DOOM II

95%
Game Brain Score Based on 10,634 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • music
DOOM II Game Cover
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Let the Obsession begin. Again. This time, the entire forces of the netherworld have overrun Earth. To save her, you must descend into the stygian depths of Hell itself! Battle mightier, nastier, deadlier demons and monsters. Use more powerful weapons. Survive more mind-blowing explosions and more of the bloodiest, fiercest, most awesome blastfest ever!

  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Ms Dos
  • Xbox
  • Xbox 360
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

95%
Audience ScoreBased on 10,634 reviews
gameplay192 positive mentions
story20 negative mentions
  • gameplay652 mentions

    The gameplay of Doom II is widely praised for its fast-paced, fluid mechanics and engaging combat, retaining the core elements of its predecessor while introducing new weapons like the super shotgun and a variety of enemies. However, many players express frustration with the level design, which can feel gimmicky or overly complex, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, the game remains a classic, bolstered by a robust modding community that enhances replayability and keeps the gameplay fresh.

    • “The gameplay is fast, furious, and unforgiving, demanding quick reflexes and strategic thinking.”
    • “The gameplay is fluid, the controls are responsive, and the gunplay is satisfying.”
    • “Doom 2 builds on the fantastic gameplay and imagery of Doom 1 and ups the ante tenfold.”
    • “Doom II's gameplay is the same as Doom '93 with the addition of the iconic super shotgun and some new enemies, which is good and adds some extra variety to the demon slaying you'll be doing, but the game loses me at about the mid-way point where the level design becomes a pure headache.”
    • “Unfortunately, I felt like most of the levels in the game weren't that fun to play on, which is the only thing I can really criticize since the core gameplay between the first one and this is basically the same (not a bad thing).”
    • “A large collection of tedious, obnoxiously gimmicky levels that will have you roll your eyes a lot and wanting to just get to the next one but still retains the original game's unparalleled, classic balls to the wall FPS gameplay.”
  • graphics468 mentions

    The graphics of Doom II are widely regarded as dated, reflecting its 1994 origins, yet they maintain a nostalgic charm that resonates with many players. While some critiques highlight the lack of color and detail compared to modern titles, others appreciate the game's iconic enemy designs and atmospheric visuals, which still evoke a strong sense of immersion. Overall, the graphics may not impress by today's standards, but they are often seen as a fitting complement to the game's engaging gameplay and retro aesthetic.

    • “The game's iconic enemy designs, imaginative environments, and visceral gore effects create a unique and captivating aesthetic that holds up well, even by today's standards.”
    • “Doom II, while not on par with modern AAA titles, retains a certain charm in its pixelated graphics.”
    • “While the graphics may show their age, the gameplay remains as exhilarating as ever.”
    • “The graphics aren't as colorful as the first game, which makes Doom 2 less appealing to look at.”
    • “You can replay this classic all you want, but with these really outdated visuals, I honestly think that this game is losing its charm and relevancy as time goes by.”
    • “Now, unless nostalgia is at play, you will want to gouge your eyes out because of the awful graphics and hit or miss level design.”
  • music444 mentions

    The music in Doom II is widely praised for its heavy metal soundtrack, composed by Bobby Prince, which enhances the game's intense atmosphere and complements the demon-slaying action. While many players consider it a masterpiece and a significant improvement over the original, some feel that certain calmer tracks do not match the game's frenetic pace. Overall, the soundtrack is regarded as iconic, with nostalgic value and memorable tracks that contribute to the game's enduring appeal.

    • “This, combined with the game's industrial, ambient soundtrack, creates an intense and exhilarating experience, reminiscent of the John Wick film series.”
    • “The sound design is equally remarkable, with the iconic heavy metal soundtrack by Bobby Prince providing the perfect backdrop for the demon-slaying carnage.”
    • “The soundtrack is a masterpiece of metal fury.”
    • “The frame rate runs at a constant stutter, the music is off beat, it has some performance issues oddly enough, and more that I'm sure I didn't encounter.”
    • “Another down mark is the soundtrack, as there are several tracks that are reused in the game, including the theme to the first level, which really sticks out like a sore thumb.”
    • “It is strange as Doom 2 is a lot more action packed than the original and yet is the one with music that doesn't get you pumped.”
  • story258 mentions

    The story in this game is often described as minimal and lacking depth, with many reviewers noting that it serves primarily as a backdrop to the action rather than a focal point. While some appreciate the atmospheric elements and the continuation of the protagonist's journey, others criticize the narrative for being underwhelming and simplistic, emphasizing that the gameplay is the main attraction. Overall, players seeking a rich story may be disappointed, as the game prioritizes fast-paced action over complex storytelling.

