Dusk Earns Praise from Doom Co-Creator—Why Romero’s Endorsement Matters for Boomer Shooters

If you care about the legacy of first-person shooters, you probably perked up at the news that John Romero-the architect of Doom itself-finally sat down to play Dusk. As a lifelong FPS aficionado, I’m always skeptical when a modern game claims to recapture the magic of ’90s shooters. But when the genre’s godfather gives a glowing review, you have to pay attention. Romero’s seal of approval isn’t just another pull quote; for boomer shooter fans, it’s validation that Dusk is the real deal, not just another nostalgia cash-in.

Dusk: The Modern Boomer Shooter That Won Over Doom’s Creator

Key Takeaways:

John Romero-co-creator of Doom and Quake—played and praised Dusk, calling it “super cool” and applauding its level design and atmosphere.
Dusk’s stellar Metacritic (88) and Steam user (97%) scores aren’t hype—they signal genuine community love for its blend of fast action and secrets.
This is a rare moment: a modern FPS that directly earns the respect of the genre’s founding father, not just homage or parody.
Dusk’s success proves there’s a thriving audience for authentic, tight, throwback shooters that don’t compromise on speed or challenge.

Feature	Specification
Publisher	New Blood Interactive
Release Date	December 10, 2018
Genres	First-person shooter, Retro, Horror
Platforms	PC, Switch

Dusk gameplay: a retro-style FPS level reminiscent of Quake and Doom — Few modern shooters nail that gritty, low-poly vibe quite like Dusk—Romero himself pointed out its “amazing ambience.”

For years, we’ve seen modern FPS devs try to bottle that elusive ’90s energy—fast movement, labyrinthine levels, secrets crammed in every corner. Most fall into one of two camps: either they coast on surface-level nostalgia, or they bloat the formula with “modern” systems that slow the action to a crawl. Dusk, made almost entirely by David Szymanski and published by New Blood Interactive, does neither. It’s lean, mean, and utterly committed to the old-school feel, right down to the sound of the shotgun and the staccato enemy grunts.

A moody, atmospheric area in Dusk, filled with secrets — Hidden secrets and sinister settings—classic elements that got Romero’s stamp of approval during his stream.

Romero’s endorsement wasn’t faint praise, either. On stream, he gushed about the “super fun” design, the “amazing ambience,” and the sheer volume of secrets. For a developer who literally invented this genre, that’s high praise. The part that really made me grin was his direct address to Szymanski: “Son, you did a good job. I approve of your vocation. You chose well.” That’s the ultimate “welcome to the club” from a legend who’s seen dozens of pretenders come and go.

Intense combat action in Dusk, reminiscent of classic FPS titles — Dusk channels the chaos and pace of old-school shooters—but with modern polish where it counts.

What I find most interesting is how this moment reflects the broader shift in shooter culture. For years, “boomer shooter” was a pejorative—now, it’s a badge of honor. Dusk’s critical and commercial success signals that there’s an audience not just for nostalgia, but for games built on tight mechanics and honest challenge. It’s also a sharp reminder that you don’t need massive budgets or endless live-service fluff to make something that stands the test of time.

A twisted farm level from Dusk, echoing horror FPS classics — Levels like this twisted farm don’t just reference horror-FPS history—they build on it, creating new nightmares for fans.

So, what does this mean for us as players? First, it’s a reminder to look beyond the marketing and the AAA noise—sometimes the best FPS experiences come from small teams who obsess over the classics. Second, Romero’s nod will likely push even more old-school fans to give Dusk a shot, and that can only be a good thing for the genre’s future. If you love the thrill of discovery, the satisfaction of a perfect run, or just the crunchy feel of a rocket launcher in a cramped hallway, Dusk absolutely deserves a spot on your playlist.

Dusk’s protagonist facing a surreal, nightmare enemy — Dusk isn’t afraid to get weird—just like the ’90s shooters that inspired it.

TL;DR: John Romero’s public praise cements Dusk’s status as more than just a retro tribute—it’s a new pillar in the boomer shooter pantheon. If you’ve missed real speed, secrets, and challenge in FPS games, now’s the time to dive in. Romero’s not the only one who approves.

Source: New Blood Interactive via GamesPress