DOOM II HELP: DEATH MATCHES

BY THE END OF THIS HELP SESSION, YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO BLOW THE HEAD OFF OF YOUR OPPONENT LIKE THIS!!!!HAHA!<== SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? THE SOONER YOU GET STARTED, THE SOONER YOU CAN DO THIS!<==

SECTION I: THE CONFIGURATION OF KEYBOARD & MOUSE

Ideally you want all your controls (i.e. buttons) in reach of  your fingers without having to never let go any of the core buttons (core meaning the movement buttons).
Through experience, I can tell you the worst feeling of all is having to reach for a change of weapons, then having to see your opponent charge in front of you, and by the time you reach back to your core buttons, it was too late and the all familiar RED colour was back on your screen.

Here's a configuration you can play around with, it's a configuration I myself use. However, I strongly urge you to  try out different ones to find the one that will best suit your criteria of easy access, and psychological comfort. Psychological comfort, is what I refer to as, is it a button you can find no matter the situation. Meaning can you automatically touch it, without having to waste time looking at the keyboard? If so, then its a good placement for the button.

RECOMMENDED IDEAL CONFIGURATION

CURSOR BUTTONS (CORE MOVEMENT BUTTONS)

1. SET, UP AND DOWN CURSORS AS IS (UP IS FORWARD, DOWN IS BACKWARDS)
2. SET, RIGHT CURSOR AS RIGHT STRAFE & LEFT CURSOR AS LEFT STRAFE
3. SET, 0 BUTTON(ALSO THE INSERT BUTTON) ON THE NUMBER KEYPAD AS YOUR DOOR OPENER INSTEAD OF SPACE
4. SET, THE 6 BUTTONS (insert, home, pageup, delete, end, pagedown) and the #7 on keypad, AS YOUR WEAPONS CONSOLE. JUST MAKE SURE THE 3 MAIN WEAPONS THAT YOU USE ARE THE THE THREE LOWER BUTTONS (delete, End, Pagedown) Just for easier access.
5. SET, RIGHT CNTRL BUTTON, AS YOUR SPEED (RUN) BUTTON. YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO HOLD ONTO THIS BUTTON THE ENTIRE GAME.

MOUSE BUTTONS

1. SET UP THE FAR LEFT BUTTON, OR THE  FAR RIGHT BUTTON FOR FIRING, ACCORDING TO WHERE YOUR INDEX FINGER LIES. (Considering there will be differences among left handed and right handed people)
2. THE OTHER TWO BUTTONS ARE BASICALLY UP TO YOU.
 

Ok you may be wondering about how do you turn?, and that's simple, with the mouse you can turn a full 180 degrees in a split second, just by a quick movement to the right or left. I can tell you the mouse can be the most deadly tool for maneuverability you can have. One of the sweetest moves you can do is fall and do a 180 degree turn facing your opponent up above,  in a micro-second and blowing him away! He wouldn't know what hit him, cause he wouldn't think it was possible.
He's right in a sense, that maneuver would be ALMOST impossible on the keyboard,unless you're really high skilled witht the keyboard, but since you're here you're probably not as good yet, but with a mouse it's so much easier and..Oh My, just look out Baby!
Now you can see the logic, by letting your mouse to be as the turner, you now have left  full access for the left and right buttons as your strafe buttons on the keyboard. I can tell you having to live through a lot of doom matches, the "strafe buttons" are the programmer's gift to you. They are so useful, in so many ways! I just love those times especially when rockets are charging down on you a meter away, in a split second without having to turn to your new direction, you're side running sideways behind a pillar, completely out of danger!Not wasting anytime! Cool eh? You're opponent will be shocked you could've reacted that fast. But you would  be thinking it was just so simple you didn't even have to think..

