DOOM 64 - (1997) - Full Let’s Play - First Level Walkthrough - Nintendo 64 - id Software (1-32)
5Welcome to my DOOM 64 Let’s Play series, where I explore the classic 1997 release from id Software on the Nintendo 64. After iconic titles like Commander Keen and Wolfenstein 3D, the studio delivered one of the most influential games of all time with DOOM. In this video, I’ll be tackling the first of 32 levels, showing you the gameplay differences between the Nintendo 64 version and the original MS-DOS version.
Differences Between DOOM 64 and MS-DOS Version: Unlike the original DOOM (1993), DOOM 64 wasn’t just a port to the Nintendo 64—it was a complete reimagining. The graphics received a significant overhaul, with more detailed textures, improved lighting, and an entirely new aesthetic tailored for the Nintendo 64’s hardware capabilities. DOOM 64 is also technically based on an enhanced version of the DOOM II engine, giving it a smoother performance and additional features not found in earlier titles. This allowed for new levels, textures, and even new monsters, making DOOM 64 feel distinct while staying true to the core gameplay.
The “64” in the title refers to the Nintendo 64 console, highlighting its exclusivity to the system upon release. Although the game was later ported to other platforms, the Nintendo 64 edition stood out for its 32 unique levels, which offered an experience different from the PC version. These new levels included more intense combat and a slightly darker, moodier atmosphere thanks to the upgraded lighting effects.
Personal Gameplay Experience: I’m not a dedicated shooter player, but DOOM is a game that shaped an entire genre, and it didn’t pass me by. Playing DOOM 64 today, I can easily see the influence it’s had on the development of modern first-person shooters—it’s truly the great-grandfather of 3D gaming. I’m playing this game primarily out of historical interest, and I’ll be uploading videos showcasing each of the 32 levels over time. In this video, I take you through the first level, with more to come.
Legacy and Impact: DOOM 64 is a part of gaming history, influencing countless FPS titles that came after it. The way it expanded the DOOM universe and refined the run-and-gun formula is why it remains relevant decades later. Its intense gameplay, iconic level design, and its role as a Nintendo 64 exclusive made it a unique entry in the series. The updated graphics and eerie atmosphere set a new standard for what could be achieved on the console.
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