Difference between revisions of "Unmaker"

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[[Image:Unmaker_Doom64_2.jpg|thumb|right|The Doom 64 Unmaker being used against an [[Arachnotron]], on [[MAP23: Unholy Temple (Doom 64)|MAP23: Unholy Temple]]]]
 
[[Image:Unmaker_Doom64_2.jpg|thumb|right|The Doom 64 Unmaker being used against an [[Arachnotron]], on [[MAP23: Unholy Temple (Doom 64)|MAP23: Unholy Temple]]]]
 
The '''Unmaker''' is a weapon in [[Doom 64]] of [[Hell|demonic]] origin, inscribed with a pentagram and made up of parts of the spine and rib bones of a demon. It fires powerful red lasers by consuming [[Energy cell (Doom)|cell]]s as ammo. The original name of the weapon is unknown and unverifiable; the community-given name "Unmaker" has long been applied to the weapon due to analogy with a similar concept in the [[Doom Bible]]. This name was made official by the [[Doom 64 (2020 version)|2020 re-release]] of the game, in an [[achievement]].
 
The '''Unmaker''' is a weapon in [[Doom 64]] of [[Hell|demonic]] origin, inscribed with a pentagram and made up of parts of the spine and rib bones of a demon. It fires powerful red lasers by consuming [[Energy cell (Doom)|cell]]s as ammo. The original name of the weapon is unknown and unverifiable; the community-given name "Unmaker" has long been applied to the weapon due to analogy with a similar concept in the [[Doom Bible]]. This name was made official by the [[Doom 64 (2020 version)|2020 re-release]] of the game, in an [[achievement]].
 
The Doom Bible concept for the Unmaker was originally intended to be in the pre-planned commercial sequel to [[Doom]] itself. According to the Doom Bible, the Unmaker was intended to be a "demon-tech weapon that hurts pure demons a lot, demon-humans very little, tech demons some. Made of demon bones. (...) The [[Dark Claw]] and Unmaker feed on human souls. Killing possessed humans or hellslaves allows the weapons to feed".{{cite web|author=[[Tom Hall|Hall, Tom]]|title=Doom Bible - Chapter 14. Stuff: Weapons, Items, Etc|url=https://5years.doomworld.com/doombible/section14.shtml|publication=[[Doomworld]]|publishdate=|accessdate=9 September 2018}}
 
 
The idea of a weapon being charged by kills was later used in [[Doom 3]]'s [[Soul Cube]], and the concept of a Hell-wrought weapon fed by human souls also occurs in the form of [[the Artifact]].
 
  
 
The concept and mechanics of the Unmaker are strongly referenced by a weapon in [[Doom Eternal]] known as the [[Unmaykr]]. The nature of the relationship of the two weapons is unclear; the Unmaykr fires three bolts in a similar manner to the fully powered Unmaker, and uses firing sounds from the Doom 64 weapon when the classic weapon sounds option is enabled.
 
The concept and mechanics of the Unmaker are strongly referenced by a weapon in [[Doom Eternal]] known as the [[Unmaykr]]. The nature of the relationship of the two weapons is unclear; the Unmaykr fires three bolts in a similar manner to the fully powered Unmaker, and uses firing sounds from the Doom 64 weapon when the classic weapon sounds option is enabled.
  
== Doom 64 version ==
+
== Combat characteristics ==
The Unmaker is the only new weapon in Doom 64. It begins as the second strongest weapon behind the [[BFG9000]], with slightly better damage but a slower firing rate than the [[plasma gun]]. It is especially rare and can only be found in a few levels, the first one being [[MAP29: Outpost Omega (Doom 64)|MAP29: Outpost Omega]] (a secret level). The first regular level where it can be found is [[MAP12: Altar Of Pain (Doom 64)|MAP12: Altar of Pain]]. In [[The Lost Levels]] expansion, the Unmaker can only be found on [[MAP39: Final Judgement (Doom 64)|MAP39: Final Judgement]].
+
The Unmaker is the only new weapon in Doom 64. It begins as the second strongest weapon behind the [[BFG9000]], with slightly better damage but a slower firing rate than the [[plasma gun]]. It is especially rare and can only be found in a few levels; chronologically it can first be located in the secret level [[MAP29: Outpost Omega (Doom 64)|MAP29: Outpost Omega]], with another opportunity to collect it not occuring until [[MAP12: Altar Of Pain (Doom 64)|MAP12: Altar of Pain]]. In [[The Lost Levels]] expansion, the Unmaker can only be found on [[MAP39: Final Judgement (Doom 64)|MAP39: Final Judgement]].
  
