When I had previously played Doom, I had a great deal of respect for the historical aspect of the game, but there was something about the graphics that made my eyes sore after just a few minutes. However, I went with the DSDA Doom version instead of the Steam port and that issue went away after I turned off weapon and view bobbing. From there, I had a much more enjoyable experience with the original Doom.

One of the biggest factors that I love about this game is the incredibly fast movement speed. Unlike so many other shooters (especially modern entries in the genre), I was always able to go exactly as fast as I wanted to at anytime. Just as importantly, the controls were also very precise, which lead to some immensely satisfying weaves and strafes through enemy fire. Any damage given or taken was all down to positioning, which I always felt in control of. On top of that, the speedy movement was perfect for navigating the levels. It helped make exploration feel just as fast-paced as the combat, and never made it a slog to cross even the largest rooms.

Another aspect I quickly grew to appreciate this time around is the gruesome visual style. The wide variety of texture definitely helps in keeping a sense of direction, but just as importantly, it perfectly conveys an eerie atmosphere. There were a few instances where I would stop just to admire the macabre environments. I can’t think of any other game that conveys the dread and horror of traversing through hell just as expertly as Doom does.

Part of the Glitchwave Top 100 Project (#100/100)

On this playthrough, I learned to love Episode One a whole lot more than I ever did before. Yes, it's a bit of a narrative lull after the fast-moving ending of Half-Life 2 which brought up so many questions that this has no intention of answering. Yes, it largely stands on the shoulders of the games immediately before and after it. And yes, it's quite short compared to Episode 2.

But in that lull, this is able to take its time and let you hang out with Alyx through a relatively low-stakes escape from City 17, and god do I love her company. She's endlessly charming, hilarious, and facilitates a lot of the small gameplay twists this throws at you. Doing trademark Half-Life micropuzzles is much more satisfying with a companion providing near-constant commentary and helping out. I also love the small moments spent with random resistance members, like when you walk out of the room and hear them questioning resistance leadership and generally talking shit. The role of Gordon and his partners is so overwhelmingly messianic from HL2 onward that it's nice having a bit of a counterbalance.

Episode One really shines after you've played through the main series (at least, before Alyx) and come back because you missed your old friends. And I really did miss them.