When theDoom 64port to PC, Playstation 4, Switch, and Xbox One comes out on March 20th, it will feature a brand new chapter not featured in the game’s original release in 1997. Previously only accessible on the Nintendo 64, this re-release will be the first time many players get to experienceDoom 64.
Originally developed by id Software,the port ofDoom64is being handled by Nightdive Studios. Nightdive has a long history of remakes and re-releases spanning several dozen titles, ranging from first-person shooters as famous as theSystem ShockandTurokfranchises, to point and click games as obscure asPutt-Putt and Pep’s Balloon-o-Rama.
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Announced in an interview with USGamer by Nightdive senior developer James Haley, this new chapter will need to be unlocked by players, and takes place briefly after the story ofDoom 64’scampaign. Apparently, the Mother Demon which served as the final boss of the game had a sister. Now, the Doomguy will presumably need to contend with her wrath as she attempts to seek retribution for the destruction of Hell and the subsequent death of her sibling. Haley also stated that the chapter would serve as an opportunity forfans ofDoomto discover new pieces of franchise lore.
The interview also went over some of the technical aspects of theDoom 64re-release. The port, like the upcomingDoom Eternal, will be able to hypothetically run at a staggering1,ooo frames per second. Some minor visual bugs have also been fixed, so there should be a general reduction of clipping sprites in the port.
Nightdive Studios has a long history with theDoomfranchise. Many of the developer’s team members come from oftheDoomcommunity, being themselves modders, administrators forDoomfansites, and community level creators. Hopefully, this experience should help with remakingDoom 64in a faithful and successful manner.
Hopefully,players ofDoomnew and old alike will both find a reason to enjoy this piece of franchise history which has, for a long time, remained out of most people’s reach. And ideally, this enjoyment ofDoom’spast will extend to the brand new content which Nightdive Studios is bringing to the table.
Doom 64is currently available on Nintendo 64, and the remake is slated for release on March 20th, 2020, on PC, Playstation 4, Switch, and Xbox One.
