Doom 64

94%
Game Brain Score Based on 4,116 reviews
  • music
  • atmosphere
  • graphics
Doom 64 Game Cover
This is the best of the classic style Doom games, fight me.
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DOOM 64 is a horror shooter game, originally released for Nintendo 64, now available on PC. Players fight against demons in a single-player campaign across 30 action-packed levels. The game features enhanced weapons, secrets to discover, and an atmospheric journey to hunt down the Mother of Demons and stop Hell's invasion. With amazing story, compelling gameplay, awesome graphics, and good music, DOOM 64 offers a dense and immersive experience for fans of the series.

  • Windows
  • Cloud
  • x_box_cloud_gaming
Play Modes

Reviews

94%
Audience ScoreBased on 4,116 reviews
music128 positive mentions
optimization10 negative mentions
  • music664 mentions

    The music in Doom 64 has been a polarizing aspect among players, with many noting its significant departure from the heavy metal soundtracks of the original Doom games. Instead, it features a dark, ambient soundtrack composed by Aubrey Hodges, which enhances the game's horror atmosphere but often lacks the energetic and memorable qualities that fans associate with the franchise. While some players appreciate the eerie soundscapes and find them fitting for the game's tone, others miss the adrenaline-pumping music of earlier titles, feeling that the ambient tracks can detract from the overall experience.

    • “The atmosphere is superb, with such an intriguing and dark color palette and a complete tonal change soundtrack-wise from what we're used to seeing in Doom 1 and 2.”
    • “The dark atmosphere and the ambient soundtrack in combination with the sound effects really sell you on the feeling of being alone and distraught.”
    • “A unique and interesting take on the classic Doom formula that isn't afraid to change things up with gothic scenery, an atmospheric soundtrack, and some unique stage design choices and techniques that are sure to surprise you.”
    • “The game lacks memorable music, enemy encounters, has too much ammo, and features boring maps.”
    • “The soundtrack is bizarre and haunting, punctuated by distorted screams and babies crying over midi bass loops that can only be described as threatening.”
    • “The music is ambient and not rockin' like the original doom, but that's ok - I personally prefer the old school music, but I can see how the ambient music is effective in its own right.”
  • atmosphere467 mentions

    The atmosphere of Doom 64 is widely praised for its dark, eerie, and immersive qualities, setting it apart from its predecessors. Reviewers highlight the game's unique blend of gothic visuals, ambient sound design, and a haunting soundtrack that enhances the horror experience, creating a sense of dread and tension throughout gameplay. While some miss the energetic metal soundtracks of earlier titles, many appreciate the atmospheric shift that emphasizes exploration and puzzle-solving within a more sinister environment.

    • “The redesigns of the monsters and arsenal work exceptionally well in the dark, moody hallways of this game, which are lit with colorful ambiance and neon lights that resonate an atmosphere that is unique, thrilling, creepy yet incredibly cozy and just overall a highlight of this game - along with its chilling soundtrack that is just as great as Quake's OST in terms of both approach and execution.”
    • “The atmosphere is superb, with such an intriguing and dark color palette and a complete tonal change soundtrack-wise from what we're used to seeing in Doom 1 and 2.”
    • “Doom 64 is an FPS originally developed by Midway Games that is incredibly dark and atmospheric thanks to the sprite work and ambient soundtrack composed by Aubrey Hodges, which really helps deliver the experience.”
    • “The atmosphere is much darker and creepier than typical Doom fare, and this is reflected in gameplay with an emphasis on puzzle-based levels, and how much damage enemies can dish out, forcing the player to take corners slowly, and even listen for specific demon noises.”
    • “The soundtrack and general atmosphere is completely different too; there's no actual music within levels anymore, instead you'll be hearing creepy ambient tracks as you walk down dimly lit corridors, Doom 64 has an atmosphere that feels like something out of a horror game.”
    • “The dark, moody atmosphere coupled with the eerie soundscape in place of rocking music creates a sense of horror crawling under your skin and staying there.”
  • graphics436 mentions

    The graphics of Doom 64 have received mixed reviews, with many praising the updated visuals that enhance the classic atmosphere while maintaining a darker, more ambient aesthetic reminiscent of Quake. Players appreciate the improved textures, lighting, and character models, which contribute to a more immersive experience, although some feel that the graphics can appear dated or less appealing compared to modern standards. Overall, the remaster successfully blends nostalgia with modern enhancements, making it visually appealing for both new players and long-time fans of the series.

