It looks like fans of the classic Doom series are in for a treat. With an updated ESRB rating, Doom 64 appears poised for a release on the PS5 and Xbox Series X in the near future. This flicker of hope is welcome among those who have long cherished the iconic demon-slaying first-person shooter. While the series has seen numerous modern iterations, there’s something evocative about revisiting that old-school chaos, and soon it might be more accessible to everyone.
Initially, Doom 64 was a special gem exclusive to the Nintendo 64 back in 1997. It meant that not everyone had the luck or the means to delve into its depths during that era. Fast forward to 2020, and the title saw a rebirth on PS4 and Xbox One, complete with souped-up visuals and an added chapter. While these consoles may now be catching up in age, word on the street is that Bethesda seems keen on making sure Doom 64 doesn’t fade away.
Even though neither Bethesda nor id Software has officially spilled the beans, the ESRB’s updated rating makes for a juicy hint. It now lists Doom 64 as suitable for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S platforms, signaling that the game is inching closer to a new release. Typically, games only hit the ESRB’s desk once they’re gearing up for launch, ensuring all labels reflect the content accurately. The ESRB has a history of letting things slip before any formal announcement, like last year’s Felix the Cat’s resurgence that pre-empted Konami’s reveal.
Historically, such ratings precede a game’s release by mere months, which means fans might not have to wait too long to plunge back into the N64 nostalgia on today’s consoles. While there’s been no mention of a PC version in this revised rating, the 2020 port did include a Steam release. Moreover, players have creatively transformed classic Doom experiences into Doom 64 through mods. And given Bethesda’s tendency to quietly drop classic Doom versions, a stealthy release for Doom 64 isn’t off the cards.
Looking beyond just Doom 64, enthusiasts of the series have more on the horizon. Come 2025, it’s anticipated that Doom: The Dark Ages might see the light of day, possibly with an official release date as soon as January. Bethesda’s strategy of refreshing beloved classics on modern consoles serves to keep the engine warm for the franchise’s next thrilling chapter, inviting both veterans and newcomers to gear up and dive in anew.
Doom 64, a sequel to the riveting events of Doom II, originally stormed onto the gaming scene back in 1997 on the Nintendo 64. In its revamped 2020 release, it celebrated the franchise’s 25th anniversary, arriving enriched with enhanced visuals, polished controls, widescreen compatibility, and more, including a fresh set of “Lost Levels.” The engaging storyline picks up from where you left off as humanity’s last stand against a looming demonic resurgence. As the lone surviving marine, your mission is clear: Hunt down the Mother of Demons and shut that portal to Hell once and for all.
With the buzz around its potential arrival on current-gen consoles, it’s definitely a thrilling time to be a Doom fan. Whether you’ve cut your teeth on these classics before, or you’re a curious newcomer eager to experience the original FPS magic, this port promises to deliver the high-octane adventure Doom is renowned for. All eyes are now on Bethesda for the next announcement, as the community eagerly anticipates plunging back into the fiendish fray.
