Editing Final Doom

{{Short description|1996 video game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date = February 2025}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Final Doom
| image = Final Doom Coverart.png
| developer = {{ubl|[[TeamTNT]]<!-- id Software only published the game -->{{efn|Converted to the [[PlayStation]] by [[Leland Corporation|Leland Interactive Media]]. [[Nerve Software]] contributed to the 2019 add-on while [[Nightdive Studios]] contributed to the 2024 release.}}}}
| publisher = {{Ubl|[[id Software]]|[[Williams Entertainment]] {{Small|(PSX)}}|[[Bethesda Softworks]] {{Small|(PS3/2024 release)}}}}
| engine = {{ubl|[[Doom engine]]|[[Unity (game engine)|Unity]] {{Small|(2019 add-on)}}|Kex Engine {{Small|(2024 release)}}}}
| director = Ty Halderman (''TNT: Evilution'') <br/> Dario Casali (''The Plutonia Experiment'')
| designer = [[John Romero]]
| programmer = [[John Carmack]]<br/>John Romero
| artist = [[Adrian Carmack]]<br/>[[Kevin Cloud]]
| composer = {{collapsible list|title=List of composers|1=Jonathan El-Bizri<br />Josh Martel<br />L.A. Sieben<br />Tom Mustaine<br />[[Aubrey Hodges]]{{efn|Aubrey Hodges composed the PlayStation port of the game.}}}}
| series = ''[[Doom (franchise)|Doom]]''
| platforms = {{Collapsible list
| title = {{nobold|[[MS-DOS]]}}
|[[Windows]]
| [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]
| [[Classic Mac OS|Mac OS]]
| [[PlayStation 3]]
}}
| released = {{Collapsible list
| title = {{nobold|June 17, 1996}}
| '''MS-DOS'''{{vgrelease|NA|June 17, 1996|EU|October 4, 1996<ref name="release">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/staffordshire-newsletter-uttoxeter-ed/140224705/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204112133/https://www.newspapers.com/article/staffordshire-newsletter-uttoxeter-ed/140224705/|newspaper=Staffordshire Newsletter (Uttoxeter ed.)|title=New This Week|page=69|archivedate=February 4, 2024|date=October 4, 1996|access-date=February 4, 2024|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref>}}
|'''Windows'''{{vgrelease|NA|June 27, 1996<ref>{{Cite web |date=1997-02-27 |title=Online Gaming Review |url=http://www.ogr.com/news/news0696.html |access-date=2023-04-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970227065847/http://www.ogr.com/news/news0696.html |archive-date=1997-02-27 }}</ref>|EU|October 4, 1996<ref name="release"/>}}
| '''PlayStation'''{{vgrelease|NA|October 1, 1996|EU|October 4, 1996<ref name="release"/>}}
| '''Mac OS'''{{vgrelease|NA|December 4, 1996}}
| '''PlayStation 3'''{{vgrelease|WW|November 20, 2012}}
}}
| genre = [[First-person shooter]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
}}

'''''Final Doom''''' is a 1996 [[first-person shooter|first-person shooter game]] developed by [[TeamTNT]] and published by [[id Software]] for [[MS-DOS]] and [[Classic Mac OS|Macintosh]] computers, as well as for the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], although the latter featured a selection of levels from the game and from ''[[Master Levels for Doom II]]''.

The third entry in id Software's [[Doom (franchise)|''Doom'' franchise]] and the first to not be developed by id, ''Final Doom'' consists of two 32-level episodes (or [[Doom modding|megawads]]), ''TNT: Evilution'' and ''The Plutonia Experiment''. Both megawads were created by members of the hobbyist group [[TeamTNT]], with id Software purchasing the rights to ''TNT: Evilution'' just before its planned free release<ref name="halderman1">{{Cite web |date=1998 |title=Ty Halderman Interview - Page 1 |url=https://5years.doomworld.com/interviews/tyhalderman/ |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=Doomworld}}</ref> and ''The Plutonia Experiment'' being made specifically at the request of id Software by Dario and Milo Casali.<ref name="casali1">{{Cite web |date=1998 |title=Dario Casali - Page 1|url=http://5years.doomworld.com/interviews/dariocasali/ |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=Doomworld}}</ref>

Both episodes take place after the events of ''[[Doom II]]''.''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Storylines for Classic Doom / Doom II games |url=http://www.classicdoom.com/doomtext.htm |access-date=2020-07-11 |website=www.classicdoom.com}}</ref>'' ''TNT: Evilution'' features a mostly new soundtrack interspersed with some tracks from ''Doom II'', while the soundtrack for ''The Plutonia Experiment'' entirely consists of tracks from ''[[Doom (1993 video game)|Doom]]'' and ''Doom II''.

