December 12, 2003


  • HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY DOOM!


    My life was changed forever on December 10th, 1993. Id Software released the computer game DOOM. Back in 1993, the hot computer was a 486 running a 66 MHz, and DOOM took full advantage of all that power. It was a DOS-based game that revolutionized the notion of immerse game play. And thus the first person shooter was born. I would stay up until 3 am playing this damned game.



    Hard to believe that this was cutting-edge graphics back 10 years go. Scenes like this used to scare the crap outta me during late night play.


    I was lucky enough to go visit Id Software just after the release of DOOM, while they were working on DOOM II. Got to meet all the programmers and learn some of the more interesting things about the development of the game.


    Over the last 3 years, there have been rumblings about the guys re-doing DOOM. Technology has grown to a level of startling realism, and DOOM was the perfect vehicle to demonstrate just how far the boundaries could be pushed. Thus, the formal announcement for DOOM III was released.



    The whole idea behind DOOM III was to terrify the hell out of you. And judging from the atmosphere and detail in the game, it probably will.Sure is light years from the old one, yes? 


    Am I looking forward to the new DOOM? Damn straight! I build my new computer to exceed the recommended hardware requirements for DOOM III, and am chomping at the bit to get that thing loaded and ready to play. If you'd like a taste (and have a decent broadband connection) go download the high-rez DOOM III trailer.


    But you know, I still wax poetic about the late nights staying up killing pixelated zombies and demons from hell. I still have my favorite levels from the original, and you can still find some people running DOOM servers. It's amazing that a small (at the time) company revolutionized the industry.


    Anyway, Just thought I'd walk down memory lane with a longing look to the future. Carry on.


    DG

Comments (3)

  • Going home and shooting the shit out of some zombies is  one of the best ways that I recover from a horrible day at work. I've never played Doom, I'm more of a Resident Evil girl myself..maybe I'll give it a try

  • "It's amazing that a small (at the time) company revolutionized the industry..."

    That's the only kind of company that's ever revolutionized computers.  And thank God for that, because it means there's still some hope for schlubs like me who have no connections...

  • Wow....birthday wishes to a game....cool!

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