UnknDoomer's corner of ultra silence - Short WAD Reviews / Longplays / Hints

[UnknDoomer]

247. Destiny Doom (2026).

https://www.doomworld.com/forum/topic/1 ... 2-32-maps/

A wad of 32 mostly medium-sized and compact levels (two secret ones) with uniquely interesting layouts. Three key features stand out: 1. The use of six multicolored keys instead of three; 2. The MIDI soundtrack is partially inspired by classic 8 and 16-bit titles, with many tracks being remixes from the Battletoads series, and the M32 track reminiscent of Digger; 3. Expect intense encounters with Wolfenstein soldiers and archviles (one map is filled exclusively with the latter).

There is no clearly defined structure or theme. Technological bases can be found in both the first and last thirds of the wad. Maps with great attention to detail and balance alternate with simpler structures, where monsters are simply placed. There is no custom content beyond the music.

Playlist

Settings and features:

* GzDoom 4.14.2, UV difficulty.
* Complete completion will take ~ 9 hours.

Secret levels.

---

M15 -> M31. You need to find two additional keys. Apparently, you can't get by in GzDoom without noclip.
M31 -> M32. The arrow near the main exit points to a switch that needs to be pressed to open a nearby wall.

[UnknDoomer]

248. Grime (2023 / 2025).

https://www.doomworld.com/forum/topic/1 ... ban-decay/

A 6-level wad (5 plus an epilogue), the main feature of which was the use of textures from Duke Nukem 3D. Some sound effects were also selected for the game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxQfvQRxIK0 (video)

Settings and features:

* GzDoom 4.14.2, UV difficulty.
* A full playthrough (including finding all secrets) will take ~ 40 minutes.

[UnknDoomer]

249. flight (2026).

https://www.doomworld.com/forum/topic/1 ... plevel-21/

A two-level wad, embodies the concept of a walking simulator, where the logic revolves around moving along thin lines. The first map is devoid of monsters, while the second is occupied by a cyberdemon, making progress more challenging.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-MWxhdF2xM (video)

Settings and features:

* GzDoom 4.14.2, UV difficulty.
* A full playthrough (including finding all secrets) will take ~ 55 minutes.

[UnknDoomer]

250. Alter Locus (2026).

https://www.doomworld.com/forum/topic/1 ... 0-map-wad/

An atmospheric wad consisting of 10 levels (two secret ones), inspired equally by Doom 64 and the PSX version of Doom, which took the author (including breaks) about 10 years to create. Textures and some sound effects were borrowed from these aforementioned titles. There's also some custom monster variants. The machine gun has been sped up. Temporary upgrades include a semblance of quadruple damage and infinite ammo.

Among the drawbacks: initially, the narrative unfolds slowly through surreal landscapes, but towards the end, it all boils down to rather banal skirmishes with numerous monsters in vast arenas.

Playlist

Settings and features:

* GzDoom 4.14.2, UV difficulty.
* A full playthrough (including finding all secrets) will take ~ 3 hours.

Secret levels.

---

M3 -> M9. You can rocket jump to the center of the map, where you can see an opening and two pedestals on the elevated area. The exit is in the solid wall on the right.
M9 -> M10. You need to enter the exit portal from the other side.

[UnknDoomer]

251. TNT: XIAO (2025).

https://www.doomworld.com/forum/topic/1 ... n-idgames/

A 32-level (2 secret) wad, based on TNT: Evilution, it's arguably one of the best related works in years. There are no custom texture - only stock ones are used. Maps are limited to a 1024x1024 resolution. The average monster count is no more than 50. The emphasis is on fast-paced gameplay and intense skirmishes. Despite these limitations, the set boasts many noteworthy maps in terms of design and architecture, with M31 and M32 standing out.

Playlist

Settings and features:

* GzDoom 4.14.2, UV difficulty.
* Complete completion will take ~ 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Secret levels.

---

M15 -> M31. Near the main exit, there's a switch that opens a section with a secret exit.
M31 -> M32. The regular exit leads to M32.

[UnknDoomer]

15. Domain (2026).

https://www.doomworld.com/forum/topic/1 ... retic-map/

A single-player map for Heretic, the first attempt by the author, who usually specializes in Doom maps. It features a labyrinthine fortress divided into two sections, mostly gray colored, where 210 monsters await. There are several custom monster types: two types of gargoyles, two types of lizards (from Hexen), mummies, zombies and several fireball-shooting lions.

Video

Settings and features:

* GzDoom 4.14.2, UV difficulty.
* A full playthrough will take ~ 20 minutes.

[UnknDoomer]

252. Return to the Cathedral (2026).

https://www.doomworld.com/forum/topic/1 ... -released/

A three-level wad for Heretic, which, as the name suggests, involves exploring a fairly spacious castle inhabited by 750 monsters. The level structure is generally linear. It includes one new weapon and custom textures. No issues were observed with the latter, but the weapon will not work with any version of HERETIC.WAD other than the one included in the KEX Engine remaster. However, the wad is quite playable without it.

Playlist

Settings and features:

* GzDoom 4.14.2, UV difficulty.
* A full playthrough will take ~ 1 hour.