*Just note in my own personal view, the config of controls stated above makes the most sense. However, I can tell you the best Doom II player (and my badminton partner) I ever met, who's pronounced himself as GOD in DOOM,  DOES NOT! use the mouse at all. He's mastered the keyboard so well, that they're some things  you would say that are truly amazing. Nevertheless, I have to account knowing him as my badminton partner, he has unusually very fast reflexes averaging way better than normal. Therefore, which may account for a high percentage of  his quickness on the keyboard. Nonetheless, he's proven you can be just as effective on a keyboard as well as on the mouse. The only difference being is that with the Mouse, to me and from the majority of others it is easier to move in especially quick turns. It is only unless you have you superb skill through tonnes of playing, and  the cat like reflexes, just like my friend GOD, then the keyboard is maybe the only thing that you may need.

SECTION II : OBVIOUS AND NOT SO OBVIOUS TIPS

1. KEEP ON RUNNING, never stay in one position for more than 3 seconds. The only exception to this plan is if you have 200% Armor, and 100% Health, and in a position that enables you to see him coming from all directions. This rule applies for all situations, even for just  killing someone. 9 out of 10 time when your opponent dies, and rematerializes he's probably going to go back to where you last were hunt you down as quick as possible before you can regain any health. So Don't stick around in the same place where you just killed him. Believe me you'll see him back from the dead in less then 2 seconds sprinting towards you in a unbelievable rate sometimes faster than you think! In most cases it's him who has the advantage of having a 100% and just enough bullets to get a cheap quick kill on you, because in most cases after a showdown you maybe have 20% health left from your last encounter. I can tell you when you die like that you just feel like he's so cheap, but then hey you basically offered yourself to him by staying there!

2. NEVER RUN FORWARDS FACING AWAY from your opponent when you're the prey being chased. Even when you know you have a less health percentage. The reason for this being, you're just giving him full opportunity to adjust his aim on the backside of your not so large head so he can  put you away once and for all. Once he's a couple of meters away you're not going to lose him, unless you can make him run out of ammo, or make him lose health %. The only solution is that you learn to run BACKWARDS FACING YOU'RE OPPONENT and to fire like hell, each time accurately aiming. Also this is where using the mouse and those "gift strafe" buttons come into play dramatically. Take it from me, you'll need to use them, literally you can run circles around him if the other person isn't as experienced as you. However, if he's is your equal or better, then good-luck. It's only by facing him and firing..you have more opportunity to slow him down, and thus the best chance in surviving , and by slowing him down you can ideally buy yourself some time to pick up some health packs along the way. Then possibly if you're lucky enough to turn the tables.
 
3. LISTEN! I like to stress this so much. By listening to your opponent, it can give you so much opportunity in know where your opponent is. This goes for especially buttons and switches on the maps. Why? because they're so distinct in the sounds that they give. Most Maps will have maybe three switches/buttons. So that's why it's so important to scope out the entire map...to find out what sounds originate from which rooms. I can tell you from my own experience when I first started playing, every time I flicked an elevator button to get to a certain weapon, always within a sec..I hear the awful sound of retro-rockets come blasting..my way, and then seeing that all too familiar red on my monitor. This happens primarily because, once I touched that switch..that sound radiates through the entire map..No matter where you're opponent is, in most cases. I suggest however if you do have to use a switch/button don't just stand there facing it, but turn around..and get ready to scope out if trouble is on it's way. Usually you can tell if  there is trouble on its way if your opponent is running along the side of the wall of fast scraping, usually accidentally making  noises...because he's all to eager to blow you away. Here's a cheap trick that works the first maybe 2 times (depending on who your opponent is of course)...flick a switch..and then before he comes you place yourself  flat on the entrance wall so he doesn't initially see you as he rushes in. So when he enters his back is facing you, and just take your sweet time (0.2 sec) to adjust and blow him away. It's just that simple.
 

SECTION III: WEAPON STRATEGICS
Comments: all these weapons..are only affective..as the person's maneuverability, so practice moving and firing with them as best you can. The only winning position in most cases is an OFFENSIVE one..and to be in that position requires the combination of both firing + moving...and I stress none of  them alone will get you very far. Nevertheless, since you're here I guess you've figured that out, or just figured.

