DoomRL
| Doom, the Roguelike | |
|---|---|
| Stable game | |
| Developer | Kornel Kisielewicz |
| Theme | Gore |
| Influences | Doom |
| Released | 2003 (?) |
| Updated | March 13, 2013 (0.9.9.7) |
| Licensing | Open Source, GPL |
| P. Language | Free Pascal |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux, Mac OS X |
| Interface | Graphical tiles, ASCII, Keyboard, Mouse |
| Game Length | Short |
| Official site of Doom, the Roguelike | |
Abstract
A relatively "light", Gore-themed roguelike, written by Kornel Kisielewicz in FreePascal, based on the world of Doom created by id software. After a cease and desist from Zenimax, DoomRL was reworked into Jupiter Hell. DoomRL was discussed in Episode 4 of Roguelike Radio.
Description
DoomRL follows the relatively new idea of a Coffeebreak roguelike - it is intended to be simple, fast and furious. Something that you can play from time to time without much need to concentrate.
There are several simplifications:
- there is only one "dungeon" of 24 floors (although "secret levels" add to this)
- inventory size is limited to 19 slots
- there are only four equipment slots: two weapon slots, armor, and boots
- there can be only one item per level square
- All levels are the size of one screen
- Few character traits -- all attributes depend on selection of special traits from a limited group
Features
DoomRL version 0.9.8 introduced something novel into the roguelike genre - full modern sound support (using features like stereo and distance effects) and music - both taken from the original Doom by ID Software. Other features worth noting:
- simple interface
- balanced traits
- fast-paced gameplay
- several special levels
- 25 levels including a final showdown with the Cyberdemon and two hidden bosses
- several difficulty levels
- several challenge modes
- progress tracking, rating your ability as a player over multiple game sessions
- a secret ending
Recent developments
As of version 0.9.9.4, released on September 1 of 2011, introduced some new features to the game. Most notably, players are now able to choose between three character classes described as the hardy Marine, the nimble Scout, and the smart Technician. Each class has advantages and perks, most relating to gameplay strategy.
The release included:
- Ammunition packs
- Updated level events
- Reconstructed resistance system
- Updated AI for enemies
The last release was version 0.9.9.7 in March 2013. The developers then prefered to lance a new project: Jupiter Hell, a sci-fi roguelike.
Zenimax/Bethesda DMCA
On Nov/Dec 2016 Kornel Kisielewicz got a legal letter from Zenimax/Bethesda "demanding all reference to its trademarks - game names such as Doom - be immediately removed" to avoid legal action. As a consequence the game got re-branded as "DRL" and the full source code was released with a GPL license. That situation led to a boost on attention to the back then in development spiritual successor of DoomRL Jupiter Hell
Screenshot