    • “Its level design and puzzles are amazing yet creepy, there are so many points where you feel off and don't know what it is or if anything even happened (spoiler alert: something happened and you don't fully recognize it) and the story, both from the actual game and the text document that comes with it, is amazing.”
    • “The story itself, starting off with a mission to shuttle the last remaining survivors off-world via a great spaceship, feels too high concept for the anonymously gloomy environments, and as you progress into hell for the third act, much of it lacks the bite that hell had in the original game.”
    • “Taking place right after the first game's ending, the story takes place on earth, which has been devastated by an invasion from the forces of hell after the doomguy kicked their ass on mars.”
    • “The story in this game felt weird and the final boss fight was underwhelming.”
    • “Less story than the first, but more killing.”
    • “The story is almost non-existent with John Carmack thinking that stories in games weren't important.”
  • replayability90 mentions

    Doom II is celebrated for its exceptional replayability, primarily driven by a vibrant modding community that continues to create an endless array of custom maps and gameplay modifications, ensuring virtually infinite replay value. While the base game offers solid replayability, the true longevity comes from user-generated content, making it a timeless experience that remains engaging even decades after its release. Overall, players find that both the original gameplay and the extensive mod options contribute to a highly replayable experience.

    • “Infinite replayability with the modding community.”
    • “The immense amount of player-made wads, ranging from new maps to full-on gameplay conversions, provides near endless replayability.”
    • “Overall though, Doom 2 is a great experience that has hours of gameplay and replayability, especially if you download the many mods and custom maps that continue to come out since the game's release.”
    • “Personally not an enjoyable time on its own; again, most of the replayability of classic Doom comes from user-made content, not the base game.”
    • “More Doom, exactly the same as Doom but with 'worse' levels, story is almost non-existent, I get lost more easily, plenty of guns, more bad guys, not so much replayability, plenty of Doom.”
    • “While the modding community provides endless content, the base game itself lacks sufficient replayability to stand on its own.”
  • grinding48 mentions

    Players frequently describe the grinding aspect of the game as tedious and frustrating, particularly in later levels that involve excessive backtracking and poorly designed maps. While some enemy encounters are enjoyable, the overall experience can shift from fun to a slog, with many reviewers noting the need for significant time investment to progress. The game's complexity and level design often detract from the fast-paced action that fans expect.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Grindy (60 - 100 hours).”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Of course, I've skipped to the last level and the bonus levels since those can be fun...but the game crosses from fun challenge to tedious slog for a good chunk of the experience.”
    • “The entire Doom series has too many annoying, tedious maps where you have to stroll around endless corridors searching for the blue, yellow, and red keys, searching for the switch that opens the door.”
    • “A large collection of tedious, obnoxiously gimmicky levels that will have you roll your eyes a lot and wanting to just get to the next one, but still retains the original game's unparalleled, classic balls-to-the-wall FPS gameplay.”
  • humor46 mentions

    The humor in the game is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, with players enjoying its absurdity and comedic elements, such as funny character designs and quirky gameplay mechanics. Many reviews mention specific humorous moments, like the ridiculousness of certain enemies and the amusing interactions within the game, contributing to an overall lighthearted and entertaining experience. Despite some criticisms regarding outdated gameplay, the humor remains a significant draw for players.

    • “Not only does Skeletor look so stupid that it makes him funny looking and lovable, but he is also one of the most dangerous enemies in the game.”
    • “There’s even one level where you can get a cyberdemon and a spiderdemon to fight, which is as hardcore as it is hilarious to watch.”
    • “So combined with the gameplay, style, design choices, and just simply the fact that you could never run out of levels to play, even if that involves sitting back and laughing at the bad ones, classic Doom, and more specifically Doom II, is 100% worth the 5 bucks.”
  • atmosphere42 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive and eerie qualities, effectively combining gritty visuals, sound design, and level design to create a dark and foreboding environment. Despite some dated graphics, the atmosphere remains thick and vivid, enhancing the overall experience with a sense of dread and tension. Players appreciate the unique blend of fast-paced combat and atmospheric storytelling, making it a standout title in the retro shooter genre.