 
Uniquely amongst Doom weaponry, the Unmaker can be upgraded by finding the three mysterious and well-protected [[Demon Key]] artifacts:
 
Uniquely amongst Doom weaponry, the Unmaker can be upgraded by finding the three mysterious and well-protected [[Demon Key]] artifacts:
* The first one increases the laser speed.
+
* The first one lowers the firing pause between each laser from 8 tics (0.266 seconds) to 5 tics (0.166 seconds). <!-- Doom 64 runs at 30 tics/sec, as opposed to PC Doom's 35 tics/sec -->
* The second key adds a second laser
+
* The second key adds a second laser, raises the ammo usage to 2 cells per shot, and further decreases the firing pause to 4 tics (0.133 seconds).
* The third one makes the weapon fire three simultaneous lasers.
+
* The third one makes the weapon fire three simultaneous lasers and raises the ammo usage to 3 cells per shot.
  
Each laser of the Unmaker can do between 10 to 80 damage (10x+10 where x is a random value of 0 to 7). The damage of an individual laser is not directly affected by artifact count.
+
Each laser of the Unmaker is a hitscan attack that can do between 10 and 80 damage (10x+10 where x is a random value of 0 to 7). The red laser seen while shooting is actually just a visual effect representing the calculated hitscan trajectory from the attack's origin point to where the impact calculation lands. This means that the red lasers are inconsequential in the calculation of damage and do not interact with actors. This may give the impression that the lasers pierce through enemies, when in reality they simply follow a precalculated trajectory. The damage of an individual laser attack is not affected by artifact count. The laser hitscan calculation has a maximum distance of 4096 map units, and the origin point of the attack is 40 units over the player's current z-position.
Each laser fired uses 1 cell of ammo. Having more lasers fire by having 2 or 3 artifacts thus increases ammo usage of each additional laser fired. (3 artifacts means 3 lasers means 3 cells used total per shot).  
 
  
The fully equipped Unmaker critically increases the chance of [[pain-stun]], dispatching the [[Cyberdemon]] and even the mighty [[Mother Demon]] or Sister Resurrector with impunity. While the BFG can dole out higher damage and strike more targets at a single time, the Unmaker arguably surpasses it in utility in the late game when it is at its full strength, strong enemies come in singles or small groups, and cell ammo is at a premium.
+
Like every hitscan attack in the game, each successful hit has an independent chance of triggering a monster's [[pain state]], with the fully equipped Unmaker critically increasing this chance due to being able of causing multiple simultaneous impacts on a target in rapid succession. This carries the consequence of it being able to cause an almost permanent pain-stun on any monster in the game, allowing the player to dispatch the [[Cyberdemon]] and even the mighty [[Mother Demon]] or Sister Resurrector with impunity. While the BFG can dole out higher damage and strike more targets at a single time, the Unmaker arguably surpasses it in utility in the late game when it is at its full strength, strong enemies come in singles or small groups, and cell ammo is at a premium.
  
===Name===
+
== Name ==
The weapon is never officially named within the original game itself, and is kept a secret by the instruction manual. The Unmaker weapon sprite is named {{c|LASR}} and the pick-up sprite is named {{c|LSGR}}. It is likewise referred to by several unofficial or tentative names in pre-release previews, walkthroughs, reviews, and the game's [[Doom 64: Official Game Secrets|official strategy guide]]. These include the following:
+
The weapon is never officially named within the original game itself, and is kept a secret by the instruction manual. The Unmaker weapon sprite is named {{c|LASR}} and the pick-up sprite is named {{c|LSGR}}. It is likewise referred to by several unofficial or tentative names in pre-release previews, walkthroughs, reviews, ads, and the game's [[Doom 64: Official Game Secrets|official strategy guide]]. These include the following:
  
