A name like DOOM 64 gives the impression that this is a port of the popular DOOM – especially as the original game did get a lot of ports. However, this is a sequel to the first two DOOM games, featuring completely new models. I played the very faithful remaster from Nightdrive (it doesn’t add any gameplay features, just some optional extra levels), along with a mod that restored a few more minor things from the N64 game.

As far as DOOM goes, this is considered to be a great version, with some refined gameplay and graphics. The levels focus more on puzzles and horror, although the “horror” is more just really dark levels (I ended up turning up the brightness to see) and the puzzles are a lot of pressing buttons and trying to figure out what part of the level changed. The soundtrack was also changed to a more ambient sound, so it lacks the rocking soundtrack of the original games.

If this was a launch title on the N64, it would have been even more impressive. However, Turok beat this to be the first FPS on the N64 and DOOM 64 feels very flat in comparison. Very low walls blocking the player now seem much more ridiculous and it seems like you’re still playing on a 2D plane, even when some stuff is higher – you can’t look up or down, but bullets will automatically move upwards.

For fans of DOOM, this version is definitely worth playing. However, the genre had evolved by the time it was released and this doesn’t do much to update the gameplay of DOOM.

Fun

You seem quite incapable of stepping over even the lowest of obstacles or kerbs. Which is annoying. To compound the sin, Midway actually then go and use some of these low-level obstacles as removable puzzle pieces, blocking your way to later parts of the level. Look, it’s eighteen inches high! A toddler could get over that no trouble at all. Stupidity.

- James Ashton, N64 Magazine #7. Review Score: 77%

Remake or Remaster?

The current remaster goes a great job at making the game nicer to play without changing so much.

Official ways to get the game.

The DOOM 64 remaster is available on GOG, Steam, Xbox One/Series, Switch and PS4/5.