    • “From the moment I launched the game, I was greeted with nostalgia-inducing visuals that seamlessly blended the classic atmosphere of the original with modern graphical enhancements.”
    • “The graphics are a gigantic upgrade, looking far better than ever before in the classic Doom series.”
    • “Doom 64 is a classic gem that I feel a lot of people missed that feels like the original and Doom 2 while also bringing some cool graphical updates along with 32 wonderfully designed levels.”
    • “The graphics are terrible, but not as bad as I expected on a large screen.”
    • “Worse visuals and level design than Doom 1 & 2 - not worth it.”
    • “The graphics style could have looked fine on a CRT screen due to how those handle pre-rendered graphics, but on a modern monitor they are just blurry jpegs of very basic models that stand out over the unfiltered pixely textures of the levels.”
  • gameplay374 mentions

    The gameplay of Doom 64 retains the classic fast-paced run-and-gun mechanics familiar to fans of the series, while introducing a darker atmosphere and more puzzle elements that can sometimes slow down the action. Players appreciate the nostalgic feel and solid mechanics, though some find the level design and navigation can be frustratingly complex. Overall, it offers a satisfying blend of traditional Doom gameplay with new features, making it a worthwhile experience for both new and returning players.

    • “The gameplay flows along the levels which are memorable and engaging, especially the secret levels and what they have to offer to the player. The combat encounters are thoughtful and work well within the areas they are confined in, and the difficulty and tension escalates steadily, pushing the player forward rather than stunning them.”
    • “With its gorgeous visuals, exhilarating gameplay, and expertly designed levels, it's a must-play for fans of the series, old and new alike.”
    • “The gameplay is everything that made Doom so much fun; it's the satisfying fast-paced run-and-gun dance to slaughter hordes of demons.”
    • “I guess it's all right, as a FPS from 1997, but I found the mazes too difficult and the gameplay too punishing.”
    • “Overall the gameplay felt more like a chore and I finished it just for the sake of completing the franchise.”
    • “The gameplay becomes a bit monotone with the same monsters all the time.”
  • story159 mentions

    The story of Doom 64 serves as a direct sequel to Doom II, featuring a simple narrative where the protagonist, Doomguy, battles resurrected demons after a period of decommissioning. While some players appreciate the atmospheric and horror elements introduced, many agree that the story is secondary to the gameplay, often described as minimal or forgettable. The inclusion of "lost levels" in the re-release attempts to bridge the narrative to the modern Doom titles, adding some depth but still maintaining a focus on action over plot.

    • “Doom 64 is a sequel to the events after Doom 2, where the mother of all demons has started to resurrect the hellspawn you have killed, so it is connected to the original Doom storyline.”
    • “The story is very simple and easy to follow, which is great in my opinion.”
    • “With one last addition in the form of the lost levels, the story is now completely connected with Doom 2016 and Eternal, and it only makes it feel all the more epic for doing so.”
    • “No story or tutorials to waste your time.”
    • “Let’s be honest, the plot is almost entirely unimportant.”
    • “So I know these old Doom games never had much of a story to begin with, but this game practically has none.”
  • optimization30 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players experiencing significant stuttering and performance issues, particularly on certain systems and after updates. While many appreciate the modern controller support and improved graphics, others prefer alternative versions like doom64ex for better performance. Overall, the game's optimization appears inconsistent, with some users reporting smooth gameplay while others encounter frustrating lag and input problems.

    • “The game also includes new controls that are optimized for modern controllers, which makes the game even more intuitive and easy to play.”
    • “This port's optimization is absolutely fantastic.”
    • “The performance seems rock-solid for me, and seems to be pretty well-optimized.”
    • “This game also has a stuttering issue for whatever reason.”
    • “It's not enough to be game-breaking, but the game is still playing while you're stuttering, so if you're in a fight while it's happening, it could result in you dying.”
    • “Aged poorly and the Bethesda port causes performance issues compared to the total conversion mod that's been free for years.”
  • replayability22 mentions

    Overall, the game's replayability is viewed as a mixed bag; while some players find it infinitely replayable due to its secrets and challenges, others feel that the puzzle-solving elements can hinder replay value as players may forget solutions. The inclusion of multiple difficulty levels and potential for mods or speedrunning adds to its longevity, but some reviewers suggest that additional modes, like multiplayer, could enhance the experience further.

    • “Its actually a great deal, all 4 games are fantastic, and all of them have incredible replay value.”
    • “The preponderance of replayability in Doom 64 is in digging secrets, playing hidden maps, and finding easter eggs.”
    • “This is definitely one of those games that has enough replay value for another 20+ hours for mods and learning how to speedrun it, so you're getting a lot of value out of it.”
    • “Having an achievement for beating a level in a par time, or pistol starting certain levels would have added some extra length, challenge, and replay value.”
    • “I honestly think the puzzle solving is what makes the game fun and engaging, but it does make replayability pretty lacking, since you might not remember all the solutions and get stuck easily.”
    • “Including a multiplayer mode or any other new mode could've remarkably increased the replay value, especially since this is a repackage.”
  • stability20 mentions

    Overall, the game's stability is generally praised, with many users reporting smooth performance on various platforms, including the Steam Deck and modern hardware. However, some players have encountered occasional visual glitches and technical issues, such as crashes when alt-tabbing, which can detract from the experience. Despite these minor setbacks, the game is largely considered well-optimized and bug-free, especially for a title based on an older engine.