 
* "alien gun"<ref name="D64OSG">Osborne, Ian, Nick Roberts, and Jem Roberts. ''[[Doom 64: Official Game Secrets]]''. Prima Publishing, 1997.</ref>
 
* "alien gun"<ref name="D64OSG">Osborne, Ian, Nick Roberts, and Jem Roberts. ''[[Doom 64: Official Game Secrets]]''. Prima Publishing, 1997.</ref>
* "alien laser" (a name also referenced by level designer [[Tim Heydelaar]])<ref name="D64OSG"/>{{cite web|author=[[Tim Heydelaar|Heydelaar, Tim]]|title=Early and unused DOOM 64 Level Designs|url=https://www.doomworld.com/forum/post/1957377|publication=[[Doomworld Forums]]|publishdate=24 January 2019|accessdate=10 April 2019}}{{cite mag|magazine=64 Extreme|issue=8|altdate=1998, December/January|title=Ex-Rated - Doom 64|author=Ian|pages=56}}
+
* "alien laser" (a name also referenced by level designer [[Tim Heydelaar]])<ref name="D64OSG"/>{{cite web|author=[[Tim Heydelaar|Heydelaar, Tim]]|title=|url={{dwforumsp|1957377|Early and unused DOOM 64 Level Designs}}|publication=[[Doomworld Forums]]|publishdate=24 January 2019|accessdate=10 April 2019}}{{cite mag|magazine=64 Extreme|issue=8|altdate=1998, December/January|title=Ex-Rated - Doom 64|author=Ian|pages=56}}
 
* "alien weapon"<ref name="N64-7">{{cite mag text|author=James|magazine=N64|issue=7|date=October 1997|title=N64 Arena - Doom 64|pages=38}}</ref><ref name="X64">{{cite mag text|magazine=X64|issue=HS3|altdate=Christmas 1998|title=Doom 64}}</ref>
 
* "alien weapon"<ref name="N64-7">{{cite mag text|author=James|magazine=N64|issue=7|date=October 1997|title=N64 Arena - Doom 64|pages=38}}</ref><ref name="X64">{{cite mag text|magazine=X64|issue=HS3|altdate=Christmas 1998|title=Doom 64}}</ref>
 
* "crazy laser"<ref name="N64-7" />
 
* "crazy laser"<ref name="N64-7" />
Line 32: Line 27:
 
* "gros laser qui tue" (English: "big fucking laser", literally "big laser that kills")<ref name="X64" />
 
* "gros laser qui tue" (English: "big fucking laser", literally "big laser that kills")<ref name="X64" />
 
* "high powered laser"{{cite mag|author=O'Leary, Steve|magazine=Hyper|issue=47|date=September 1997|title=Review - Doom 64|pages=53}}
 
* "high powered laser"{{cite mag|author=O'Leary, Steve|magazine=Hyper|issue=47|date=September 1997|title=Review - Doom 64|pages=53}}
* "laser"<ref>[[Craig Wessel (Talon)|Wessel, Craig]]. ''Authorized Guide to Doom 64''. Brady Publishing, 1997.</ref><ref name="NOM60">{{cite mag text|magazine=Nintendo Official Magazine|issue=60|date=September 1997|title=Review - Doom 64|pages=40}}</ref>{{cite mag|magazine=PlayMag|issue=14|date=May 1997|title=Playtest - Doom 64|pages=120}}
+
* "laser"<ref>Nintendo.com’s Official Doom 64 Game Page Description</ref> <ref name="Wessel">[[Craig Wessel (Talon)|Wessel, Craig]]. ''Authorized Guide to Doom 64''. Brady Publishing, 1997.</ref><ref name="NOM60">{{cite mag text|magazine=Nintendo Official Magazine|issue=60|date=September 1997|title=Review - Doom 64|pages=40}}</ref>{{cite mag|magazine=PlayMag|issue=14|date=May 1997|title=Playtest - Doom 64|pages=120}}
 
* "laser action machine gun"{{cite mag|author=McCleary, John|title=R64 Review - Doom 64|magazine=64 Magazine|issue=1|altdate=1997, March/April|pages=73}}
 
* "laser action machine gun"{{cite mag|author=McCleary, John|title=R64 Review - Doom 64|magazine=64 Magazine|issue=1|altdate=1997, March/April|pages=73}}
 