During August 2022, ''Final Doom'' was delisted from the [[Steam (service)|Steam]] store, in an effort from id Software to consolidate their games' multiple releases and editions. Therefore, ''Final Doom'' was bundled into ''Doom II'' as a single listing, along with ''Master Levels for Doom II'' and ''No Rest for the Living'' expansion pack.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-08-12 |title=Quake and Doom developer is bundling multiple versions of its games on Steam, here's why |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/gadgets-news/quake-and-doom-developer-is-bundling-multiple-versions-of-its-games-on-steam-heres-why/articleshow/93519536.cms |access-date=2023-08-23 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

==Gameplay==
{{see also|Doom (1993 video game)#Gameplay}}

''Final Doom'' plays identically to ''[[Doom II|Doom II: Hell on Earth]]'', featuring the same weapons, items, and monsters.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=October 1996 |title=Final Doom |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |issue=87 |page=55 |quote=This time around, there are no new weapons or enemies, just another series of masterfully designed maps ...}}</ref> It is widely considered{{By whom|date=May 2025}} to be significantly more difficult than its predecessors ''Doom'' and ''Doom II,'' with The Plutonia Experiment generally being considered more difficult than TNT Evilution.

=== PlayStation version ===
The gameplay in the PlayStation version of ''Final Doom'' is nearly identical to that found in the [[Official versions of Doom#PlayStation|PlayStation version of ''Doom'']], and, in addition, it was compatible with the [[PlayStation Mouse]].<ref name="GP98" /> Compared to the MS-DOS original, the PlayStation version's overall difficulty was significantly reduced. Many of the harder levels were removed and those that remained often had enemies taken out. For instance, the Cyberdemon was removed from the level 'Baron's Lair'. As in the original PlayStation version of ''Doom'', many of the larger levels from the original MS-DOS versions of ''Final Doom'' and ''Master Levels for Doom II'' were removed, and both the Arch-vile and Spider Mastermind monsters were removed, due to technical constraints. This limited the PlayStation version to 30 levels in total. The more traditional rock tracks featured in ''Final Doom'' were replaced by a darker ambient soundtrack by Aubrey Hodges, who later composed the music for ''[[Doom 64]]'' in 1997.

There are also several graphical alterations in the PlayStation version. The simplistic title screens featured in the computer versions have been replaced by a more elaborate title screen that features the animated flame-filled sky texture from the original PlayStation version of ''Doom''. Many of the levels' sky textures have been replaced; some levels' skies are replaced by sky textures seen in previous ''Doom'' games, whereas others now feature a new starry sky texture. Finally, most of the level layouts are simplified, similar to previous ''Doom'' console ports, and the frame rate of the game is often lower than it was in the first PlayStation ''Doom'' game.

==Plot==
===''TNT: Evilution''===
In ''TNT: Evilution'', the UAC are once again intent on developing and experimenting with dimensional gateway technology. They set up a base on one of the moons of [[Jupiter]], with a detachment of [[space marine]]s for protection. The marines do their job well; when the first experimental gateway is opened, they annihilate the forces of [[Hell]]. Research continues with more confidence and all security measures turned at the gateway.

A few months later, the yearly supply ship comes ahead of schedule, and looks strange and unusually big on the radar. The lax radar operators decide that there is nothing to worry about. The personnel of the base go out to behold the terrible truth: it is a spaceship from Hell, built out of steel, stone, flesh, bone and corruption. The ship's enormous gates open to unleash a rain of [[demon]]s on the base. Quickly, the entire facility is overrun, and everyone is slain or zombified.

