What is your favorite DooM Episode?

[Stygian]

I like the variety of environments present in episode 2 of Doom. E2M2 sticks out as iconic in my memory.

As for Doom II, I've never really distinguished too much between the different episodes. It all seems continuous to me. I would have to say levels 12-20 of Doom II are my favorite.

[bimlanders]

Knee Deep... is flawlessly executed and is still the shining example of how to do FUN in Doom. I didn't say challenge, but a showcase of what makes doom complex yet simple enough to not frustrate, never lag, and be visually and structurally interesting.

When I first got the shareware, I probably beat Ep.1 a 100 times before getting the registered box. I was so excited to have more Doom to play, and I only assumed that the paid-for levels would be much better (since you had to buy them) that I really wouldn't be playing the shareware ep any more.

Well, I remember so clearly when I first revisited episode one after a few months and I was blown away all over again by how perfect and fun it was. It's only a shame that after easily a thousand play-throughs, it's difficult to recapture how fresh it once was.

[_bruce_]

bimlanders said:

... It's only a shame that after easily a thousand play-throughs, it's difficult to recapture how fresh it once was.

That's why I only funplay the least "sacred" maps of this episode(1 and 2) and keep the rest for coop sessions.

Romero wrote mapping history with his episode though E1M8 is Sandy's work.
He also finished E1M1 last after he had tackled the rather complex E1M7. Reason being that after these many maps he had the essence distilled of what he was trying to accomplish and could deliver it in optimum fashion.
Btw, E1M1 along with Map01 are classic horseshoe designs.*

I think Episode1 is so good because its design is elaborate instead of erratic. Romero's mapping builds on strong "locality" meaning the map grows along his movements, patterns and thoughts/character. He also "feels" the map aka having intuition/manifestation guiding you. And last but not least he's a hard worker.

*info from ign playthrough with Romero(youtube)