So, you want to know where the original Doom (1993) takes place? Buckle up, marine, because it’s not as simple as just saying “Mars.” The adventure truly begins amongst the stars.
The original Doom is set across a few key locations. It starts in a research facility located in the Hellas Planitia on Mars, owned by the Union Aerospace Corporation (UAC). However, most of the iconic gameplay unfolds on the two moons of Mars: Phobos and Deimos. The narrative arc then spectacularly culminates in the fiery depths of Hell itself. In essence, the game is a cosmic road trip from the red planet’s orbit to the infernal domain of demons.
A Journey Through Hellas Planitia, Phobos, Deimos, and Beyond
The initial premise, often glossed over, is crucial. You’re a space marine, stationed on Mars. A series of experiments conducted by the UAC goes horribly wrong, unleashing hordes of demons from Hell. The invasion quickly spreads, engulfing not just the Mars base, but also its orbiting moons.
Mars: The Spark of Doom
While you don’t actually fight on Mars in the original game, its presence looms large. It’s the origin point of the demonic invasion, the place where the UAC’s reckless experiments ripped open a portal to Hell. The sense of dread and impending doom permeates the early levels, fueled by the knowledge that the chaos you’re about to face started right there on the red planet.
Phobos: The First Line of Defense
Phobos, the larger of Mars’s two moons, is where the real action kicks off. As the marine, you battle through overrun UAC facilities, facing off against zombified soldiers and lesser demons. These levels are relatively grounded, establishing the core gameplay loop of exploring labyrinthine corridors, blasting monsters, and finding keycards to progress. Phobos is where the nightmare truly takes shape.
Deimos: Gone to Hell
Deimos represents a significant escalation. The moon has been pulled into Hell, merging with its demonic landscape. This shift is reflected in the level design, which becomes more surreal, twisted, and downright terrifying. You’re no longer just fighting demons in a research base; you’re battling them in their territory, on a moon that’s been physically corrupted by the forces of evil.
Hell: The Ultimate Showdown
The final act of Doom takes you directly into Hell. These levels are the most challenging and visually striking, filled with lava pits, grotesque architecture, and hordes of powerful demons. You face off against the Spider Mastermind, the game’s final boss, in a desperate attempt to close the portal and prevent the invasion from spreading further. The experience is an intense, adrenaline-fueled culmination of everything you’ve faced up to that point.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is Doom (1993) set?
Unlike later installments, the original Doom doesn’t explicitly state a specific year for its events. Some sources, like the SNES version and associated novels, suggest an early 21st-century setting, resembling a retro-futuristic 1990s vision of the future. Later games do provide clear dates; however, that is a discussion for another time.
2. Is Doomguy’s mission to save Earth in Doom (1993)?
Not in the original Doom. The primary goal is to stop the demonic invasion from spreading beyond Mars and its moons. Saving Earth becomes a central plot point in Doom II: Hell on Earth.
3. How fast is Doomguy in Doom (1993)?
Doomguy’s running speed has been calculated at an impressive almost 50 miles per hour! This rapid pace is a key part of the game’s frantic, run-and-gun gameplay style.
4. What’s the lore behind the demonic invasion in Doom (1993)?
The lore is relatively simple. The UAC was conducting experiments with teleportation technology, inadvertently opening a portal to Hell. These experiments are based in the research facility on Mars. The demons, naturally, wasted no time in invading. The marine is caught in the middle and must fight his way through the hordes to survive and close the portal.
5. Is Doom (1993) considered violent by today’s standards?
Absolutely. Even by modern standards, Doom’s frequent bloody violence, horror elements, and depictions of gore and viscera are intense. In 1993, it was groundbreaking (and controversial) for its graphic content.
6. What programming language was Doom (1993) written in?
Doom was primarily programmed in ANSI C, with some elements in assembly language. The game was developed on NeXT computers running the NeXTSTEP operating system.
7. What are WAD files in Doom (1993)?
WAD files (short for “Where’s All the Data?”) are the files that contain the game’s data, including level designs, graphics, and sound effects. These files allowed players to create and share their own levels and modifications.
8. Is Heaven part of the Doom universe?
The existence of Heaven is only ever vaguely hinted at. While Hell is a central location, Heaven is rarely, if ever, explicitly mentioned. The existence of Cherubs in Doom 3 may be as close as the franchise gets. If Hell exists, it’s a reasonable assumption that Heaven exists also.
9. Was Doom (1993) inspired by Dungeons & Dragons (D&D)?
Yes, co-creator John Romero has stated that Doom was directly inspired by a D&D session. This influence can be seen in the game’s exploration, monster encounters, and overall sense of adventure.
10. Does the Earth get destroyed in the Doom universe?
While Earth is not destroyed in Doom (1993), it is overrun by demons in Doom II: Hell on Earth. 60% of the planet’s population is wiped out. Earth becomes the battleground, necessitating Doomguy’s return to defend humanity.
11. How tall is Doomguy in Doom (1993)?
Calculations based on the game’s internal unit measurements place Doomguy at approximately 5’7.2″ tall in the original Doom.
12. Where can I find more information about the gaming industry?
For up-to-date news, insightful articles, and comprehensive coverage of the gaming world, check out GB Times at https://gbtimes.com/. You’ll find a wealth of information to keep you informed and entertained.
In summary, the original Doom’s locales span a diverse range of settings: From the initial Mars research facility to the Martian moons Phobos and Deimos, to the final climactic battle in the pits of Hell. The setting provides a powerful backdrop for the fast-paced shooting and demonic battles that are so iconic of Doom 1993.