* "laser beam"{{cite mag|author=Major Mike|magazine=GamePro|issue=103|date=April 1997|title=Nintendo 64 ProReviews - Doom 64|pages=74}}
 
* "laser beam"{{cite mag|author=Major Mike|magazine=GamePro|issue=103|date=April 1997|title=Nintendo 64 ProReviews - Doom 64|pages=74}}
 
* "laser cannon"<ref name="CVG185">{{cite mag text|title=First Look at Hot Software! - Doom 64|magazine=Computer and Video Games|issue=185|date=April 1997|pages=95}}</ref>
 
* "laser cannon"<ref name="CVG185">{{cite mag text|title=First Look at Hot Software! - Doom 64|magazine=Computer and Video Games|issue=185|date=April 1997|pages=95}}</ref>
* "laser gun"<ref name="N64-7" /><ref name="X64" /><ref name="CVG185" />{{cite mag|magazine=Joypad|issue=64|date=May 1997|title=USA Zoom - Doom 64}}
+
* "laser gun"<ref name="N64-7" /><ref name="X64" /><ref name="Wessel" /><ref name="CVG185" />{{cite mag|magazine=Joypad|issue=64|date=May 1997|title=USA Zoom - Doom 64}}
* "laser rifle"<ref name="NOM60" />{{cite mag|author=Pete|magazine=64 Extreme|title=Review - Doom 64|issue=3|date=June 1997|pages=13}}
+
* "laser rifle"<ref name="Wessel" /><ref name="NOM60" />{{cite mag|author=Pete|magazine=64 Extreme|title=Review - Doom 64|issue=3|date=June 1997|pages=13}}
 
* "laser weapon"{{cite mag|author=Lomas, Ed|magazine=Computer and Video Games|issue=187|date=June 1997|title=Mini Reviews - Doom 64|pages=78}}{{cite mag|magazine=Nintendo Power|issue=96|date=May 1997|title=Doom 64|pages=44}}
 
* "laser weapon"{{cite mag|author=Lomas, Ed|magazine=Computer and Video Games|issue=187|date=June 1997|title=Mini Reviews - Doom 64|pages=78}}{{cite mag|magazine=Nintendo Power|issue=96|date=May 1997|title=Doom 64|pages=44}}
 
* "superlaser"{{cite mag|author=McDermott, Andy|magazine=64 Magazine|issue=5|date=October 1997|title=U64 UK Update - Doom 64|pages=57}}
 
* "superlaser"{{cite mag|author=McDermott, Andy|magazine=64 Magazine|issue=5|date=October 1997|title=U64 UK Update - Doom 64|pages=57}}
Line 44: Line 39:
  
 
The 2020 re-release officially uses the name Unmaker for the weapon in [[achievement]] descriptions and promotional materials.
 
