SIGIL II

SIGIL II is a fan-made expansion for DOOM II: Hell on Earth created by John Romero and released in 2023. It is the direct sequel to SIGIL (2019) and serves as a continuation of the story and style established in that project.

Built entirely within the DOOM II engine format, SIGIL II features nine brand new levels designed by Romero himself, combining the classic DOOM gameplay of the 1990s with his evolved modern design sensibilities.

Background and Development

After the positive reception of SIGIL, Romero announced in 2022 that he was working on a sequel to celebrate DOOM’s 30th anniversary. The new project would move forward to the DOOM II engine, allowing for the use of the Super Shotgun and new enemy types while keeping the original aesthetic intact.

Like its predecessor, SIGIL II was developed using classic mapping tools and maintained full compatibility with source ports such as GZDoom and Crispy Doom.

Romero described the project as a “love letter to the community that kept DOOM alive for thirty years,” emphasizing a balance between nostalgia and fresh design.

Story

The story of SIGIL II continues directly after the events of SIGIL. Having escaped from the depths of Hell, the Marine finds himself cast into an even more corrupted dimension — a twisted reflection of reality where demonic power has fused with the remains of Earth.

This world, ruled by the remnants of Hell’s army, becomes the stage for his next battle. The Slayer must once again carve his way through chaos, seeking revenge and freedom beyond the blood-soaked gates.

Design and Gameplay

Romero’s design in SIGIL II builds on the rhythm and cruelty of his first megawad while taking advantage of the expanded DOOM II assets.

Key design features include:

Nine new maps built for veteran players

Heavy use of traps and layered ambushes

Nonlinear layouts with strong interconnectivity

Hidden secrets and puzzle-based progression

A new soundtrack by THORR and Buckethead

The episode’s difficulty is relentless, rewarding speed, precision, and awareness. Players familiar with SIGIL’s harsh tone found SIGIL II even more punishing but equally satisfying.

Release and Editions

SIGIL II was released in December 2023 as a free download, with limited collector’s editions available through Romero’s website. The physical release included:

A floppy disk–style USB

A mini art booklet

The complete soundtrack by Buckethead and THORR

New artwork by Christopher Lovell

The free version was offered as a WAD file compatible with both the original DOOM II and modern source ports.

Reception

Fans and critics praised SIGIL II for its brutal design, detailed architecture, and faithfulness to the original DOOM spirit. It was described as the true fifth episode of DOOM II and a testament to how Romero’s level design philosophy still holds up decades later.

Many reviewers noted that SIGIL II feels like a direct continuation of the id Software era, blending nostalgia with mastery of modern level flow.

Legacy

SIGIL II reinforced John Romero’s reputation as one of the most important level designers in the history of first-person shooters.

Together, SIGIL and SIGIL II form a spiritual bridge between DOOM (1993) and modern classics like DOOM Eternal, showing that the formula of speed, rhythm, and clever combat design remains timeless.

The project also stands as a tribute to the enduring modding community that kept DOOM alive through three decades of creativity.