Unidoom DM (series)

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Revision as of 12:14, 25 December 2008 by 74.72.187.182 (talk) (UDM2)


The Unidoom DM series is an ongoing series of deathmatch WADs created by Clan Unidoom in 2002. They are regularly played in ZDaemon's deathmatch tournaments and Skulltag's Friday Night Fragfest, and have been a significant source of inspiration and influence for deathmatch mappers in both the ZDaemon and Skulltag communities.

UDM1

UDM1 MAP05, by deathz0r
UDM1 was released on January 1st, 2002. Containing sixteen deathmatch maps, two deathtag maps, and two parody maps, it became an instant hit in the deathmatch community. Notable DM mappers such as TLSDM's ChronoHunter have cited UDM1 as their inspiration to map.

UDM2

UDM2 MAP09, by Ralphis
UDM2 development started shortly after the release of UDM1, but lack of motivation slowed progress down to a near-halt in 2002. However, development soon resumed and UDM2 was eventually completed and released on March 2nd, 2003. It was initially rejected from /idgames (see Controversy). It contains twelve deathmatch maps, a parody map, and a credits map. Like its predecessor, UDM2 mostly consists of maps authored by Ralphis and deathz0r.

UDM2 notably features a map that is a tribute to the video game Super Mario Bros. 3, some of whose graphics are used as sprites and textures in the map.

UDM3

UDM3 MAP07, by Doomraider and AlexMax
The second sequel to UDM1 was released on December 25th, 2004. Unlike its predecessors, UDM3 was created by a score of members (and now former members) of Unidoom and does not contain Skulltag textures, which had made UDM1 and UDM2 significantly larger in file size. UDM3 contains sixteen deathmatch maps, two parody maps, and a credits map; it also features a new palette that modifies greens and blues to produce a new look and is one of the WAD's hallmarks.

UDM3's standout map is Citadel of Unidoom (MAP16), which was an attempt by deathz0r to have as many Unidoom members as possible cooperate in the creation of a single city containing their own buildings. Although the layout was not completed due to lack of time, it is a playable, detailed map designed for free-for-all gameplay.

UDMX

The fourth installment of the series is currently in production and is expected to be released in November, 2008. A trailer for it was released on March 23, 2008.

Controversy

Two issues have been raised about UDM1: the use of Skulltag textures without the permission of Carnevil and the plagiarism of MAP06, although the latter was not known until it was revealed by deathz0r a few years following the WAD's release.

Similarly, UDM2 used Skulltag textures without the permission of Carnevil. In response to UDM2 being uploaded to /idgames, Carnevil sent an email to Ty Halderman, the archive maintainer, requesting it to be removed from the server. This action sparked a debate in the Skulltag IRC channel, after which Carnevil eventually agreed to allow the Unidoom clan to re-upload UDM2.

External links