The Darkening Episode 1: The Nameless Project 1.0

DOOM is one of the oldest FPSes in existence, and its engine is famously so robust that it can run on pretty much anything and also create pretty much anything.  From FPSes to RPGs to companions to a city living game, it has a ton of different mods and maps that can all do different things. Some have created series of maps that are so esteemed that they made sequels. One of them is The Darkening Episode 1: The Nameless Project.

Installing The Darkening Episode 1: The Nameless Project is simple. You need to have ZDoom and move the WAD file into the ZDoom folder, which is pretty par for the course for DOOM maps.

There is a story, and it's very beefy for a series of DOOM maps. It's been three years after DOOM 2, and you're still working for the UAC who have gotten more secretive. Pretty soon, the Mars crew you're working with start going all wrong, with people disappearing or outbound shuttles dying in "tragic accidents". One day, you wake up and find yourself in the middle of another encounter with hell.

The most striking visual thing this game does is the lighting. It uses a ton of gradients and is gorgeous if you pay attention. The gameplay, however, is a little rough, with you constantly being thrown in deathmatch arenas against a ton of enemies, which gets repetitive quick.

All in all, though, The Darkening Episode 1: The Nameless Project is a great opening to a very fondly remembered series.