We've played Doom on unimaginable platforms and modded it to exhaustion, but if we needed a reason to return to the classic versions, here it is: In sync with the start of QuakeCon 2024, Doom and Doom 2 will receive Enhanced editions that optimize their graphics, support modern hardware, bundle a huge amount of content, and include a new episode for Doom 2: Legacy of Rust.
Whenever we talk about retro versions of Doom, it's usually in the context of a 'Hello World' for a strange platform or a mod that completely changes the games. But today we have an official announcement... as long as we interpret a Steam listing and a tweet that way. Fans know that today, August 8, QuakeCon 2024 began, and it will run until next Sunday, but X/Twitter user Wario64 discovered an interesting detail: both Doom and Doom 2 will receive Enhanced versions very soon.
Doom and Doom 2 Enhanced: Rip and Tear, new episode and better graphics
The first fact is that both games will run on the KEX Engine, a technical solution we've seen in action with several re-releases (there's a fairly complete list here). What does that mean exactly? 1080p at 60 FPS on all platforms, and up to 120 FPS in 4K with the right hardware.
The full package includes Doom 1 and 2, TNT: Evilution, The Plutonia Experiment, the Master Levels for Doom 2, No Rest for the Living, Sigil, the new episode Legacy of Rust (a creation of id Software, Nightdive Studios and MachineGames), and a brand new Deathmatch pack with 25 maps. In total, that's 187 mission maps and 43 Deathmatch maps.
What does the small print say? Support for online and cross-platform play in Deathmatch and co-op up to 16 players, ability to install other mods (obviously), two soundtracks (original and modern in IDKFA version), multiple accessibility options, compatibility with current gamepads, and translations into eight new languages, including Spanish. If we have to mention a negative point, the online modes require a Bethesda.net account, but something tells me fans won't take long to conjure an alternative.
(Editor's note: Not yet purchasable, but I'll leave the link below just in case.)
Doom 1 and 2 Enhanced on Steam: Click here