The main character, the nameless space marine (who was revealed to be the marine commander on the moon) has been away on a walk at that time and thus escapes death or zombification. After being attacked by an [[imp]], he rushes back to the base where he sees the demonic spaceship still hovering above it and realizes what has happened. He then swears that he will avenge his slain troops and sets out to kill as many demons as possible.

In the end, the marine defeats the Icon of Sin and the game describes "something rumbles in the distance. A blue light glows within the ruined skull of the demon-spitter."

===''The Plutonia Experiment''===
In ''The Plutonia Experiment'', after [[Hell]]'s catastrophic invasion of [[Earth]], the global governments decide to take measures against any possible future invasion, knowing that the powers of Hell still remained strong. The UAC is reformed under completely new management (the old trustees and stockholders were all dead anyway) and aims at developing tools that would prevent demonic invasions.

The scientists start working on a device known as the ''Quantum Accelerator'' intended to close invasion Gates and stop future invasions. The experiments are carried out in a secret research complex, with a stationed detachment of marines. The work seems to be going well but the creatures from Outside have their attention drawn towards the new research. A Gate opens in the heart of the complex and unnatural horrors pour out. The Quantum Accelerator performs superbly: the Gate is quickly closed and the invasion is stopped. Research continues more boldly.

On the next day, a ring of 7 Gates opens and an even greater invasion begins. For one hour the Quantum Accelerators manage to close 6 of the Gates, but the Hellish army has become too numerous and too strong. The complex is overrun and everyone is slain, or [[zombie|zombified]]. The last Gate of Hell remains open, guarded by a Gatekeeper: a powerful, enormous and ancient demon that has the power to open Dimensional Gates and control or protect them.

The government, frantic that the Quantum Accelerator will be destroyed or used against humanity, orders all marines to the site at once. The player, the nameless space marine, was on leave at the beach. He was also closest to the site and gets there first. There he discovers that there is much demonic activity (howling, chanting, machine sounds) within the complex; the Gatekeeper is obviously working on something, and his work would soon reach some awful climax. He also realizes that when the marines arrive, they would not be able to penetrate the heavily infested complex, despite the firepower and support they will have. The marine decides to enter the complex and stop the Gatekeeper alone.

==Development==
The original ''TNT: Evilution'' [[Doom modding|megawad]] was created by [[TeamTNT]], a group of WAD-making hobbyists who were active on the 'advanced ''Doom'' editing' [[mailing list]]. It was scheduled to be released online as a free download on October 25, 1995. However, just 5 hours before its release [[John Romero]] contacted the leader of TeamTNT, Ty Halderman, with an offer to acquire and sell the project as an official product."<ref name="halderman1"/> The 2–3 dozen core members of TeamTNT formed a legal entity and completed the sale to [[id Software]] a couple weeks later.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1998 |title=Ty Halderman Interview - Page 2 |url=https://5years.doomworld.com/interviews/tyhalderman/page2.shtml |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=Doomworld}}</ref> [[GT Interactive]] secured worldwide rights to distribute the game in February 1996.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/GT%2BInteractive%2BHeralds%2B%27The%2BiDs%2Bof%2BMarch%2C%27%2B%27Final%2BDoom%2C%27%2B%27Hexen%27%2Bfor...-a017920455|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928100426/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/GT+Interactive+Heralds+'The+iDs+of+March%2c'+'Final+Doom%2c'+'Hexen'+for...-a017920455|title=GT Interactive Heralds 'The iDs of March,' 'Final Doom,' 'Hexen' for Mac, 'Heretic Master Levels,' 'Doom II,' 'Hexen Deathkings,' and 'Ultimate Doom'; Company's Spring id Games Readies Players for QUAKE Fall release|website=[[Business Wire]]|archivedate=September 28, 2012|date=February 5, 1996|accessdate=February 4, 2024|via=[[The Free Library]]}}</ref>

