While fans eagerly await the release of *DOOM: The Dark Ages*, many are revisiting the classic *DOOM* and *DOOM 2* games. The developers at id Software have not only resumed their work but have also released an update for the *DOOM + DOOM 2* compilation, enhancing the technical aspects of these iconic titles.
One of the significant improvements in this update is the enhanced support for multiplayer modifications. Mods compatible with Vanilla DOOM, DeHackEd, MBF21, or BOOM can now be seamlessly integrated, enriching the gaming experience. A notable addition to cooperative play is the ability for all players to pick up items, ensuring a more collaborative gameplay environment. Furthermore, a new observer mode has been introduced for players who are dead and waiting to be revived, adding a layer of strategy and engagement. The multiplayer network code has been optimized, and the mod loader now supports over the first 100+ mods a player subscribes to, making it easier to enhance the game with community-created content.
As excitement builds for *DOOM: The Dark Ages*, the developers have shared insights into the game's development. A key focus is on accessibility, with the game offering extensive customization options. Players will have the ability to adjust the aggression levels of demons in the settings, tailoring the gameplay to their preferred experience. Executive producer Marty Stratton emphasized that the goal is to make *DOOM: The Dark Ages* as accessible as possible, offering more customization than any previous id Software project.
In *DOOM: The Dark Ages*, players can tweak numerous aspects of the game, including enemy damage and difficulty, projectile speed, the amount of damage they take, the game's tempo, level of aggression, and parry timing. This level of customization ensures that players can enjoy the game at their own pace and preferred difficulty. Stratton also reassured fans that *DOOM: The Dark Ages* is designed to be standalone, meaning players do not need prior knowledge of *DOOM: The Dark Ages* or *DOOM: Eternal* to understand its story, making it welcoming to both new and returning players.
