Guide to Map 40: "Panic" in Doom 64's 2020 re-release

[Brian Reilly jr.]

Panic is the fourth and new final "Bonus Fun Map" introduced in Doom 64 for the 2020 re-release, and uses the soundtrack "Hellistatic". Which is also played in the maps Outpost Omega, Tech Center and Burnt Offerings. Basic stuff for introducing the map. Now, for a low-down:

 

The layout of Panic is a large square-shaped arena with teal fog and pillars to separate tiles. The map shares many elements from former maps. The enemies you face in the start can activate triggers that let them teleport around the arena like in "Hardcore" and can possibly body-block or absorb point-blank rockets intended for other targets. The map layout also features homing turrets from "Dark Entries" and "Unholy Temple". They are placed on the outside pillars facing the walls away from the square to discourage doing laps around the edge, but they travel slow enough to where you can zip past or under them. The enemies inside the square are all Arachnotrons with most looking away from you and you spawn directly in front of a Rocket Launcher and a Mega Sphere. Lots of boxes of Rockets are scattered around the map, as well as a second Mega Sphere on the upper-left corner and a BFG with two Cell Packs on the upper-right corner. All of which will come in handy after you kill all the Arachnotrons.

 

After the first wave and for recommendations, ensure you saved that second Mega Sphere and the Cells. After an earthquake effect, two Cyberdemons spawn on the very right-side column on the top and bottom tiles. And as I also mentioned can use the teleporter triggers like the Arachnotrons which lead to the same indirect consequences. If you are lucky with where the Cyberdemons teleport next to each-other, you can take both out quickly with the BFG. If you expended most of or all your cells on the Arachnotrons, you still have a ton of Rockets bolstered by an overkill surplus that spawns once you begin facing the Cyberdemons. Both battles are fast-paced and require more disciplined use of rockets and maneuvers

 

In the end, Panic was much more difficult for me than the other bonus maps. A little bit of a slog and gimmicky with how it plays out but still a solid challenge nonetheless

Personal final rating: 7/10