One ofResident Evil‘s biggest impacts on gaming was it being paramount in helping the industry push into 3D development. Along with the likes ofDoom, the days of 2D video games were about to be cast aside in favor of something more advanced. So imagine my surprise when I saw that these two iconic franchises came together in retro fashion.
Over on ModDB, userDooMero Entertainmenthas just released a version of the originalResident Evil 4that turns the clock back by remaking it as a 2D side-scrolling shooter. To cap it all off, it’s been made in theDoom 2engine. Or at least, it’s been uploaded under that category, and the developer does say it’s made to run onGZDoom, a port that allows id Software’s iconic series to run on more modern hardware.
DooMero says this version ofRE4has two campaigns: Leon andHUNK, a mercenary who has their origins inResident Evil 2. However, the mod description does say that Leon’s story has been shortened, “covering only up to the village section,” but HUNK’s segment makes up for it with a non-canonical story.
Is there anythingDoomcan’t do?
I’m showing my ignorance here, but looking at the footage above, I’m left dumbfounded by how this has been accomplished. Having only really tinkered with a bit of level editing in my time (mainlyQuakeandQuake 2), I’m in awe of how someone has managed to take a classicDoomgame – famous for its three-dimensional visuals – and remadeResident Evil 4in 2D – again, something that’s not known for being 2D in the first place – within it.
It seems like I’m not the only one impressed by the mod, given the title of the above video, which is positively awestruck by the idea that this project exists. It also, once again, shows the awesome power ofDoommodding.
Even these past few weeks, we’ve seen all the ways the OG can be tinkered with. Everything fromDoommeetsStarfield, toDoomas anAge of EmpiresRTS game, toDoom 2reimagined as a neon, synthpop worldare things I’d never imagine I’d ever associate with the iconic FPS. But, here we are.
