Some genius has only gone and done a 2D version of Resident Evil 4…in Doom

One of Resident Evil‘s biggest impacts on gaming was it being paramount in helping the industry push into 3D development. Along with the likes of Doom, the days of 2D video games were about to be cast aside in favor of something more advanced. So imagine my surprise when I saw that these two iconic franchises came together in retro fashion.

Over on ModDB, user DooMero Entertainment has just released a version of the original Resident Evil 4 that turns the clock back by remaking it as a 2D side-scrolling shooter. To cap it all off, it’s been made in the Doom 2 engine. Or at least, it’s been uploaded under that category, and the developer does say it’s made to run on GZDoom, a port that allows id Software’s iconic series to run on more modern hardware.

DooMero says this version of RE4 has two campaigns: Leon and HUNK, a mercenary who has their origins in Resident Evil 2. However, the mod description does say that Leon’s story has been shortened, “covering only up to the village section,” but HUNK’s segment makes up for it with a non-canonical story.

Is there anything Doom can’t do?

I’m showing my ignorance here, but looking at the footage above, I’m left dumbfounded by how this has been accomplished. Having only really tinkered with a bit of level editing in my time (mainly Quake and Quake 2), I’m in awe of how someone has managed to take a classic Doom game – famous for its three-dimensional visuals – and remade Resident Evil 4 in 2D – again, something that’s not known for being 2D in the first place – within it.

It seems like I’m not the only one impressed by the mod, given the title of the above video, which is positively awestruck by the idea that this project exists. It also, once again, shows the awesome power of Doom modding.

Even these past few weeks, we’ve seen all the ways the OG can be tinkered with. Everything from Doom meets Starfield, to Doom as an Age of Empires RTS game, to Doom 2 reimagined as a neon, synthpop world are things I’d never imagine I’d ever associate with the iconic FPS. But, here we are.