    • “The gritty, gruesome visuals and eerie atmosphere add to the game's dark and foreboding tone.”
    • “This is an incredibly atmospheric retro shooter set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland.”
    • “The atmosphere is very strong, making you feel like the earth has been corrupted with flesh and metallic walls, and the living eye switches that blink when you touch them or the pools of blood; you go to factories, cities, and more.”
    • “The atmosphere and dread is gone, with more gimmick levels and bland suburban designs thrown in.”
    • “However, I do feel like the overall tone (music, atmosphere, and level design) was better in the first one.”
    • “While the visuals may seem dated by today's standards, the atmosphere created by the game's sound design and level design is still effective in immersing players in its demonic world.”
  • stability32 mentions

    The game's stability is a mixed bag, with reports of smooth performance and fluid gameplay for several hours on a single charge, but many users have encountered significant glitches, including freezing at the title screen and during gameplay. While it runs well on Windows 10 using DOSBox, the non-classic controls version is particularly problematic, often requiring community fixes to be playable. Overall, while some players enjoy the experience despite the bugs, others find the instability frustrating.

    • “4-5 hours of play time on a single charge, everything is fluid and runs great.”
    • “Runs great under Windows 10 because it uses DOSBox.”
    • “The game runs great on my Windows 7 64-bit.”
    • “Doom 2 is great since it has controller support, but the only problem I'm having is that the game freezes up during the secret levels and doesn't want to send me to the next map.”
    • “I want to put it in the middle because while the classic controls version is excellent, and even has some controller support (you still need the keyboard though), the non-classic controls version is unplayable on Windows 10 (freezes on title screen).”
    • “I'm sure this game is great and I was very excited to play it, but it doesn't work; it goes to the title screen and freezes.”
  • optimization22 mentions

    The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with some users noting that while it runs smoothly on modern systems, it requires significant file editing and the use of community patches for optimal performance. Many players experienced issues such as stuttering frame rates, off-beat music, and poor DOS emulation, indicating that the default setup is not well-optimized. Overall, while the remaster retains a small file size and some classic charm, it struggles with performance compared to other modern source ports.

    • “A Windows 95/98 classic remastered to run smoothly on Windows 10+.”
    • “- Hilariously small filesize with great optimization (thanks Carmack! But I guess it's a given with how old it is by now).”
    • “As with the original Doom, Zandronum or any other modernizer/patch are recommended to make this game run smoothly with newer computers.”
    • “The frame rate runs at a constant stutter, the music is off beat, it has some performance issues oddly enough, and more that I'm sure I didn't encounter.”
    • “The fake DOS emulation done by the game (without the module) is poorly optimized and runs poorly.”
    • “This Steam release uses DOSBox to emulate a DOS environment for the game, but its default setup is not optimized.”
  • emotional12 mentions

    Reviews highlight a mixed emotional experience in the game, with some players finding it emotionally devastating due to challenging gameplay that humbles them, while others note a lack of a compelling storyline or character development, as the main character is largely silent. The music is frequently praised as a standout element, adding depth to the overall experience despite the minimal emotional narrative.

    • “New enemies that make you feel like you want to cry.”
    • “Doom 2 is a touching tale of a space soldier and his super shotgun trying to get by in a city run by hell demons.”
    • “[url=https://www.doomworld.com/forum/topic/68089-sunlust-on-idgames/]sunlust (limit removing):[/url] it's, uh, emotionally devastating, for when you're feeling a bit too cocky after beating plutonia on ultra-violence and need to get knocked down a couple notches.”
  • monetization10 mentions

    The monetization model of the game has been criticized for its reliance on microtransactions, limited-time events, and DLC, which detracts from the overall experience and balance, particularly in multiplayer. Reviewers suggest that the game feels like a cash grab with a lack of originality, urging players to seek out better alternatives like "Doom Eternal" or popular mods such as "Brutal Doom" for a more fulfilling experience.

    • “7 weapons, no secondary weapon mode, no mods, no ads.”
    • “Time travel to before microtransactions, broken game releases and DLC, focus on perfect fun, skill, and, of course, hell.”
    • “Modern doom = microtransactions, limited time events, DLC, unbalanced multiplayer.”
    • “If you want to play an actual good Doom game, play Doom Eternal and don't get this shameless cash grab with no originality.”
    • “Time travel to before microtransactions, broken game releases, and DLC; focus on perfect fun, skill, and, of course, hell.”
  • character development2 mentions

    Character development in the game is highlighted by American McGee's imaginative design and Adrian Carmack's strikingly grotesque character designs and landscapes, which create a haunting and memorable experience for players.

Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

7hMedian play time
6hAverage play time
7hMain story
14hCompletionist
5-8hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 16 analyzed playthroughs

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