DOOM + DOOM II

Blast from the Past: DOOM + DOOM II for Windows

This collection brings the two most iconic first-person shooters of the 1990s to modern Windows in a single, polished package. Published by Bethesda Softworks, it's a faithful re-release that includes both the original DOOM and its sequel, plus all official expansions and a brand-new episode. For anyone who wants to experience—or re-experience—the birth of the fast-paced, demon-slaying genre, this is the definitive way to play.

What You're Getting in One Box

Developed by id Software (the original masters) and published by Bethesda, this bundle isn't just a slapdash port. It bundles DOOM (1993), DOOM II (1994), the Master Levels for DOOM II, the No Rest for the Living expansion, and a surprisingly fresh new episode called “Legacy of Rust” created by id Software and Nightdive Studios. The main highlights? Cross-platform multiplayer (yes, you can frag your friends on Xbox and PC together), support for 4K resolution and 120 frames per second, and a completely reworked soundtrack with optional original MIDI. Oh, and you get the full, uncensored violence—no cuts, no compromises.

This collection is for anyone with a pulse: nostalgic veterans who still remember the cheat code IDDQD, curious newcomers who want to see where Call of Duty got its DNA, and modders who want a modern base to build upon.

Why This Still Feels Like a Rush of Adrenaline

Let me paint you a picture: you hit “New Game,” the screen flashes with a grainy sky, and the first thing you hear is that low, growling guitar riff. Within seconds, an Imp throws a fireball at your face. You strafe, fire your shotgun, and the demon explodes into pixelated chunks. Thirty years on, and it still makes me grin like a kid hopped up on soda.

But here's the thing: this isn't just “a classic port.” The team at Nightdive Studios (yes, the wizards behind the System Shock remake) have sprinkled modern fairy dust on the code. The result? A shooter that feels as snappy and responsive as any modern title, while keeping the raw, arcade-like thrill intact. No forced tutorials, no cutscenes, no handholding—just you, a gun, and a sea of demons.

The Two Features That Steal the Show

If I had to pick the most special tricks in this bundle, they'd be the cross-platform multiplayer and the new episode “Legacy of Rust.”

Cross-platform multiplayer is a big deal because—let's face it—deathmatch is the soul of DOOM. You can now challenge your buddy on an Xbox Series X while you're on a PC with a mouse and keyboard, or even join a lobby with strangers. Matches are silky smooth, with netcode that rarely stutters. It's like the old LAN parties, but without the hassle of hauling a CRT monitor to a friend's basement. The mode includes classic free-for-all, team deathmatch, and co-op for the entire campaign. One word of caution: keyboard-and-mouse players have a clear advantage over controller users, so you might want to set some house rules.

“Legacy of Rust” is the real surprise. It's a full 16-level campaign that feels like it was crafted in 1994 by people who loved the game too much to let it go. The level design is witty—tight corridors, hidden switches, and the occasional “oh come on!” trap. New textures, new monsters (the “Pain Elemental” gets a twisted cousin?), and a difficulty curve that respects both noobs and aged pros. It's not just a cash-grab; it's a love letter.

How Does It Feel? (Spoiler: Like Butter)

Let's talk about the user experience, because this is where the collection truly shines. The interface is clean and minimalist: a simple menu with “New Game,” “Load,” “Multiplayer,” and “Options.” No clutter. The HUD inside the game retains the classic low-res layout but scales beautifully at higher resolutions. You can toggle between a cleaned-up widescreen view or the original 4:3 aspect ratio with a vintage CRT filter. I prefer widescreen—it gives you a wider field of view without feeling stretched—but the filter is fun for nostalgia.

Operation smoothness? I tested this on a modest laptop (Intel i5, integrated graphics) at 1080p, and it held a locked 60 FPS. On a gaming rig, you can push 144 FPS at 4K without breaking a sweat. The controls are fully remappable, and the mouse look is responsive. One minor quibble: the default mouse sensitivity felt a tad high for precise aiming, but that's easy to dial down.

Learning curve is almost nonexistent. If you've ever played any first-person shooter, you can jump in. The only skill you need is to remember to strafe around corners and shoot before thinking. For newcomers, the game helpfully explains the basic controls in a single image when you start—no lengthy tutorials. It respects your intelligence.

What Sets It Apart from Other Shooters?

Compared to modern shooters like Call of Duty or Overwatch, DOOM + DOOM II feel like a breath of fresh, slightly toxic air. There's no regenerative health, no cover mechanics, no slow reload animations. You either move fast and shoot straight, or you die. It's a pure test of reflexes and spatial awareness. The level design is a labyrinth of interconnected rooms and secrets—no linear corridors scripted to push you forward. This freedom is intoxicating.

The unique advantage of this bundle over other retro re-releases (like the Quake remaster) is its focus on preservation plus improvement. You get the original WAD files, you get mod support (drag and drop custom maps), and you get a modern multiplayer infrastructure that actually works. It doesn't try to “reimagine” the game or add unnecessary story; it just makes the classic accessible again.

Should You Buy It? My Honest Take

Absolutely yes—if you have even a passing interest in the history of video games, or if you want to show a younger friend what “pure fun” looks like without loot boxes. The asking price (around $10 on the Microsoft Store) is a steal for the amount of content: roughly 60+ levels across the campaigns, plus endless replayability from multiplayer and user-created levels.

One practical tip: if you're a controller purist, consider mapping the weapon wheel to a thumbstick or back paddle—the default weapon switching (using the D-pad) can be a bit clunky in the heat of battle. But that's a minor nitpick.

In short: this is the definitive way to play two of the most important games ever made. It's fast, it's ugly in all the right ways, and it's still, 30 years later, an absolute riot. Grab it, load your shotgun, and don't forget the secret door at the end of level one. You know the one.

FAQ

How do I start playing DOOM + DOOM II?

After installation, launch the game and select "Campaign" from the main menu to begin the single-player experience. For multiplayer, choose "Multiplayer" and then "Online" or "Split-Screen." A Bethesda.net account is required for online features but not for offline play.

What content is included in this package?

The package includes DOOM, DOOM II, TNT: Evilution, The Plutonia Experiment, Master Levels, No Rest for the Living, Sigil, and a new episode Legacy of Rust. It also features 187 mission maps, 43 deathmatch maps, and a 26-map deathmatch pack.

Can I play offline without an internet connection?

Yes, you can play the entire single-player campaign and local split-screen multiplayer (up to 4 players) offline. However, online multiplayer, mod browsing, and mod installation require an active internet connection and a Bethesda.net account.

How do I play online multiplayer with cross-platform support?

Sign in with your Bethesda.net account, then go to Main Menu > Multiplayer > Online. You can host or join deathmatch and co-op games with up to 16 players across platforms. Ensure crossplay is enabled in the network settings.

How can I install and use community-created mods?

From the main menu, select "Mods" to open the in-game browser. Choose a mod, install it (requires extra storage), then activate it in the same menu. You'll need a Bethesda.net account. Compatibility with BOOM source ensures hundreds of classic mods work.

Can I switch between the original and new soundtracks?

Yes. Go to Options > Audio > Soundtrack and toggle between "Original MIDI" and "IDKFA by Andrew Hulshult." The IDKFA version features newly recorded tracks for DOOM II. Changes apply immediately during gameplay.