Difference between revisions of "Berserk"
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[[Image:BerserkViewE2M2.png|thumb|A view of E2M2: Containment Area, just after picking up the berserk [[Item#Powerups|powerup]], with the [[player]]'s vision turned red.]] | [[Image:BerserkViewE2M2.png|thumb|A view of E2M2: Containment Area, just after picking up the berserk [[Item#Powerups|powerup]], with the [[player]]'s vision turned red.]] | ||
− | The '''berserk''' [[Item#Powerups|powerup]] (called ''berserk pack'' in the manuals) | + | The '''berserk''' [[Item#Powerups|powerup]] (called ''berserk pack'' in the manuals) resembles a [[medikit]] in a dark gray (rather than white) box. It contains advanced strength enhancers and stimulants: picking one up greatly increases the damage the player inflicts with his [[fist]]s and fills the screen with a gradually diminishing red haze. When the pack is picked up it also immediately heals the [[player]]'s [[health]] to 100%, unless it is already 100% or more, in which case there is no change. |
− | + | The effects can also be gained with the cheat code {{c|idbeholds}}. | |
− | + | Of Doom's items, it is the only one affecting the player's ability to attack in a direct way, and it can thus be considered as an additional attack mode, akin to a [[weapon]]. However it is an [[item]] in the sense that, when it is obtained, the sound for a powerup is played and the HUD displays only a short message with the name only. Further, it is counted in the [[Intermission screen|items percentage]] displayed at the end of each level. | |
− | ==Combat characteristics== | + | == Combat characteristics == |
− | + | : ''See also: [[Fist#Combat characteristics]]'' | |
− | The | + | The berserk pack increases the strength of the player's [[Fist|punch attack]] tenfold until the current level ends or the player dies. The damage increase is powerful enough to often [[Gibs|smash humanoids to a pulp]], or even sometimes kill a [[demon]] with a single blow. |
− | + | The red haze lasts approximately 20 seconds, except in [[Doom 64]] where it is 3 seconds. This haze is relatively intense (applying palette 3) for seven or eight seconds, and then less so (now palette 2) for the rest of the period. In addition to representing the character's altered state, this haze is a slight drawback of the powerup, due to the reduced visibility. This effect might confuse new players, who often believe that the berserk pack's effects last only as long as the red haze is on screen, through analogy to the [[radiation suit]] or [[invulnerability]]. | |
− | + | When a berserk pack is collected, the player's current weapon will switch to the fist. While giving the impression that the player has "gone berserk", this may be seen as another disadvantage meant to balance the power of the item. Alternatively it may be an indication or hint as to what the powerup actually does, as an uninitiated player may not otherwise guess that his fist damage has been increased. Players grabbing the powerup quickly may find themselves suddenly unarmed and forced into melee combat until they have the opportunity to switch weapons again. | |
− | |||
− | + | == Tactical analysis == | |
+ | : ''See also: [[Fist#Tactical analysis]]'' | ||
− | + | Compared to the [[chainsaw]], a berserk punch is more damaging and it does not "latch on" to enemies. Berserk however has the disadvantage of not doing [[pain chance|continuous damage]], which leaves the player more open to counterattacks, and requires relatively careful aim. | |
− | |||
− | + | Due to its power, the berserk punch is best used for hit-and-run situations, running up to the foe to throw a punch and then quickly retreating or dodging. Since punching requires good movement skills to avoid attacks at very close range, newer or slower players tend to save this powerup for healing purposes, while more proficient ones often pick it up earlier to save weapon [[ammo]]. | |
− | + | == Notes == | |
− | + | * Most levels of [[Doom]], [[The Ultimate Doom]] and [[Doom II]] include a berserk powerup (excepting [[Knee-Deep in the Dead]], because it is one of the various items excluded in the unregistered version). | |
− | + | * A berserk-powered player carrying a chainsaw is able to switch to the fist by pressing 1 on the keyboard. That is, instead of allowing only the chainsaw with respect to the normal fist attack, the key press will toggle between the two types of attack as long as the berserk is active. When switching from another weapon slot (2 or more) the chainsaw is still produced first. | |
− | The | + | * The berserk graphic is rendered with full brightness, making it glow in the dark. While this seems to be a general property of demonic artifacts (e.g. a [[soul sphere]]), a glowing medkit looks somewhat strange. |
− | ==Data== | + | == Documentation errors == |
+ | |||
+ | * The manuals for [[The Depths of Doom]], the [[Collector's Edition|Doom Collector's Edition]], and Steam releases incorrectly list the Berserk as a timed pickup. The original paper manuals correctly state the item lasts the whole level. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Prima's unauthorized strategy guide to [[Final Doom]] also declares the pickup is timed, claiming the red haze lasts a couple of minutes and that the berserk effects run out when the haze disappears. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * The [[Doom II Survival Guide]], by Ed Dille, contends that the red haze will remain for the whole level. | ||
+ | |||
+ | == Data == | ||
{| {{prettytable}} | {| {{prettytable}} | ||
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* [[Fists (Doom 3)]] | * [[Fists (Doom 3)]] | ||
− | |||
{{Doom items}} | {{Doom items}} |
Revision as of 19:41, 4 August 2014
- This article is about the original Doom games powerup. For the item in Doom 3, see Berserker.
