Black Sunset by Robert Babor, 1999.
ZDOOM/BOOM COMPATIBLE:  MAP01.  SAYDM1.TXT  SAYDM1.ZIP

This DeathMatch map is not only fun to play, it looks great, too. Attention to detail and lighting give the level a realistic feel. The illusion of 3D is enhanced with a towering central arena with beamed ceiling, a twisting staircase to a faux mezzanine with clever views of outside areas, and nice use of new chain sprites and other custom textures. It's nice to see a designer who takes the time to vary his lighting and therefore add drama to his level. (Requires zDOOM/BOOM compatible port.)

D9-2 Series by Mal Blackwell, 1994.
DOOM II:  MAP01 TO MAP07.  D9-2.TXT  D9-2.ZIP
DOOM II:  MAP08 TO MAP11.  D9-2-2.TXT  D9-2-2.ZIP

These are my favorite two- to four-player DeathMatch levels. Stylish and neo-gothic, these levels showed Mal's talents early. While Mal's single-player levels like Redrum were a tad large and rambling, his D9 levels are small and concise, beautifully textured, and overall minor gems of level design. (The only fair criticism I've heard is that their perfect symmetry can be disorienting.) Mal went professional with Redneck Rampage, Kingpin, and Return to Castle Wolfenstein. He's now working at id Software on DOOM 3.

This is a fun map, and I really like the look of it, too. As you can see from the screenshot, a lot of care has been taken in the lighting and unusual architectural details. Weapons and health are well-placed, and the map has plenty of twists and turns to add suspense to DM, and wide-open court-yards for people who like their fragging toe-to-toe. Templecore is perfect for large frag-fests as well as two players.

This map isn't a paradigm of aesthetic perfection, but it's a lot of fun to play. I spent many a night in this level, modem-to-modem at 28.8 no less, but it was always worth it. Perfect distribution of ammo and weapons, great sniper (or camper) spots, and large, open areas for finding out who's the best strafer. Try it out.

Classic golden-oldie map. A lot of early DOOMers cut their teeth in the Danzig Series of DeathMatch maps. This is the best of the lot, though they're all well worthwhile. (Have fun trying to play this one in single-player.)