Summary:
The latest announcement from Limited Run Games at QuakeCon 2024 has thrilled retro gaming enthusiasts, as they unveil a fiery new version of DOOM for the SNES. Set to launch in 2025, this re-release promises to combine the classic gameplay that defined a generation with modern enhancements. Available in both standard and collector’s editions, the new DOOM for SNES is more than just a nostalgic trip—it’s a celebration of the game’s enduring legacy.
The standard edition includes a retro box, an instruction booklet, a gun-metal colored cartridge, and a collectible poster. For the most dedicated fans, the collector’s edition, limited to just 666 copies, offers exclusive features like a premium embossed foil box, blood paint, metal plate labels, and a certificate of authenticity. New features, including all four DOOM episodes, circle-strafing, performance improvements, and rumble support via a mysterious new controller, bring a fresh experience to this beloved title. The anticipation is palpable as fans await more details, especially regarding the new controller and its availability. This re-release is poised to captivate both long-time fans and newcomers, bridging the gap between retro charm and modern gameplay.
New DOOM SNES Re-release
DOOM, the game that redefined the first-person shooter genre, is making a grand return to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) thanks to Limited Run Games. The announcement at QuakeCon 2024 sent waves of excitement through the gaming community, especially among retro enthusiasts. This new release is not just a rehash of the old; it’s a carefully crafted homage that integrates modern enhancements while staying true to the original experience that captured the hearts of millions in the 1990s.
Background on Limited Run Games and QuakeCon 2024
Limited Run Games has built a reputation for reviving classic titles and making them accessible to both collectors and gamers alike. Their commitment to quality and authenticity is evident in every project they undertake, and this new DOOM SNES version is no exception. QuakeCon 2024, a major event in the gaming calendar, provided the perfect platform for this announcement. As a convention that celebrates the legacy of id Software, the creators of DOOM, it’s fitting that this announcement was made here, underscoring the game’s enduring impact on the industry.
The Legacy of DOOM on SNES
The original DOOM on SNES was a technical marvel for its time, bringing the intense, fast-paced action of the PC game to a home console. Despite the hardware limitations, it managed to capture the essence of DOOM, offering players a chance to experience demon-slaying on their TV screens. This new release not only honors that legacy but enhances it, ensuring that both old fans and new players can appreciate the game’s groundbreaking design and addictive gameplay.
What’s Included in the Standard Edition
The standard edition of the new DOOM SNES re-release is packed with items that will appeal to both collectors and players. It’s not just about reliving the game; it’s about owning a piece of gaming history.
Retro Box Design and Instruction Booklet
One of the standout features of the standard edition is the retro box design, which faithfully recreates the look and feel of classic SNES game packaging. The box is a throwback to the golden age of gaming, with artwork that captures the intensity and horror of DOOM. Inside, players will find an instruction booklet that is more than just a manual—it’s a piece of nostalgia. The booklet includes original artwork, game lore, and tips, making it a must-read for any fan.
The Gun-Metal Colored Cartridge
The standard edition also includes a gun-metal colored cartridge, a striking update from the traditional gray SNES cartridges. This cartridge is not just a storage medium; it’s a collector’s item. The metallic sheen gives it a modern touch, while the durable construction ensures that it will last for years, whether displayed on a shelf or played on an original SNES console.
In addition to the game and booklet, the standard edition comes with a 12” x 16” poster. This poster features exclusive artwork that highlights the dark, gritty atmosphere of DOOM. It’s the perfect addition to any gaming room, serving as a reminder of the game’s iconic status and the intense battles that await within its levels.
The Collector’s Edition: A Limited Offering
For the most dedicated DOOM fans, Limited Run Games has prepared a collector’s edition that is as exclusive as it is impressive. Limited to just 666 copies, this edition is designed to be the ultimate prize for collectors and hardcore enthusiasts.
The collector’s edition comes in a premium embossed foil box, which immediately sets it apart from the standard edition. The embossed design adds texture and depth to the artwork, making it a visually stunning piece. This box is not just packaging; it’s a display item in its own right, meant to be admired and preserved.
Blood Paint and Metal Plate Labels
Adding to the uniqueness of the collector’s edition is the blood paint on the cartridge. This detail gives the cartridge a menacing appearance, perfect for a game that’s all about fighting demons. The metal plate labels further enhance the cartridge’s premium feel, ensuring that it stands out even more as a centerpiece in any collection.
Each collector’s edition comes with a certificate of authenticity, a small but significant addition that guarantees the edition’s legitimacy. Numbered and signed, this certificate is a badge of honor for collectors, proving that they own one of the rarest pieces of DOOM memorabilia ever created.
New Features and Modern Enhancements
While this re-release pays homage to the original, it also introduces several new features that bring the game into the modern era. These enhancements are designed to improve gameplay without losing the essence of what made DOOM a classic.
All 4 DOOM Episodes, Including Thy Flesh Consumed
One of the most exciting additions to this re-release is the inclusion of all four DOOM episodes. This includes the original three episodes—Knee-Deep in the Dead, The Shores of Hell, and Inferno—along with the fourth episode, Thy Flesh Consumed. This final episode, originally released as part of the Ultimate DOOM expansion, offers some of the most challenging and intense levels in the series, making it a welcome addition for fans.
Added Circle-Strafe for Enhanced Gameplay
A new feature that will be particularly appreciated by seasoned players is the addition of circle-strafing. This technique, which allows players to move around enemies while keeping them in sight, adds a new layer of strategy to the gameplay. It’s a feature that wasn’t possible on the original SNES due to hardware limitations, but it’s now available thanks to modern advancements.