The berserk powerup (called berserk pack in the manuals) resembles a medikit in a dark gray (rather than white) box. It contains advanced strength enhancers and stimulants: picking one up greatly increases the damage the player inflicts with his fists and fills the screen with a gradually diminishing red haze. When the pack is picked up it also immediately heals the player's health to 100%, unless it is already 100% or more, in which case there is no change.
The effects can also be gained with the cheat code idbeholds.
Of Doom's items, it is the only one affecting the player's ability to attack in a direct way, and it can thus be considered as an additional attack mode, akin to a weapon. However it is an item in the sense that, when it is obtained, the sound for a powerup is played and the HUD displays only a short message with the name only. Further, it is counted in the items percentage displayed at the end of each level.
Contents
Combat characteristics
- See also: Fist#Combat characteristics
The berserk pack increases the strength of the player's punch attack tenfold until the current level ends or the player dies. The damage increase is powerful enough to often smash humanoids to a pulp, or even sometimes kill a demon with a single blow.
The red haze lasts approximately 20 seconds, except in Doom 64 where it is 3 seconds. This haze is relatively intense (applying palette 3) for seven or eight seconds, and then less so (now palette 2) for the rest of the period. In addition to representing the character's altered state, this haze is a slight drawback of the powerup, due to the reduced visibility. This effect might confuse new players, who often believe that the berserk pack's effects last only as long as the red haze is on screen, through analogy to the radiation suit or invulnerability.
When a berserk pack is collected, the player's current weapon will switch to the fist. While giving the impression that the player has "gone berserk", this may be seen as another disadvantage meant to balance the power of the item. Alternatively it may be an indication or hint as to what the powerup actually does, as an uninitiated player may not otherwise guess that his fist damage has been increased. Players grabbing the powerup quickly may find themselves suddenly unarmed and forced into melee combat until they have the opportunity to switch weapons again.
Tactical analysis
- See also: Fist#Tactical analysis
Compared to the chainsaw, a berserk punch is more damaging and it does not "latch on" to enemies. Berserk however has the disadvantage of not doing continuous damage, which leaves the player more open to counterattacks, and requires relatively careful aim.
Due to its power, the berserk punch is best used for hit-and-run situations, running up to the foe to throw a punch and then quickly retreating or dodging. Since punching requires good movement skills to avoid attacks at very close range, newer or slower players tend to save this powerup for healing purposes, while more proficient ones often pick it up earlier to save weapon ammo.
Notes
- Most levels of Doom, The Ultimate Doom and Doom II include a berserk powerup (excepting Knee-Deep in the Dead, because it is one of the various items excluded in the unregistered version).
- A berserk-powered player carrying a chainsaw is able to switch to the fist by pressing 1 on the keyboard. That is, instead of allowing only the chainsaw with respect to the normal fist attack, the key press will toggle between the two types of attack as long as the berserk is active. When switching from another weapon slot (2 or more) the chainsaw is still produced first.
- The berserk graphic is rendered with full brightness, making it glow in the dark. While this seems to be a general property of demonic artifacts (e.g. a soul sphere), a glowing medkit looks somewhat strange.
Documentation errors
- The manuals for The Depths of Doom, the Doom Collector's Edition, and Steam releases incorrectly list the Berserk as a timed pickup. The original paper manuals correctly state the item lasts the whole level.
- Prima's unauthorized strategy guide to Final Doom also declares the pickup is timed, claiming the red haze lasts a couple of minutes and that the berserk effects run out when the haze disappears.
- The Doom II Survival Guide, by Ed Dille, contends that the red haze will remain for the whole level.
Data
Thing attributes | |
---|---|
Thing type | 2023 (decimal), 7E7 (hex) |
Appears in | Registered Doom Ultimate Doom Doom II/Final Doom |
Radius | 20 |
Sprite | PSTR |
Class | Artifact Pickup |
In classic Doom, berserk packs are first encountered on these levels:
The IWADs contain the following numbers of berserk packs:
Game | ITYTD and HNTR | HMP | UV and NM |
---|---|---|---|
Ultimate Doom | 19 | 20 | 20 |
Doom II | 33 | 33 | 32 |
TNT: Evilution | 17 | 19 | 19 |
Plutonia | 16 | 16 | 16 |
Doom RPG
In Doom RPG, the berserk powerup is called a berserker and looks like a red supercharge. Unlike the original, it increases the damage done by all weapons by a factor of 3, and does not heal the player. The increased damage lasts for 30 turns.
See also
Items from Doom, Doom II and Doom 64 | |
---|---|
Health: | Health bonus • Stimpack • Medikit |
Armor: | Armor bonus • Armor • Megaarmor |
Powerups: | Berserk • Computer area map • Invulnerability • Light amplification visor • Megasphere • Partial invisibility • Radiation shielding suit • Supercharge |
Keys: | Keycard • Skull key • Demon Key |
Weapons: | Fist • Chainsaw • Pistol • Shotgun • Super shotgun • Chaingun • Rocket launcher • Plasma gun • BFG9000 • Unmaker |
Ammo: | Backpack • Clip • 4 shotgun shells • Rocket • Energy cell • Box of bullets • Box of shotgun shells • Box of rockets • Energy cell pack |