The Dawn of Doom
Doom, an iconic first-person shooter video game series, was developed by id Software. The initial game was released in 1993, and it quickly revolutionized the gaming industry with its immersive 3D graphics, networked multiplayer gaming, and player-created modifications. The Doom series is set in a science fiction universe where the player battles demonic forces from Hell, primarily using a variety of weapons. Over the years, the Doom universe has expanded to various sequels, novels, comic books, and even a movie adaptation.
Fascinating Fact #1: Doomguy's Identity
Although often referred to as Doomguy, the protagonist's real name is Flynn Taggart, as revealed in the Doom novels. However, the developers intended the character to be an anonymous representation of the player, hence the absence of a concrete backstory in the games.
Fascinating Fact #2: The Inspiration for Doom
Tom Hall, one of the designers, initially drew inspiration from various sources, including Dungeons & Dragons campaigns and the Aliens movies for creating Doom. The idea of a space marine combating demonic forces was a unique mix of fantasy and science fiction.
Fascinating Fact #3: The Iconic Doom Logo
The Doom logo, featuring a marine battling a demon, is actually a recreation of a scene from the game. This scene is found in Episode 1: Knee-Deep in the Dead, where the player encounters a group of demons for the first time.
Fascinating Fact #4: The Hidden Signature
In the Doom II game, there's a secret level where the player can find the initials of John Romero, one of the game's developers, in the form of a room layout. This secret room can only be accessed by using the 'no-clip' cheat.
Fascinating Fact #5: The Infamous Icon of Sin
John Romero's head on a stick is hidden behind the texture of the final boss, the Icon of Sin, in Doom II. The boss is activated when the player shoots a rocket into its exposed brain, symbolically hitting Romero's head.
Fascinating Fact #6: The Cyber Demon's Creation
The Cyberdemon, one of the most feared enemies in the Doom universe, was designed by Kevin Cloud. The inspiration for this demonic entity was drawn from a toy dinosaur that Cloud had bought for his son.
Fascinating Fact #7: The Sound of Doom
The unforgettable sounds of Doom, from the monster roars to the weapon noises, were created by Bobby Prince. Many of the sounds were made by altering recordings of animal noises and everyday objects.
Fascinating Fact #8: The Censored German Version
Due to strict laws about violence in video games, the German version of Doom was heavily censored. The enemies were replaced with robots, and the blood was turned green to soften the game's violent image.
Fascinating Fact #9: The BFG
The BFG, or Big Fragging Gun, is one of the most powerful weapons in the game. The term 'fragging' is a military slang term for eliminating an enemy.
Fascinating Fact #10: The Influence of Doom
Doom has influenced countless video games since its release. Its blend of the first-person perspective, real-time action, and immersive 3D environments set a new standard for the industry.
Wrapping Up
The Doom universe, with its rich history and fascinating trivia, remains one of the most influential in the gaming world. From the identity of the protagonist to the creation of iconic elements like the Cyberdemon and the BFG, each aspect of the Doom universe adds to its unique allure. As Doom continues to evolve, it's clear that this groundbreaking series will continue to captivate audiences with its blend of science fiction, fantasy, and relentless action.