Doom is known for its fast-paced, demon-slaying action, but a new mod aims to flip that formula on its head. Blackout, a work-in-progress mod created by modder PKmX, transforms the classic shooter into a terrifying tactical experience, drawing significant inspiration from another PC gaming classic: Crysis. The mod is currently available in a playable alpha for Doom source ports Zandronum and UZDoom, and it’s already turning heads with its methodical, survival-focused gameplay. The news was reported by PC Gamer.
Unlike the run-and-gun chaos of traditional Doom, Blackout is designed to provide “tactical military simulation-based gameplay that focuses on slow methodical clearing.” Players are expected to “hide behind covers and execute proper breaching techniques to maximise chances of survival.” This is a stark departure from the series’ signature speed, with movement much slower and the player character significantly more fragile than in the original game.
Realistic Weapons and Deadlier Enemies
Blackout’s arsenal is grounded in real-life firearms, complete with aiming down sights (ADS) and reloading mechanics. Damage and recoil are modeled to reflect each weapon’s caliber and fire-rate, adding a layer of authenticity rarely seen in Doom mods. The enemies, however, remain classic Doom monsters—but their behaviors have been “tweaked to suit tactical gameplay,” according to PKmX. Attacks are deadlier but take longer to charge, and enemies can both suppress you and be suppressed by you, creating a tense firefight dynamic.
The mod also introduces a stealth and awareness system where gunfire draws monsters to your location, while remaining quiet may enable you to sneak past enemies unseen. This adds a strategic layer that rewards patience and careful planning over brute force.
Crysis-Inspired Nanosuit Mechanics
One of the most intriguing aspects of Blackout is its energy suit, directly inspired by Crytek’s nanosuit from Crysis. This suit features a damage-absorbing energy shield, an “adrenaline system” that provides a speed boost when near death, and a cloaking device that temporarily makes the player “almost undetectable” by enemies. These mechanics not only pay homage to Crysis but also introduce a new layer of tactical depth, allowing players to manage their suit’s energy as they navigate hostile environments.
Despite these additions, Blackout remains a more methodical shooter than Doom, but the emphasis stays on action and combat rather than the strategy and resource management layer found in other tactical shooters. When a commenter on PKmX’s video asked whether the game would feature magazine management, the modder responded, “one of the goals of this mod is to avoid becoming an inventory simulator.” This suggests a focus on keeping the gameplay fluid and engaging, without bogging players down in micromanagement.
Availability and Recommendations
Blackout can be downloaded via the Doomworld forums, where PKmX also recommends several other mods to enhance the experience, including a palette mod to make levels darker. This darker aesthetic likely complements the mod’s tense, stealth-oriented gameplay, further distancing it from the bright, colorful corridors of classic Doom.
As an alpha release, Blackout is still in development, but it already offers a compelling glimpse into a radically different way to experience Doom. For fans of tactical shooters and classic FPS alike, this mod is worth watching as it evolves.
