn’t love surprises, right?). All while battling like good ol' demon-fighting Marines, collecting weapons and keys while dodging attacks from enemies that would give even the most hardened gothic lovers a run for their money. The engine used in Doom 64 brings an aesthetic breath of fresh (or maybe just a little sulfurous) air. As the player, you’ll see monsters come to life with new sprite graphics that are more colorful than your aunt’s holiday sweaters. The weapons? All your favorites from Doom II return, but don’t get too cozy; they sport fresh coats of paint with updated sound effects. Picture the chainsaw—now it comes with two blades instead of one. Why? Because using one wasn’t f***ing edgy enough! And let’s not forget the Unmaker, an over-the-top weapon that shoots laser beams that would make even Iron Man green with envy.
Graphically, Doom 64 struts in like it just walked off a catwalk. The 3D polygon models and meticulously crafted environments are positively stunning. Anyone who thought graphics peaked in the 90s will likely eat their words as they witness the dynamic lighting and atmospheric design that is dark and creepy, as if the gothic aesthetic went to art school and got a degree. Only the comparison to other iterations, like that embarrassing port to the Game Boy, spotlights its significance. It is a visual treat that proves that some classics just don’t age.
In conclusion, Doom 64 is the well-deserved comeback child that fans craved—an otherworldly trip back into gaming madness. It’s not just a graphical upgrade; it’s more like a fresh take on the power of nostalgia fused with modern gaming technology. If you enjoy blasting enemies in a pixelated fashion, or if you simply want to relive a slice of gaming history, getting Doom 64 on your Switch is a must. Some may balk at the lack of multiplayer (seriously, Midway, where were you going with that line of thought?), but that shouldn’t deter you from watching your friends get scared out of their minds as they try navigating the hellish levels solo. Trust me; it’s worth every scar, every nightmare, and every unholy moment.