First announced at QuakeCon 2024 back in August, Nightdive Studios has preserved two classic DOOM games with recent enhanced editions of DOOM 1 and DOOM 2 on Steam. The package, which includes the original games, expansions, new episodes, and much more, has been praised for its enhancements while maintaining the appeal of the originals.
One of the most impressive aspects of this release is its performance on the Steam Deck. The game’s recent update to a new engine (KEX) and improved visuals don’t stop it from running well on Valve’s handheld console. Well, we’d be surprised if they didn’t run well considering their age (and the fact Doom will run on almost anything, from microwaves to an Apple Watch).
Users have reported smooth gameplay at 90 FPS with minimal battery drain, making it one of the best-performing titles available on the Steam Deck. It’s about time Valve got around to rating DOOM 3 as well; it remains unsupported for the time being.
From unsupported to verified on Steam Deck
While the game initially had an “Unsupported” rating on Steam, this was likely due to the inclusion of the original DOS versions of the games. These versions, which lacked controller support, can be challenging to play on the Steam Deck without additional configuration. However, the remastered and enhanced versions run perfectly, making the DOS versions a minor inconvenience rather than a major issue.
Regardless, the game has since achieved verified status, as explained in a recent post on Steam.
The “Unsupported” rating for the game is a reminder of the limitations of Valve’s Verified system. While the system can be helpful in providing users with information about game compatibility, it can also be misleading. In this case, the game’s excellent performance on the Steam Deck was overshadowed by the inclusion of the DOS versions.
Overall, DOOM 1 + 2 is a fantastic addition to the Steam Deck library. With its smooth performance, modern enhancements such as cross-platform deathmatch and co-op, and classic gameplay, it’s definitely intriguing for fans of the series and anyone looking for a great game to play on the go. The two-pack is available on Steam for just $9.99.
