Master Levels for Doom II | HMP | Crispy Doom | Long OverDOOMed E3
3My dad bought the Master Levels CD in the 90s, but I don't think either of us ever really spent any time with it. I debated saving this for after the other id releases given that this would be a pretty decent transition point out of id territory, but since it is chronologically next before Final Doom, I was more inclined to play it right away.
The quality of maps definitely varies, but there are a few notable highlights in here for sure. I played in the order suggested by the 2024 rerelease, but played each map individually from pistol start using Crispy Doom in the interest of having something a little closer to the 90s experience.
00:00 - Intro
Maps by Tim Willits:
03:55 - Attack
20:13 - Canyon
Attack gives me heavy Fear (E4M9) vibes, which was also a Tim Willits level. (Amusingly, this won't be the only time I get flashbacks to E4...)
Canyon seemed generally more interesting in terms of layout, though some bits certainly felt a bit odd at first.
Maps by Christen David Klie except where noted:
42:29 - The Catwalk
1:00:38 - The Fistula
1:13:08 - The Combine
1:30:22 - Subspace
1:43:51 - Paradox by Tom Mustaine
2:06:36 - Subterra
2:23:22 - Garrison
Christen's levels were generally the weakest of the bunch IMO, as there are sometimes stretches with scarce resources or questionable progression, but there are a few interesting set pieces and puzzles scattered throughout.
Paradox by Tom Mustaine is mixed in the middle of these in the rerelease map order for some reason. It's one of the larger levels so far, and interestingly open in terms of layout and possible approaches.
2:51:23 - Black Tower by Sverre Andre Kvernmo (Cranium)
This was easily the standout among the first half of the WADs, with possibly the coolest set piece in the entire collection. I'm not sure why the rerelease places this one by itself in isolation from the remainder of Cranium's maps, but it sure gave me more to look forward to.
Maps by John W. Anderson (Dr. Sleep):
3:58:10 - Virgil's Lead
4:25:52 - Minos' Judgment
4:53:11 - Nessus
5:07:38 - Geryon
5:30:08 - Vesperas
6:27:07 - Quick comparisons to E4M7
You might recognize John Anderson as the name attributed to E4M7 (And Hell Followed). Keep that map in mind as we're playing John's maps from Master Levels, because I swear there's directly-reused ideas and geometry recognizable from that level.
While some of these levels are decent, the very last left a really sour taste in my mouth, as it feels slightly reminiscent of Nessus but is then made strictly worse, to the point of being purposely flagrant in its worst design decision. "Look, this required progression is in such an obscurely-accessible location that it's even marked as a secret!" That's not something to be proud of, my dude.
Maps by Jim Flynn:
6:29:18 - Titan Manor
7:42:31 - Trapped on Titan
Titan Manor might be the most impressive map in this play order since Black Tower. Lots of neat progression and secrets, although a couple of bits may have teetered over the razor-sharp edge from clever to obtuse. Trapped on Titan, meanwhile, is a very Tricks-and-Traps-esque map, including one of the best applications of an arch-vile in the collection.
Remaining maps by Sverre Andre Kvernmo (Cranium):
8:34:20 - The Express Elevator to Hell (TEETH)
9:31:49 - Bad Dream
9:39:03 - Bloodsea Keep
10:22:19 - Mephisto's Maosoleum
Black Tower was going to be a tough act to follow, but Bloodsea Keep in particular is another pretty strong map. The others are kind of chaotic, but TEETH is worth calling out for its admirably clever level design to manage to pack 8 floors into the level. Its secrets are pretty tricky as well.
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