The 2020 re-release officially uses the name Unmaker for the weapon in [[achievement]] descriptions and promotional materials.
 +
 +
== Data ==
 +
 +
{{col-begin|width=auto}}
 +
{{col-break}}
 +
{| {{prettytable}}
 +
!colspan="2"|Unmaker data
 +
|-
 +
| [[Thing types|Thing type]]||84 (decimal), 54 (hex)
 +
|-
 +
| [[Mobj|Enum]]||MT_WEAP_LCARBINE (86)
 +
|-
 +
| Appears in||[[Doom 64]]/[[The Lost Levels|Lost Levels]]
 +
|-
 +
| Radius||20
 +
|-
 +
| Height||16
 +
|-
 +
| [[Thing types|Class]]||[[Weapon]]<br>Pickup
 +
|-
 +
| Flags||{{c|1}} (decimal)<br>{{c|00000001}} (hex)
 +
|-
 +
| Flags list|| 0: Can be picked up
 +
|-
 +
| Spawns||MT_PROJ_LASER (laser impact)
 +
|}
 +
{{col-break|gap=0.5em}}
 +
{| {{prettytable}}
 +
!colspan="2"|Weapon attributes
 +
|-
 +
| Weapon slot||8
 +
|-
 +
| Included ammo||40 (80 on [[Skill level|skills]] 1 & 5)
 +
|-
 +
| Max ammo||300 (600 with [[backpack]])
 +
|-
 +
| Ammo type||[[Energy cell (Doom)|Energy cells]]
 +
|-
 +
| Shots per minute||225.0
 +
|}
 +
{| {{prettytable}}
 +
! [[State]]!![[Sprite]]!!Frames
 +
|-
 +
| Before pickup||LSRG||1 [A]
 +
|-
 +
| Wielded||LASR||1 [A]
 +
|-
 +
| Firing||LASR||2 [AA]
 +
|-
 +
| Refiring||LASR||1 [A]
 +
|-
 +
| Flashing||LASR||1 [B]
 +
|}
 +
{{col-break|gap=1em}}
 +
{| {{prettytable}}
 +
!colspan="2"|Ranged attack
 +
|-
 +
| Type||[[Hitscan]]
 +
|-
 +
| Enum||MT_PROJ_LASER (28)
 +
|-
 +
| [[Damage]]||10-80 per laser
 +
|-
 +
| Radius||8
 +
|-
 +
| Height||8
 +
|-
 +
| Sprite||LASS (impact)
 +
|-
 +
| Frames||2 [AB] (impact)
 +
|-
 +
| [[Sound]]||SFX_111 (firing)
 +
|-
 +
| Flags||{{c|16}} (decimal)<br>{{c|00000010}} (hex)
 +
|-
 +
| Flags list|| 4: No blocklinks (Inert)
 +
|}
 +
{{col-end}}
 +
 +
== Origin ==
 +
The Doom Bible concept for the Unmaker was originally intended to be in the pre-planned commercial sequel to [[Doom]] itself. According to the Doom Bible, the Unmaker was intended to be a "demon-tech weapon that hurts pure demons a lot, demon-humans very little, tech demons some. Made of demon bones. (...) The [[Dark Claw]] and Unmaker feed on human souls. Killing possessed humans or hellslaves allows the weapons to feed".{{cite web|author=[[Tom Hall|Hall, Tom]]|title=Doom Bible - Chapter 14. Stuff: Weapons, Items, Etc|url=https://5years.doomworld.com/doombible/section14.shtml|publication=[[Doomworld]]|publishdate=|accessdate=9 September 2018}}
 +
 +
The idea of a weapon being charged by kills was later used in [[Doom 3]]'s [[Soul Cube]], and the concept of a Hell-wrought weapon fed by human souls also occurs in the form of [[the Artifact]].
 +
 +
As a weapon in the Doom [[alpha]]s, the Unmaker appears only in [[Doom v0.2]], and there only in the form of two unused lumps for the game's helmet visor [[HUD]]: {{c|WBOXUNM}} contains the name of the weapon, and {{c|WPICUNM}} contains a silhouette. After this, there are no further references to the weapon concept. It was meant by [[Tom Hall]] to occur as a new weapon in the commercial sequel to Doom and not in the first game itself, which is likely why its concept was quickly dropped.
  
 
==Trivia==
 
==Trivia==
[[File:Prerelease_unmaker.png|thumb|right|240px|Pre-release screenshot thought to be of the "laser rifle" concept which became the Unmaker.]]
+
[[File:Prerelease_unmaker.png|thumb|right|240px|Pre-release screenshot sometimes thought to be of the "laser rifle" concept which became the Unmaker.]]
 
* The [[Reaper (weapon)|reaper]] in [[Doom (2016)]] has a charged attack which fires a similar laser-like beam of Hell energy.
 
* The [[Reaper (weapon)|reaper]] in [[Doom (2016)]] has a charged attack which fires a similar laser-like beam of Hell energy.
* One pre-release screenshot shows what is presumably an early version of the Unmaker. The publication itself mentions there could be "possibly new weapons and monsters" in Doom 64.<ref>Gamepro. Issue 86. September 1996.</ref> Though Tim Heydelaar believes this picture is of an early [[rocket launcher]] model, earlier screenshots which display the rocket launcher sprite as it appears in the final game would seem to contradict that notion.{{cite web|author=[[Tim Heydelaar|Heydelaar, Tim]]|title=Early and unused DOOM 64 Level Designs|url=https://www.doomworld.com/forum/post/1955898|publication=[[Doomworld Forums]]|publishdate=18 January 2019|accessdate=10 April 2019}}
+
* One pre-release screenshot shows what is sometimes presumed to be an early version of the Unmaker. The publication itself mentions there could be "possibly new weapons and monsters" in Doom 64.<ref>Gamepro. Issue 86. September 1996.</ref> Tim Heydelaar instead believes this picture is of an early [[rocket launcher]] model.{{cite web|author=[[Tim Heydelaar|Heydelaar, Tim]]|title=|url={{dwforumsp|1955898|Early and unused DOOM 64 Level Designs}}|publication=[[Doomworld Forums]]|publishdate=18 January 2019|accessdate=10 April 2019}}
 