1. FIST OF IRON/CHAIN SAW

All I can say here, is that you're pretty much dead, unless, he's in the same boat, or has maybe 4% health left. However if you do just need a single punch/hit..use all your maneuverability  to get to him, especially your mouse for that quick turn. All I can say mad rush him strafing left and right to confuse him..act like your going to pass him..but in the last second turn a full 180 as quick as possible..and hopefully execute the hit before he can turn around. Basically that's what I've sought out as the only solution.

2. PISTOL

Just fire like mad, but more importantly it's how you maneuver that's the trick, and USE the Map..Find Pillars to HIDE behind if you're opponent has a more deadly weapon. However, if it comes to a showdown..and they're open space..just simply run circles around him.YES just LITERALLY run circles around him..and just keep on firing like he's the apple in the center of this ring you made. Believe me, you wouldn't believe how many times this worked for me, most times he wouldn't be able to get a good locking aim..since you're making him dizzy on his own screen while on the other hand  you're concentrating on a still object, and focussed..
 

*3.SINGLE/DOUBLE SHOTGUN

These weapons, especially the DOUBLE SHOT GUN are the most effective weapons you can have in the entire game. (a) Because they're the most accurate,  the range is superb enough so as long as you can see your opponent you can hit him, and lastly the hit speed..is phenomenal. Once you hear the sound of the rifle firing, the bullet has already reached your oppenent..basically almost no lag time. In so many cases in using the DOUBLE SHOT GUN, just ONE SHOT IS EFFECTIVE enough to blow away a person with full armor and 100% health, that's only if your orientation of  your aiming is precise..and your distance is minimal. Nevertheless, even with a moderate aim, and minimal distance..you can still take down your opponent in almost a minimal 2-3 shots, 4 shots if you're rusty. Another point about this weapon, just take your time, they're no rush. When you're opponent has the same weapon, just listen to his gun, when  he has shot, you know he's reloading..so right there take the opportunity to blow him away..making the shot count. Just always aim as if you're going to finish it in one shot, then you'll be fine.
Ideally this should be your core weapon to practice with, because in most maps, I found out that it's the double DOUBLE BARREL SHOTGUN that's the most accessible than all the others. So LEARN TO USE IT! I'm pretty sure when you've played as much as I have you'll agree.
 
4. ROCKET LAUNCHER/ PLASMA GUN

These weapons are basically the most feared weapons of them all! However, they're also the most easiest to avoid..because of primarily the time it takes for one rocket or plasma charge to reach you..they're just so SLOW! Most of the time you'll see them a MILE AWAY before they're coming. The only exception to this  is when your friend mad rushes you and fires a rocket to kill you. But you wonder why would he fire a rocket at you at close range? because he knows the blast of the rocket will take him out too. In most cases, he's desperate and wants a kill no matter what, even if it means killing himself in the process. So take care and BEWARE, of these KAMIKAZE people. These people to me give a bad name to all other DOOM II players, because they're interested only in killing, not learning to play with common courtesy.
Also note because of the large blast-BACK factor of this weapon, be careful when you're in small corridors, hallways etc. because in most cases when  you're panicking and just firing away. 3 out of 5 times you're going to kill yourself..by firing at a wall accidently too close to you!
Personally in most cases because they're firing time is so slow, I just whip out my double shot gun, use my strafe button to dodge once or twice, and go in for the kill with one quick blast! This will work guaranteed, if they persist on using that weapon.

