How to Play Doom

Doom is a classic computer game and was revolutionary for the first-person-shooter genre. The labyrinths of rooms, grotesque enemies and powerful arsenal make Doom an unforgettable experience. Although the graphics may not compare to modern games, the gameplay and experience are second to none.

Instructions

1. Learn the controls. Doom is a FPS that pre-dates current FPS control schemes, so it may take a little bit to get used to Doom's controls even for a veteran FPS fan. You do not use the mouse in Doom, but instead rely entirely on the keyboard. The arrow buttons move you and turn. The "Ctrl" button is your fire, the "Shift" button lets you run, "Space" activates doors, switches and other objects, and "Tab" brings up the map. Use the "Alt" button to strafe and the "Esc" button to bring up the menu.

2. Figure out your weapon or weapons of choice. The arsenal of Doom has influenced nearly every first-person-shooter since its release. You start out with a pistol and your bare fist. Use the pistol until you get something else and the fist as a last resort. The other close range weapon you get apart from your fist is a chainsaw, which is better but still not great. Through the game you will also pick up a shotgun, chaingun, rocket launcher, plasma rifle and the BFG 9000. The shotgun is a powerful all around weapon and the chaingun should permanently replace your use of the pistol. The rocket launcher and especially the BFG 9000 will deal much damage.

3. Strafe. Strafing is common place is modern FPS games, but for Doom it was both revolutionary and absolutely necessary. You use the "Alt" button in conjunction with the left or right arrow keys to strafe. Strafing allows you to move side to side while keeping your aim forward. This is vital for boss fights and battling large mobs of enemies.

4. Run when necessary. You will be constantly searching for weapons and ammo, and if you come up against a big enemy like a Baron of Hell, it is best to run and return to fight later. Even fights against possessed humans can get out of control, so be prepared to retreat. Running is especially important on higher difficulty levels.

Tips & Warnings

• Doom has countless secret passages and hidden rooms. Always be on the lookout for hidden areas.

• There are several codes that you can find online to help you pass some of the more difficult areas of the game if you get completely stuck.