 
==Alpha version==
 
As a weapon in the Doom [[alpha]]s, the Unmaker appears only in [[Doom v0.2]], and there only in the form of two unused lumps for the game's helmet visor [[HUD]]: {{c|WBOXUNM}} contains the name of the weapon, and {{c|WPICUNM}} contains a silhouette. After this, there are no further references to the weapon concept. It was meant by [[Tom Hall]] to occur as a new weapon in the commercial sequel to Doom and not in the first game itself, which is likely why its concept was quickly dropped.
 
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
 
* [https://github.com/fragglet/RomeroDoomDump/blob/master/doom-textures-png/statpix/pix1_lbm.png Original source graphics for the Doom v0.2 HUD], as [[2015 Doom source data release|released]] by [[John Romero]] in {{timeline|2015}}. The Unmaker icon begins in column 30 at row 14, and resembles a skull and spine with various bony projections extending from it which form vague grips and a stock.
 
* [https://github.com/fragglet/RomeroDoomDump/blob/master/doom-textures-png/statpix/pix1_lbm.png Original source graphics for the Doom v0.2 HUD], as [[2015 Doom source data release|released]] by [[John Romero]] in {{timeline|2015}}. The Unmaker icon begins in column 30 at row 14, and resembles a skull and spine with various bony projections extending from it which form vague grips and a stock.
 +
* [https://github.com/Erick194/DOOM64-RE/blob/main/doom64/p_pspr.c#L1266 Doom 64 complete reverse engineering source code - A_FireLaser() reference]
  
 
== References ==
 
== References ==

Latest revision as of 14:54, 2 December 2022

The Doom 64 Unmaker, on MAP28: The Absolution
The Doom 64 Unmaker being used against an Arachnotron, on MAP23: Unholy Temple

The Unmaker is a weapon in Doom 64 of demonic origin, inscribed with a pentagram and made up of parts of the spine and rib bones of a demon. It fires powerful red lasers by consuming cells as ammo. The original name of the weapon is unknown and unverifiable; the community-given name "Unmaker" has long been applied to the weapon due to analogy with a similar concept in the Doom Bible. This name was made official by the 2020 re-release of the game, in an achievement.

The concept and mechanics of the Unmaker are strongly referenced by a weapon in Doom Eternal known as the Unmaykr. The nature of the relationship of the two weapons is unclear; the Unmaykr fires three bolts in a similar manner to the fully powered Unmaker, and uses firing sounds from the Doom 64 weapon when the classic weapon sounds option is enabled.

Combat characteristics[edit]

The Unmaker is the only new weapon in Doom 64. It begins as the second strongest weapon behind the BFG9000, with slightly better damage but a slower firing rate than the plasma gun. It is especially rare and can only be found in a few levels; chronologically it can first be located in the secret level MAP29: Outpost Omega, with another opportunity to collect it not occuring until MAP12: Altar of Pain. In The Lost Levels expansion, the Unmaker can only be found on MAP39: Final Judgement.

Uniquely amongst Doom weaponry, the Unmaker can be upgraded by finding the three mysterious and well-protected Demon Key artifacts:

  • The first one lowers the firing pause between each laser from 8 tics (0.266 seconds) to 5 tics (0.166 seconds).
  • The second key adds a second laser, raises the ammo usage to 2 cells per shot, and further decreases the firing pause to 4 tics (0.133 seconds).
  • The third one makes the weapon fire three simultaneous lasers and raises the ammo usage to 3 cells per shot.

