Is Doom 64 canon?

Is Doom 64 Canon?

Doom 64 is a topic of much debate among fans and gamers. The question of whether Doom 64 is canon or not has been discussed extensively online, with some arguing that it is part of the official Doom canon, while others claim it is not. In this article, we will delve into the topic and provide a comprehensive answer to the question of whether Doom 64 is canon or not.

What is Doom 64?

Before we dive into the debate, let’s briefly discuss what Doom 64 is. Doom 64 is a first-person shooter game developed by Midway Games and published by GT Interactive. It was released in 1997 for the Nintendo 64 console. The game is set after the events of Doom II: Hell on Earth and follows the story of a marine who must stop an invasion of Hell on Earth.

The Canon Debate

So, is Doom 64 canon? The answer is a resounding yes. Doom 64 is considered part of the official Doom canon by many fans and gaming publications. Here are some reasons why:

• Inclusion in Doom Eternal: Doom 64 is included as a pre-order bonus in Doom Eternal, a 2019 game developed by id Software. This inclusion suggests that Doom 64 is considered part of the official Doom canon.
• Secret Level Connection: Doom 64 has a secret level that connects to Doom Eternal, further solidifying its place in the Doom canon.
• Gameplay and Storyline: Doom 64’s gameplay and storyline are consistent with the Doom series, featuring a similar narrative and gameplay mechanics.
• id Software’s Official Statement: id Software has never explicitly stated that Doom 64 is not canon. In fact, the game’s director, Tim Willits, has confirmed that Doom 64 is part of the Doom canon.

Non-Canon Arguments

While many argue that Doom 64 is canon, there are some who claim it is not. Here are some of the arguments against:

• Gameplay Differences: Doom 64 has some gameplay differences compared to other Doom games, such as the use of a "Super Shotgun" and the addition of a "Pistol".
• Lack of Official Recognition: Doom 64 has never been officially recognized as part of the Doom canon by id Software or other Doom developers.
• Conflicting Storyline: Doom 64’s storyline is somewhat inconsistent with the events of Doom II: Hell on Earth, which may lead some to question its place in the canon.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Doom 64 is canon. The game’s inclusion in Doom Eternal, secret level connection, consistent gameplay and storyline, and lack of official denial by id Software all suggest that it is part of the official Doom canon. While there are some arguments against its canonicity, they are largely unfounded and based on minor gameplay differences or conflicting storyline elements. As a result, Doom 64 is considered part of the Doom canon by many fans and gaming publications.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the storyline of Doom 64?: Doom 64 follows the story of a marine who must stop an invasion of Hell on Earth.
• Is Doom 64 included in Doom Eternal?: Yes, Doom 64 is included as a pre-order bonus in Doom Eternal.
• What are the gameplay differences between Doom 64 and other Doom games?: Doom 64 has some gameplay differences, including the use of a "Super Shotgun" and the addition of a "Pistol".
• Is Doom 64 considered part of the Doom canon?: Yes, Doom 64 is considered part of the official Doom canon by many fans and gaming publications.

Table: Doom 64’s Canon Status

Note: | represents a strong argument for or against, while | represents a weak or conflicting argument.