    • “Another revamping of an old Doom engine game by Nightdive Studios that remains faithful and bug-free.”
    • “Has some great new settings compared to the original version, and it runs great on the Steam Deck.”
    • “Looks and runs great, rendering with Vulkan.”
    • “Serious visual glitches aside, this is a very old game with poor controls and gameplay.”
    • “This is one where, even though it's a really good game and I really like it, I have to go thumbs down because of significant technical issues/glitches with the game that result in less than an expected/hoped for gaming experience.”
    • “A bit buggy though, had a few crashes when alt-tabbing out.”
  • grinding18 mentions

    Reviews indicate that grinding in the game can be excessively tedious, often requiring players to engage in repetitive tasks such as backtracking and solving simplistic puzzles. While some appreciate the overall fun and atmosphere, many feel that the level design and lack of engaging combat contribute to a frustrating experience that detracts from enjoyment. Overall, players suggest that the grinding aspect may necessitate significant time investment, making it feel like a chore rather than an enjoyable challenge.

    • “A bit grindy... sometimes.”
    • “One long, tedious grind.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “It is rather tedious, with few monsters and a lot of doors, walking around and pushing buttons.”
    • “Unfortunately, they are offset by really tedious levels that suck the joy out of the game.”
  • humor18 mentions

    The humor in the game is characterized by a mix of nostalgic references, playful gameplay mechanics, and amusing sound effects, which evoke laughter amidst the chaos of combat. Players find humor in the juxtaposition of horror elements with lighthearted moments, such as quirky character designs and funny in-game scenarios. Overall, while the game may not break new ground, its comedic touches and nostalgic charm resonate well with fans.

    • “Good happy funny doom haha”
    • “Funny gameplay and a lot of guns to use; also, the music and level design are fantastic for a game made in 1997.”
    • “I was terrified at a young age seeing how monstrous that cyberdemon was; now I was laughing as I ended one after the other.”
  • monetization9 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has drawn mixed reactions, with some players perceiving it as a cash grab by Bethesda, particularly due to intrusive advertising and a lack of genuine engagement with the community. Despite these concerns, many still appreciate the game's quality and express hope for a shift away from monetization practices that include microtransactions and excessive promotional content. Overall, while the game is praised for its gameplay, the monetization strategy has left a sour taste for some players.

    • “Bethesda doesn't deserve your money after all they've done recently, but if we can show them that we want more of this (no microtransactions, no account required, pure fun, etc.), then maybe they'll change. Well, no, seriously, I doubt that, but anyway, this game is totally worth it.”
    • “The monetization model is refreshing, focusing on player experience rather than pushing for constant purchases.”
    • “I appreciate that the game offers a fair balance between free content and optional purchases, making it enjoyable without feeling pressured to spend.”
    • “Might change my review if they ever address the issues, but as it is, it just feels like a cash grab by Bethesda.”
    • “The tickbox for getting spammed with Bethesda news is another sour point - why would I recommend buying a game that wants to push advertising?”
    • “This is a rushed cash grab of a port.”
  • emotional9 mentions

    Players express a mix of emotions while engaging with the game, highlighting feelings of excitement and nostalgia, particularly through its art style and classic gameplay elements. However, some reviews indicate a disconnect with the port's execution, leading to disappointment despite the game's potential to evoke fear and discomfort through its monster designs. Overall, the emotional experience is characterized by a blend of enjoyment and frustration, with a longing for a more polished version of the game.

    • “Playing through the game, I didn't face a single thing that made me feel I would die before the final boss - except maybe having to jump into a poison pool for the 38th time I backtracked in a level to find some weird thing to press/shoot.”
    • “The heartbreaking part about the port is that the game itself is amazing, but the Bethesda/Nightdive release is not the way to experience it.”
    • “Personally, I loved all of the monster changes; it's been a long time since Doom monsters have made me feel afraid and uncomfortable to fight them up close!”
  • character development2 mentions

    While the character designs and art style are praised for their brilliance and unique color palette, there are no specific comments on character development itself, suggesting that this aspect may not be a focal point in the reviews.

    • “The art style and character designs are brilliant, and the color palette gives the game a unique feel.”
    • “About halfway through my playthrough, and the only problem I have with it is the character designs.”
    • “The character development feels shallow and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with the characters.”
    • “I expected more growth and change in the characters, but they remain static throughout the game.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

75% average critic score

Buy Doom 64

Play time

12hMedian play time
12hAverage play time
7hMain story
10hCompletionist
9-12hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 6 analyzed playthroughs

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