The iconic video game Doom, which reshaped the first-person shooter genre, recently marked its 30th anniversary. Among the myriad of user-created modifications (mods) that have extended Doom's life far beyond its original release is a total conversion known as Siren. Developed by Dithered Output, Siren stands out as a fantastic entry point into the vast and often hellish universe created by avid Doom modders. True to the DIY spirit that has long surrounded Doom, the first episode of Siren is available for free download on Itch.io.
Ditching the traditional monsters for a fresh set of horrors, Siren delights and terrifies with its own unique touch. The mod's ambiance is captured with quirky occurrences, such as an encounter with a sentient vending machine that bluntly refuses to dispense soda—a striking contrast to the horrors lurking around you. The setting takes place on Mars, within a long-forgotten habitation prototype known as the Redark. As a valiant explorer, you are tasked with venturing into the depths of Redark to uncover its mysteries, but it quickly becomes clear that you've signed up for something far more sinister.
The gameplay aesthetics are beautifully reminiscent of the 90s classic, with an infusion of modern mechanics and storytelling that draw comparisons to more recent sci-fi hits. Dark corners hide all manner of grotesque mutants, and the soldiers clad in black prove to be formidable opponents—especially when they attack in swarms. Siren ups the ante by introducing enemies like Imp lookalikes that crawl on ceilings, heads with tentacles that blend into the metallic backgrounds, and shapeshifting creatures that keep players constantly on edge. These challenges emphasize survival and resource management, making every bullet count.
Siren’s greatest asset might be its incredibly immersive atmosphere. Echoing the claustrophobic and industrial environment of Dead Space, the Redark is pieced together in a way that feels like an authentic, lived-in space, despite its alien location. Players navigate through realistic areas like fuel storage and control centers, and are often greeted with cleverly designed setpieces that create memorable moments of tension and surprise.
The game’s landscape is a maze of corridors and hidden paths, deftly folding back on itself and always teeming with fresh threats. This level of map complexity speaks to the thoughtful design behind Siren, ensuring players are intrigued without feeling excessively lost. The arsenal available to players is equally captivating, combining the staple Doom firearms with contemporary refinements such as aiming down sights and the satisfying clatter of an empty magazine hitting the floor.
In its nods to the likes of Sky May Be, Siren teases a deeper underlying story, one that could unfurl into something profoundly thought-provoking in later levels. The writing in the game hints at a potentially rich narrative yet to unfold, reminiscent of the psychological and philosophical layers found in titles such as Signalis.
While there’s no official release date for a full 1.0 version, Siren's first episode is a remarkable tribute to the Doom modding tradition. It solidifies why Doom still captivates gamers after three decades and showcases the robust potential for evolution within its gameplay framework. For those left wanting by recent high-profile horror games set in space, Siren provides a riveting alternative, blending nostalgia and innovation in a package that can be thoroughly enjoyed this holiday season—or any time you're yearning for a return to Doom's timeless horror.
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