Beta Labs 2 1.0

DOOM is one of the oldest FPSes in existence, and its engine is famously so robust that it can run on pretty much anything and also create pretty much anything.  From FPSes to RPGs to companions to a city living game, it has a ton of different mods and maps that can all do different things. A few creators made Beta Labs back in 2015, and decided recently to follow it up with Beta Labs 2.

To install Beta Labs 2, you need to have ZDoom and move the WAD file into the GZDoom folder, which is pretty par for the course for DOOM maps.

Like its prequel, it has no narrative. There can be a narrative interpreted from the maps, but nothing concrete. It's a fun, challenging map where the interconnectivity and architecture are top tier. The complexity of the layouts start approaching labyrinth levels. Unfortunately, the music selection is rather muted, which seems to only borrow from unpolished John Romero tracks. The resources are all lifted from Alpha version.

However, this also gives it its own charm. Projectile sprites are cartoonish in how unpolished they are, and the Lost Souls look hazy and much more supernatural than before. The creators also decided to use the early pickup sprites as well, replacing only the scepters and skullchests with chalices and daggers. There is also a bayonet, which replaces the fist.

Overall, this is much like its predecessor - fun and solid. Its design is polished enough to stand on its own. If that sounds interesting at all, you should give Beta Labs 2 a download.