Each laser of the Unmaker is a hitscan attack that can do between 10 and 80 damage (10x+10 where x is a random value of 0 to 7). The red laser seen while shooting is actually just a visual effect representing the calculated hitscan trajectory from the attack's origin point to where the impact calculation lands. This means that the red lasers are inconsequential in the calculation of damage and do not interact with actors. This may give the impression that the lasers pierce through enemies, when in reality they simply follow a precalculated trajectory. The damage of an individual laser attack is not affected by artifact count. The laser hitscan calculation has a maximum distance of 4096 map units, and the origin point of the attack is 40 units over the player's current z-position.

Like every hitscan attack in the game, each successful hit has an independent chance of triggering a monster's pain state, with the fully equipped Unmaker critically increasing this chance due to being able of causing multiple simultaneous impacts on a target in rapid succession. This carries the consequence of it being able to cause an almost permanent pain-stun on any monster in the game, allowing the player to dispatch the Cyberdemon and even the mighty Mother Demon or Sister Resurrector with impunity. While the BFG can dole out higher damage and strike more targets at a single time, the Unmaker arguably surpasses it in utility in the late game when it is at its full strength, strong enemies come in singles or small groups, and cell ammo is at a premium.

Name[edit]

The weapon is never officially named within the original game itself, and is kept a secret by the instruction manual. The Unmaker weapon sprite is named LASR and the pick-up sprite is named LSGR. It is likewise referred to by several unofficial or tentative names in pre-release previews, walkthroughs, reviews, ads, and the game's official strategy guide. These include the following:

When the weapon is collected, the marine simply exclaims, "What the !@#%* is this!"

The 2020 re-release officially uses the name Unmaker for the weapon in achievement descriptions and promotional materials.

Data[edit]

Origin[edit]

The Doom Bible concept for the Unmaker was originally intended to be in the pre-planned commercial sequel to Doom itself. According to the Doom Bible, the Unmaker was intended to be a "demon-tech weapon that hurts pure demons a lot, demon-humans very little, tech demons some. Made of demon bones. (...) The Dark Claw and Unmaker feed on human souls. Killing possessed humans or hellslaves allows the weapons to feed".[21]

The idea of a weapon being charged by kills was later used in Doom 3's Soul Cube, and the concept of a Hell-wrought weapon fed by human souls also occurs in the form of the Artifact.

As a weapon in the Doom alphas, the Unmaker appears only in Doom v0.2, and there only in the form of two unused lumps for the game's helmet visor HUD: WBOXUNM contains the name of the weapon, and WPICUNM contains a silhouette. After this, there are no further references to the weapon concept. It was meant by Tom Hall to occur as a new weapon in the commercial sequel to Doom and not in the first game itself, which is likely why its concept was quickly dropped.

Trivia[edit]

Pre-release screenshot sometimes thought to be of the "laser rifle" concept which became the Unmaker.
  • The reaper in Doom (2016) has a charged attack which fires a similar laser-like beam of Hell energy.
  • One pre-release screenshot shows what is sometimes presumed to be an early version of the Unmaker. The publication itself mentions there could be "possibly new weapons and monsters" in Doom 64.[22] Tim Heydelaar instead believes this picture is of an early rocket launcher model.[23]

External links[edit]

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Osborne, Ian, Nick Roberts, and Jem Roberts. Doom 64: Official Game Secrets. Prima Publishing, 1997.
  2. Heydelaar, Tim (24 January 2019). Early and unused DOOM 64 Level Designs. Doomworld Forums. Retrieved 10 April 2019.
  3. Ian. (1998, December/January). Ex-Rated - Doom 64. 64 Extreme, 8, 56.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 James. (1997, October). N64 Arena - Doom 64. N64, 7, 38.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 Doom 64. (Christmas 1998). X64, HS3.
  6. Fulljames, Stephen and David McComb. (1998, March). Playguide - Doom 64. Nintendo Magazine, 60, 54.
  7. Fulljames, Stephen and David McComb. (1998, April). Playguide - Doom 64. Nintendo Magazine, 61, 63.
  8. O'Leary, Steve. (1997, September). Review - Doom 64. Hyper, 47, 53.
  9. Nintendo.com’s Official Doom 64 Game Page Description
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