The legendary FPS game Doom continues to evolve even after 32 years, as Bethesda has released a significant update that formally integrates John Romero's punishing Sigil 2 campaign into the official Doom + Doom 2 remaster. This move elevates the status of what was previously available only as a featured mod to become an officially recognized part of the Doom canon.
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| A tense first-person gameplay moment from the Doom series, showcasing weapon readiness in a dark, gothic environment |
The Official Integration
Bethesda's latest update to the Doom + Doom 2 remaster package now prominently features Sigil 2 on the main campaign selection screen, placing it alongside the original games and other canonical content like Final Doom and the Master Levels. This represents a significant shift from its previous status, where players had to navigate through mod menus to access the content. The update also addresses various bugs, including missing sound effects and crashes related to mods and the automap feature.
Sigil 2's Brutal Challenge
Created by Doom co-creator John Romero himself, Sigil 2 serves as Doom's unofficial sixth episode, following directly after the events of the original game. The campaign consists of eight standard levels plus a secret level, designed to challenge even the most seasoned Doom veterans. Unlike the run-and-gun gameplay that defines traditional Doom experiences, Sigil 2 demands a more cautious approach, especially on higher difficulty settings.
Designed for Pain
What sets Sigil 2 apart is its deliberately punishing design philosophy. While Romero designed the original Sigil campaign to be completable on Ultra Violence difficulty from a pistol start without saving, he intentionally made Sigil 2 impossible to complete under those same conditions—even for himself. The campaign features Cyberdemons on every level when playing on higher difficulties, enemies that spawn behind the player, treacherous floor designs surrounded by inescapable lava pits, and a climactic boss fight against two Cyberdemons and a Spider Mastermind without access to the BFG.
Completing the Collection
The inclusion of Sigil 2 in the official lineup completes Bethesda's collection of canonical and semi-canonical Doom adventures in the remaster. The package now includes Doom, Doom 2, the Master Levels for Doom II, both parts of Final Doom, MachineGames' Legacy of Rust campaign, and both of Romero's Sigil episodes. This comprehensive collection offers players the complete Doom experience under one roof, with modern enhancements courtesy of Nightdive Studios' remastering work.
Perfect Timing
The addition of Sigil 2 comes at an opportune moment for Doom fans, arriving just weeks before the release of Doom: The Dark Ages on May 15. For players looking to sharpen their skills or simply enjoy more classic Doom content while waiting for the new prequel, Sigil 2 provides an ideal challenge that stays true to the original game's weapon and enemy lineup while pushing level design to new heights.
A New Chapter in Doom's Legacy
With this update, both Sigil episodes are now officially recognized as part of the Doom story, cementing John Romero's continued influence on the franchise he helped create three decades ago. The update represents Bethesda's commitment to preserving and expanding Doom's legacy, ensuring that both new content and community-created experiences receive proper recognition within the official framework of one of gaming's most influential series.