10 Most Nostalgic Video Game Secrets

2. Classic Maps - Doom (2016)

Doom 2016 Classic Map
iD Software

The 2016 reboot of Doom was exactly what the series needed after going dormant for many years. It was fresh, fast, exciting and brutal. All of these words could be used to describe the first game upon release, so it was fair to say that iD Software had done an incredible job revitalising Doom’s tone for the new era.

As a call-back to Doom’s past there are quite a number of nods and Easter Eggs, none better than the game’s classic maps.

Tucked away in every single level of the 2016 Doom is a secret lever that, when pulled, will open up an area that looks quite unlike the rest of the game. These hidden rooms are lifted directly from different classic stages from the original Doom and Doom II. Even the enemy placements are the same, albeit they’re the 2016 equivalent and not pixelated demons.

Best of all, stepping into these slices of nostalgia unlocks the entire level for play outside of the main campaign. The stages look and feel similar but the Doomslayer, demons and combat are the 2016 version. Not only does this mean there’s essentially a second set of missions outside of the core game but it’s a collection of the best levels from the first two games, presented as a quite frankly awesome mish-mash of new and old.

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Coming from a content creation background that now spans over two decades, Psy cut her teeth on personal video production and community radio. Originally joining the team as a writer and presenter, she added video editing duties to her responsibilities over time and became the longest-standing editor of the irreverent gaming show Tues Your Own Adventure. Psy has worked on many previews and reviews, long-form editorials (either her own, or supporting as an editor), as a frequent quizmaster and more. Praised for the two-pronged attack of her hard work ethic and light-hearted editing style, Psy is otherwise known as a font of retro video game knowledge which has caused her to rack up many gaming quiz wins. Outside of WhatCulture, Psy runs First Aid Spray Podcast - a long-running channel that focuses on Resident Evil in all of it's forms. You can follow her on BlueSky at http://psywhite.bsky.social and Instagram at http://instagram.com/therealpsywhite