The Original Doom Size: A Blast from the Past

As we celebrate a quarter-century since id Software released one of gaming's most influential shooters, it feels fitting to take a trip down memory lane and reflect upon the humble beginnings that birthed an iconic series. The original DOOM (1993) may seem like ancient technology by today's standards, but its timeless gameplay still captivates players across generations.

Released initially for MS-DOS on December 10th, 1993 as part of a three-part pack including Wolfenstein: 3D and the shareware version of Doom II - Hell on Earth (later known simply as DOOM II), id Software's first-person shooter quickly became an overnight sensation. The game was designed to run smoothly even on low-end hardware at the time, which explains why many players still fondly remember playing it on their old 386/486 PCs.

One of the key factors that contributed to Doom's success was its simplicity in both design and execution. Unlike modern games with complex graphics engines and detailed environments, DOOM relied heavily upon simple yet effective polygonal models combined with some clever texture mapping techniques to create a visually striking experience despite being run on relatively basic hardware.

For instance, did you know that the infamous 'secret' area at E2M1 (The Switchback) could actually be accessed by simply using an editor or hex-editing tool? By modifying certain values within specific sectors and wall textures, players could essentially 'teleport' themselves into areas meant only for experienced gamers willing to explore every nook and cranny of each level.

This emphasis on accessibility also extended beyond just gameplay mechanics. The original DOOM was designed with modding in mind from day one - a philosophy that would later become an integral part of the wider PC gaming community as whole. Players could easily swap out entire textures, sounds effects, levels, even entire game data files using nothing more than basic knowledge of DOS command-line syntax.

Fast forward to today and while graphics have come a long way since those early 640x480 resolution days (although some might argue that certain elements were better left unaltered...), the core principles behind id Software's classic shooter remain unchanged. Doom's enduring popularity is testament not just to its innovative design or revolutionary gameplay mechanics - although these certainly played important roles in cementing it within gaming history books.

No, at heart DOOM will always be remembered for something much more fundamental: a sense of community and creative freedom that allowed players themselves to shape the very fabric of their own personal gaming experiences. And as we celebrate 25 years since id Software first unleashed this revolution upon an unsuspecting world, it seems fitting to take a moment pause - not just to reminisce about how far we've come, but also perhaps look back at where it all began...

Original doom size