DOOMenstein: Doom without Doom

By Jason Carter
wcarter@mindspring.com
http://www.mindspring.com/~wcarter/3dMacGames.html

With the introduction of everyone's beloved MacDoom, many gamers have forgotten the original Id Software classic, Wolfenstein 3D. "What's this?" I hear you say. "You're talking about a pretty OLD game." Well, actually....yes. But just like my favorite rock group, the Rolling Stones, Wolf3D still carries a big bang. I still find blowing the guts out of Nazi scum just as fun as ripping out the innards of a lowly Imp.  

Now, you can have two in one.

WolfAddict software, a small company dedicated to bringing players the very best Wolfenstein levels possible, has constructed an explosive "port" of Doom II. All new Doom textures, as well as every one of those hideous monsters we loathe from Doom are thrown in to give us the most complete transformation of Wolfenstein yet. Even the levels have been reproduced (as best as the engine can handle) to a close approximation of Doom II.  

If you thought it was weird fighting Wolfenstein enemies in Doom II, just wait till you see the Doom baddies in Wolf3D.  

As surprising as it may seem, DOOMenstein actually feels a lot like Doom II. The demonic textures and sounds really set the mood, and the play is extremely intense.  Nothing comes close to the speed of Wolf3D. Blazing through the level and killing everything in sight is much harder than it is in Doom. The monsters have changed slightly, some even for the better. You remember those chunky pink demons? Now you have miniscule purple ones, tearing at your crotch. The Imps have a funny looking gap in between their teeth, and the former humans are always a pleasure to kill.

The only drawback I can think of is that there are no weapon replacements. As far as I can understand, there is no way to make the actual weapon sprites look different at this time. I guess I can settle for the ol' chaingun and flamethrower.

You can even construct your own DOOMenstein levels for personal pleasure. Just grab a copy of WolfEdit off the net, and start creating. There's nothing more fufilling than seeing your level in action.  

"If there a demo of this anywhere?" you ask. Yes! There is an excellent demo out right now, free for download, and compatible with the full version of Wolfenstein 3D, as well as Wolfenstein 2nd and 3rd Encounter. To get the full version, with 43 mind blowing levels, you have to pay a measly $8.00. Hey, a company has got to make a living somehow, right? If you're still doubting, download the demo and try for yourself. 

I personally registered the game, and I'm absolutely satisfied.  Now if only I could beat that bloody Cyberdemon.....

In conclusion, if you're in the mood to try out something new, and your stomach can't handle oysters or sushi, give DOOMenstein a whirl. Underneath the surface of those grey, non-textured ceilings and floors, is a pretty damn good game, in which all the blood, guts, and glory of Doom emerge. I would go as far as saying that it tops Wolfenstein itself, definitely. I can almost guarantee you'll have a blast.

For more info on DOOMenstein, visit the WolfAddict Software page at http://users.aol.com/ruebenryd/ruebenryd.html, or see Jason'Carter's own homepage devoted to DOOMenstein found at http://www.mindspring.com/~wcarter/DOOMenstein.html.