A brutally awesome science experiment allows rats to play DOOM 2 using a unique virtual reality setup. The hardcore first-person shooter sequel launched in 1994, bringing with it even more levels of Hell to traverse and a whole host of new demonic enemies to butcher. The classic titles are regarded as the gaming industry's first true first-person shooters, and the titles have remained relevant thanks to rereleases and updates of DOOM and DOOM 2 which come about every so often.
id Software's 1993 shooter DOOM essentially created the first-person shooter genre with revolutionary features like 3D environments, multiplayer gameplay, and custom mod support. Only a year later the game was followed by DOOM 2, and this unrelenting sequel brought with it even more innovations such as larger levels to explore and more intelligent demons to destroy. Fan-made mods have further expanded DOOM, with id Software actively encouraging modders to improve and change the bloody shooters. Mods range from simple graphical improvements to entire fan-made expansion packs consisting of dozens of new levels. One notable DOOM 2 fighting game mod turns the title into a retro brawler, putting a whole new spin on the fast-paced demon slaughter.
In a remarkable demon-slaying experiment, neuroscientist Viktor Toth (via YouTube) has trained rats to play DOOM 2 in virtual reality. As reported by Futurism, Toth sought to learn about computer-brain interfaces when he set up the experiment, with movement in a VR environment revealing all manner of brain signal data. The simplicity and variety found in DOOM 2's first map made it an ideal testing ground for Toth's rat experiment, with the rodents able to move by walking on a large ball. Toth even created a system that would allow the rats to fire the shotgun, though getting the animals to reliably fire the weapon was a much more arduous task than having them walk around.
DOOM 2 is an iconic game that is beloved by countless gamers, along with a few rats, and the title spawned an ongoing series of demonic shooters. While the franchise's most recent installment was released back in 2020, Doom Eternal recently received a new Horde Mode which lets players slice, shoot, and blast their way through waves upon waves of Hell's soldiers. The highly-requested feature was not intended for inclusion, but developer id Software relented and developed the new mode due to fan outcry. The latest DOOM entry notably ramps up the player's speed and rewards aggression through brutal melee executions which restore player health.
While DOOM 2's popularity is hard to deny, it is quite shocking to see that even rodents enjoy id Software's blood-soaked first-person shooter. Viktor Toth's unique experiment proves that rats can maneuver in virtual spaces without being forced, with at least one rat even figuring out how to shoot Imps with a shotgun. While the rodents may not be able to handle the more intricate controls of Doom Eternal, the experiment makes DOOM 2 the catalyst for a truly unique and fascinating neuroscience experiment.
Sources: Viktor Toth/YouTube, Futurism