Performance Improvements: A Smoother Experience
Performance is always a concern with re-releases of older games, but Limited Run Games has addressed this by making several performance improvements. These include faster loading times, smoother animations, and more responsive controls. The game has been optimized to run on original SNES hardware, ensuring that players have the best possible experience.
Monster Respawning on Nightmare Difficulty
For those who crave a real challenge, the re-release includes monster respawning on Nightmare difficulty. This feature was a staple of the original PC version of DOOM, but it was absent from the SNES version. Now, players can experience the relentless, pulse-pounding action that comes with enemies constantly returning to life, keeping them on their toes at all times.
Level Codes for Quick Access
Another modern convenience added to the re-release is the inclusion of level codes. These codes allow players to jump directly to specific levels, making it easier to revisit favorite stages or tackle challenging sections without having to start from the beginning. It’s a small but significant improvement that enhances the overall gameplay experience.
Rumble Support: A New Controller Experience
One of the most intriguing features of the new DOOM SNES re-release is the addition of rumble support via an all-new controller. This feature adds a tactile element to the gameplay, making the experience more immersive. Every explosion, gunshot, and demon encounter can be felt through the controller, bringing players closer to the action than ever before.
The Mysterious New Controller
One of the biggest mysteries surrounding this re-release is the new controller that supports rumble. Limited Run Games has been tight-lipped about the specifics, which has only fueled speculation and excitement among fans.
The gaming community has been buzzing with theories about this new controller. Some believe it will be a completely new design that pays homage to classic SNES controllers while incorporating modern technology. Others speculate that it might be a modified version of an existing controller, with added features like wireless connectivity and enhanced ergonomics.
Will It Be Included in the Collector’s Edition?
One of the biggest questions is whether this new controller will be included in the collector’s edition or if it will be sold separately. Limited Run Games has yet to confirm this detail, leaving fans eagerly awaiting further announcements. If included, it would significantly increase the value and appeal of the collector’s edition, making it an even more coveted item.
How This Re-release Bridges Classic and Modern Gaming
This re-release of DOOM for SNES is more than just a nostalgia trip; it’s a bridge between the past and the present. By combining classic gameplay with modern enhancements, Limited Run Games has created a product that appeals to both retro gamers and modern players alike.
For many players, the appeal of this re-release lies in its ability to evoke the memories of playing DOOM on SNES during its heyday. The graphics, sound, and gameplay are all faithful to the original, ensuring that the nostalgic experience is intact. However, modern players will also appreciate the new features and enhancements, which make the game more accessible and enjoyable by today’s standards.
The Importance of Authentic Hardware Compatibility
One of the key selling points of this re-release is its compatibility with original SNES hardware. This ensures that players can experience the game as it was meant to be played, on the console it was designed for. This attention to authenticity is crucial in a market where many retro re-releases are emulated or ported to modern systems. By staying true to the original hardware, Limited Run Games has ensured that this re-release will be cherished by purists and collectors alike.
Release Date and What Fans Can Expect
As the 2025 release date approaches, excitement is building among DOOM fans. Limited Run Games has promised more announcements in the coming months, and fans are eager to learn more about what this re-release will offer.
Given the limited nature of the collector’s edition, pre-orders are expected to sell out quickly. Limited Run Games has a history of releasing products in limited quantities, and this DOOM SNES re-release is no exception. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for pre-order announcements to ensure they don’t miss out on this highly anticipated release.
The anticipation for this re-release is palpable. DOOM has always had a dedicated fanbase, and the announcement of this new SNES version has reignited that passion. As more details emerge, the excitement is only expected to grow, making this one of the most talked-about releases of 2025.
Conclusion
The new DOOM SNES re-release by Limited Run Games is a masterful blend of nostalgia and modern innovation. By faithfully recreating the original experience while adding new features and enhancements, this re-release offers something for everyone, whether they’re longtime fans or newcomers to the series. The standard and collector’s editions provide a range of options for collectors and players alike, with each edition offering unique items that celebrate the game’s legacy. As the release date draws closer, the excitement is sure to build, making this one of the most anticipated gaming events of 2025. Whether you’re looking to relive the past or experience DOOM for the first time, this re-release promises to deliver the ultimate DOOM experience on SNES.
FAQs
- What are the main differences between the standard and collector’s editions of the new DOOM SNES re-release?
- The standard edition includes a retro box, instruction booklet, gun-metal colored cartridge, and a 12” x 16” poster. The collector’s edition, limited to 666 copies, adds a premium embossed foil box, blood-painted cartridge, metal plate labels, and a certificate of authenticity.
- Will the new DOOM SNES re-release work on original SNES hardware?
- Yes, the new DOOM SNES re-release is fully compatible with original SNES hardware, allowing players to experience the game as it was originally intended.
- What new features have been added to the re-release?
- The re-release includes all four DOOM episodes, added circle-strafe, performance improvements, monster respawning on Nightmare difficulty, level codes, and rumble support via a new controller.
- Is the new controller included with the collector’s edition?
- Limited Run Games has not yet confirmed whether the new controller with rumble support will be included with the collector’s edition or sold separately.
- When will the new DOOM SNES re-release be available for pre-order?
- Limited Run Games has not yet announced the pre-order date for the new DOOM SNES re-release. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates and announcements.