Brothers Dario and Milo Casali, who had contributed eight [[level (video games)|level]]s to ''TNT: Evilution'', were assigned the task of creating what became ''The Plutonia Experiment'' after having sent an eight-level WAD they had created to [[American McGee]] and managing to impress him along with the rest of the id Software crew. They created 16 levels each for ''The Plutonia Experiment'' in four months time, and submitted them in January 1996. Unlike their contributions to ''TNT: Evilution'', which were edited by id Software before the final release,{{Efn|Additionally, four of their eight levels were excluded from the final release because they were too big to run on 8MB of RAM, ''Final Doom''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s minimum system requirement.}} no revisions were made to or requested for these 32 levels.<ref name="casali2">{{Cite web |date=1998 |title=Dario Casali - Page 2|url=http://5years.doomworld.com/interviews/dariocasali/page2.shtml |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=Doomworld}}</ref>

When asked post-release about reports that many players found the ''Plutonia'' levels too hard for them, Dario Casali stated that "''Plutonia'' was always meant for people who had finished ''Doom 2'' on hard and were looking for a new challenge. I always played through the level I had made on hard, and if I could beat it too easily, I made it harder, so it was a challenge for me."<ref name="casali2"/>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| GR = 81% (PS)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/562797-final-doom/index.html |title=Final DOOM for PlayStation |website=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=26 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209013740/https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/562797-final-doom/index.html |archive-date=9 December 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| EGM = 6.125/10 (PS)<ref name=EGM89/>
| GSpot = 4.6/10 (PC)<ref name=GSPC/>
| NGen = {{rating|3|5}} (PS)<ref name=NGen24/>
}}

Reviewing the PC version in ''[[GameSpot]]'', Jim Varner argued that ''Final Doom'' is a waste of money, since it is essentially just a new set of level maps for ''Doom'', and there were already thousands of such maps available to download for free on the internet.<ref name=GSPC>{{cite web |last=Varner |first=Jim |title=Final Doom Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/final-doom-review/1900-2558714/ |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=11 December 2017 |date=July 25, 1996}}</ref>

While ''[[GamePro]]'' criticized that ''Final Doom'' has no new enemies or weapons, and that the PlayStation version includes only 30 levels as compared to the PC version's 64, they were pleased with the "huge, perplexing, and sometimes sadistic levels" and the new scenery, and considered ''Doom'' still a compelling enough game that simply more of the same was enough to satisfy.<ref name=GP98>{{cite magazine |author=Major Mike|title=ProReview: Final Doom |magazine=[[GamePro]] |issue=98 |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]] |date=November 1996 |pages=100–1}}</ref> ''[[PlayStation: The Official Magazine|PlayStation Magazine]]'' gave it a score of 9/10, calling it "essential".<ref>''PSM'' 13</ref> A reviewer for ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' was less impressed, remarking that a side-by-side comparison with the PlayStation version of the original ''Doom'' reveals that ''Final Doom'' has a much lower [[frame rate]], less precise control, and more visible seams in the textures.<ref name=NGen24>{{cite magazine |title=Final Doom |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |issue=24 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=December 1996 |page=254}}</ref> Three of the four reviewers of ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' said they were tired of seeing ports of ''Doom'', and that ''Final Doom'' was simply another such port with new level maps. They also said that the game engine had become severely outdated in the years since ''Doom'' was first released. Crispin Boyer was the one dissenting voice, expressing enthusiasm for the new level designs.<ref name=EGM89>{{cite magazine |last1=Smith |first1=Shawn |last2=Hsu |first2=Dan |last3=Boyer |first3=Crispin |author4=Sushi-X |title=Review Crew: Final Doom |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |issue=89 |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=December 1996 |page=88}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090227002210/http://planetdoom.gamespy.com/static.php?page=Final%20Doom&game=3 ''Final Doom'' page at PlanetDOOM]
* [https://doomwiki.org/wiki/Final_Doom ''Final Doom'' page on the Doom Wiki]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20041207205518/http://www.teamtnt.com/ixfd.htm ''Final Doom'' at TeamTNT's official website]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061026004144/http://www.dcasali.com/games%20-%20finaldoom.html Dario Casali's ''The Plutonia Experiment'' page]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20041127051425/http://www.idsoftware.com/games/doom/doom-final/ id Software's official ''Final Doom'' page]
* [http://www.classicdoom.com/fdoomcmp.htm Comparison of PC and Playstation ''Final Doom'' at ClassicDOOM]
*{{moby game|id=/final-doom}}

{{DOOMgames}}
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[[de:Doom#Final Doom]]