Descent was great, but it was also much harder to play, and to build levels for, which kind of limited its appeal, IMO. DOOM hit a sweet spot of fast-paced game

Descent was great, but it was also much harder to play, and to build levels for, which kind of limited its appeal, IMO. DOOM hit a sweet spot of fast-paced gameplay, really cool ambience (for preteens and teens especially), and lower technical requirements (though I remember Descent's engine being quite well optimized).