The /newstuff Chronicles #8

18 new WAD files for you in our weekly wrapup of the new files on CDROM.COM.

• Deathmatch Field by Nick Di Cresce - A two-sector deathmatch level for Doom 2. There isn\'t much to say about this WAD, except that there\'s lots of items in a big open area. And hey, support for up to 32 players!
• The House Of Portals by Wim Vanrie - Here\'s something nice. A 9-level single-player WAD for Doom 2, in a haunted house theme. The music is mostly recycled from other levels of Doom 2, and these levels carry with them such nifty names as \"Homophobia\", \"Phantomuzo\", and \"Gobrotica\". The story line included is entertaining as well. Worth a download! Requires BOOM.
• Firefire! by Derrick Dela Cruz - Just another Doom 2 deathmatch level. This one is mostly just one texture, being yellow-stone. The light level remains mostly the same throughout the map. If you\'re truly desperate for a new deathmatch level, this is better than nothing.
• XXLFragger Skin by XXLFragger - This WAD is nothing more than a single skin. When activated, the marine wears something black over his suit. Requires a skin-supporting port such as ZDoom.
• Music Collection 1 by XXLFragger - Now, this hardly deserves to be considered DOOM-related, but oh well. A collection of 22 music files plugged into a single Doom 2 WAD. None of it really seems all that fitting for any DOOM level. Although the MUS belonging to Map12 happens to be my favorite. Again, oh well.
• Ruins by Marc A. Pullen - An amazing masterpiece by the person also known as Fanatic! This map shows off the usual special effects. Floors over floors, underwater, elevators... Even some new textures, and a hearty MP3 to carry you along the way! Enjoy it while it\'s hot! Requires EDGE.
• Magic Sacrifice by Shawn Huckabay - A single map for Doom 2 that uses some textures from GothicDM. The level design of this map isn\'t all that much to be excited about. It could be described as decent. Jumping is required to get through much of the area of this level, so an enhanced DOOM port such as ZDoom is recommended.
• No Where To Hide by Rob LoFaso - A newbie deathmatch map for Doom 2. The default textures are used in this wad. A round area, a few pillars, and even a couple of HOM effects thrown in for good measure.
• Ransom by Chris Pisarczyk - This is a pretty good single-player and/or cooperative map for Doom 2. The level design is fairly good. The sound replacements in this WAD can be very amusing, and the music is pretty good as well. There are also a few references to a certain TV show. The reason remains unknown.
• You Will Die! by Javier Fernando Almenara Otoya - If you like to play Heretic, here is a 4-level WAD. While the levels in question are about as far from eye-candy as you can get, the actual map design isn\'t all that bad. These maps look like they\'re trying to be extremely difficult, as a shortage of ammunition plagues your quest.
• The Edge Of Doom by Mr. Rocket - Here\'s a map for Doom 2 that looks nice. It remains quite unclear as to whether this is meant for single player or deathmatch action. It\'s ridiculously difficult in single-player, as well as perhaps a little large for deathmatch. However you want to play it, the sounds and music included in this WAD should be mildly entertaining.
• SoSueMe by Fod - If not the strangest add-on I have ever seen, easily in the top two. The combination of graphics, music, and custom sounds makes for something really, really weird. Oh yes, and it\'s a deathmatch WAD, by the way. 2-4 players. I don\'t know if it will be any good in deathmatch, though. Hey, see for yourself.
• Sector Seven by Dodge - Okay, this is a little less weird. Getting back to deathmatch. This Doom 2 level is more compact, with typical quality level design. The level doesn\'t look all that great in itself, but I suppose the idea could grow on you. There\'s also a music replacement which is pretty good. A couple of new sounds as well.
• Chord3 by Malcolm Sailor - Every once in a while, a truly great level comes along. This is one of them! Running on Map27, this level brings the experience of something truly spooky. Lots of wood, metal, and even fiery red brimstone! Kind of like the actual Map27 from Doom 2, only better. This level edges toward difficult, so be prepared. An enhanced DOOM port is recommended.
• Blah, I Can\'t Think Of A Name by Rob LoFaso - This is another small deathmatch level, much like the first one. Only with wooden textures, some more fighting area, less ammunition, and finally an exit switch.
• Peashootin! - A deathmatch level in an empty square room. No monsters, no weapons, nothing! Quite possibly the worst DOOM level ever.
• Project Defoot by Curtis Smith - A supposedly in-progress TC with modified weapons, monsters, sounds, and some music borrowed from the original DOOM. While some of the few frills in this WAD can be fun to play with, the level design is for the most part, atrocious. Enjoy, if possible. Update by Linguica: Good lord. Good sweet Lord in heaven. The levels are like SLIGE but not as polished, and some of the enemies are... um... oh man.
• Ancient by Jason Free - Single player level for Doom 2, running on Map02. Nothing very special. Some misaligned textures. Very simple rooms. SS Nazis and Spider Masterminds make their home here. Probably a first try.