HOW TO USE EFFECTIVELY: Ok, through a lot of experimentation this strategy will work at least 85% of the time (depending on who you're playing of course). Find an OPEN area, and wait for him to come out, when you see him act innocent take out your chain saw..to act like you have no ammo, or even your pistol..anything cheap..so he'll know it's cheap. So when he charges in on you..when he gets halfway towards you..you already have switched to rockets or plasma gun (having a full or close supply of ammo of course). Then just start firing and start running...THE  KEY IS TO FIRE + STRAFE TO EITHER THE LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE  RUNNING FORWARD AT THE SAME TIME, TO TRAP HIM. Ideally what you should be seeing is a wall of rockets, or plasma cutting off his path from the direction he was coming from.Therefore you should be ending up meeting him in either ends of the map left/right end. By that time, you should already have had time to align yourself up with him to make the final blow when you converge. It's that simple. To move forward and strafe.for e.g. to the right..you would press TAKEN FROM THE IDEAL CONFIGURATION, the up cursor button, and right cursor button at the same time. If he's a beginner, just from the sound of the rockets/plasma fire will scare him enough to deteriorate his concentration.

HOW TO AVOID: It is so simple, just find a NON-OPEN area, that is an area with at least one pillar..or something you can  hide behind. IF YOU CAN, switch to DOUBLE SHOT GUN..and use your STRAFE buttons..and charge..just make sure you have enough health to take one hit..so if you do get hit..you're able to at least fire once at least with your gun..and possibly damage him enough..he'll stop firing and start running, because like I said before one shot from the Double Barrel Shot Gun..can be enough in most case finish him..no matter the situation. I KNOW I JUST REPEATED MYSELF, BUT I JUST HAVE TO DRILL IT INTO YOU THE DOUBLE SHOT GUN IS THE WEAPON OF CHOICE!
 
5. THE GREEN MONSTER DADDY OF THEM ALL!

HOW TO USE EFFECTIVELY: Not many people know this, especially beginners, but just  firing this weapon into any direction, and still being able to see your opponent will place some damage, no matter where the green energy blast hits!. So you'll see most people who can maneuver better than others just fire anywhere, and just mad rush into you, so you'll never be out they're sight, while usually your the guy just standing there thinking what in the hell is he doing!? A trick I normally use with this weapon, is the one I described in TIP NUMBER 3 (SECTION II). So when you flick the switch..and then hide against the wall press the fire button..and just sit back and see a green mess.. The smaller the room the better, because..it'll be harder for him to get out of your site.

HOW TO AVOID:  RUN LIKE MADE, JUST MANEUVER, MANEUVER, MANEUVER...use everything out of your disposal to get out of the way.
However, if you have the DOUBLE SHOT GUN, and you're aim is good enough BY ALL MEANS USE IT!..fire and hope for the best..and MANEUVER! WHY DO I SUGGEST THIS? The reason is  BECAUSE IT TAKES SO MUCH TIME FOR THAT WEAPON TO FIRE! Just judge the distance to see if you can take him out in ONE shot..if not, then I suggest RUN!

LAST COMMENTS:

Alright I like to end off by saying you've completed the first step in becoming a better player. That is becoming more knowledgeable. And knowledge is power right?
Now only with practice, THE ONLY WAY THE KNOWLEDGE YOU'VE JUST ACQUIRED can be used effectively IS BY PRACTICING. So, PRACTICE!, PRACTICE! PRACTICE! I can tell you through experience..its going to come down to basically aim and skill, predicting, and planning to set off a winning combination.  Just remember progress take time, so don't be discouraged..when things don't work out at first.. it just takes time to adjust to playing in a whole new "thinking mode" when the pressure is on..

Lastly: ALWAYS EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED. Do this AND you'll never be taken by surprise.  Oh, and one absolute last thing don't tense up, just think you're just playing against the dumb A.I. So relax your fingers, mind, body and let them do their magic..because sometimes when you let them be free, they'll surprise you sometimes, or even Vice Versa!

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Oh and if anyone has tips out there, please email me and share them ..I'll  post them up..in their own special section, and give credit by putting your names beside them, or in other cases if it's preferred anonymous.
 
NOW THAT YOU HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE, YOU NOW NEED THE TOOLS TO USE WHAT YOU'VE BEEN TAUGHT, SO CLICK HERE!!!!

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