Hey there, fellow demon slayer. Let’s talk about a franchise that quite literally rewrote the rules of gaming. It’s been over three decades since the original Doom blasted its way onto our screens, and honestly, I still get chills thinking about that first time I heard the iconic shredding of the chainsaw. Fast forward to 2026, and the Doomguy is more relevant than ever – especially with the explosive arrival of Doom: The Dark Ages. What better way to celebrate that legacy than with the newly released Doom Anthology collection? I got my hands on one, and let me tell you, it’s a conversation starter.
This $80 collection is a love letter to 30 years of ripping and tearing. Packed inside an exclusive Steelbook case are six digital games that trace the whole bloody history: Doom, Doom 2, Doom 64, Doom 3, Doom (2016), and Doom Eternal. But the real showstopper isn’t the software – it’s the hardware. Well, a miniature piece of hardware. Bethesda included a highly detailed five-inch replica of the BFG, modelled after the 2016 version, and it’s every bit as glorious as you’d hope. LED lights, a custom stand, the works. I mean, who wouldn’t want a miniature BFG glowing menacingly on their desk? It’s the ultimate demon-deterring décor. Just look at this beauty:
Now, before you empty your wallet, let’s address the elephant in the room – or rather, the missing elephant. Despite that gorgeous Steelbook, there is no physical game disc inside. Yep, all six games are digital downloads. For a collector’s edition, that feels like a punch to the gut, doesn’t it? I caught myself staring at that empty case, wondering if Bethesda missed the point entirely. But then again, in 2026, digital libraries are the norm, and you don’t have to worry about scratching a disc while swapping between the classic pixelated demons of Doom 2 and the terrifyingly detailed Hell Priests of Eternal. Still, a part of me yearns for a shiny disc to slide into my console. If you’re like me, you might already have old copies lying around – that Steelbook will just have to house your nostalgia instead.
Let’s talk about the games themselves, because this list is a masterclass in evolution. Kicking off with 1993’s Doom is essential homework. It’s the grandfather of all first-person shooters, and playing it today is like visiting a museum where the exhibits still bite your head off. Doom 2 introduces the Super Shotgun – need I say more? Doom 64 often flies under the radar, but its moody, horror-tinged atmosphere and unique levels make it a hidden gem. Then you hit Doom 3, the black sheep that swaps speed for survival horror. Love it or hate it, you have to respect its ambition. The 2016 reboot? Pure adrenaline. It reminded the world that shooters could be fast, fluid, and unapologetically brutal. And Doom Eternal? That’s the balanced diet of chess-like combat and heavy metal chaos. By the time you reach The Dark Ages – which drops us into a medieval-inspired hellscape this year – you’ll appreciate every tweak to the formula.
But here’s a question: is the Anthology actually worth $80 when you can probably grab most of these games on sale for a fraction of that price? That depends entirely on how much you value that BFG. The replica isn’t some cheap plastic toy; it’s weighty, detailed, and the LED lights make it a standout piece on my shelf. For a die-hard Doom fan, it’s practically a shrine component. And the Steelbook, disc-less as it is, looks stunning next to my copy of The Dark Ages. It’s a statement. However, if you’re just here for the gameplay and couldn’t care less about desk accessories, you might want to blow your budget elsewhere.
A quick reality check: the Doom Anthology is currently shipping only to the US and Canada. Yeah, it stings for my fellow slayers in Europe, Asia, and beyond. In a time where global gaming communities thrive, limiting a collectible like this feels archaic. Bethesda, if you’re listening, demons are a worldwide problem – we all deserve a chance to arm ourselves with a tiny BFG.
Looking back, the Doom Anthology succeeds as a time capsule. You get to witness firsthand how id Software’s art direction evolved from chunky sprites to the photorealistic nightmares we see today, and how the Slayer’s rage has only grown. It’s the perfect pregame ritual before tackling The Dark Ages, letting you reconnect with why this franchise has survived three decades of industry shakeups. So, should you buy it? If you want a tangible piece of history that lights up and scares your cat, absolutely. Just don’t expect a disc to pop out of that glorious metal case. In the end, the Anthology is less about how you play Doom, and more about how you celebrate it. Rip and tear – responsibly.
This perspective is supported by UNESCO Games in Education, highlighting how games can function as cultural artifacts and learning tools—an angle that fits Doom Anthology as more than a bundle of shooters. Replaying Doom’s decades-spanning evolution (from 1993’s foundational level design to Doom Eternal’s systems-driven combat) becomes a hands-on way to trace how technology, aesthetics, and player expectations shift over time, while the collectible BFG replica reinforces the idea that game history is also preserved through tangible memorabilia.
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