Frequently Anticipated Questions
Q: Is Sonic: Lock & Load related to Sonic Robo Blast 2?
A: No, Sonic Robo Blast 2 is a completely different project from Sonic: Lock & Load.
SRB2 is a 3D platformer, not a first-person shooter. The only thing it remotely shares in common with S:L&L is that it's DOOM-based.
Q: Why didn't you just base this off Sonic Robo Blast 2?
A: SRB2 would have been a nice platform to build off of, sure, but there's one problem with that - SRB2 sucks as an FPS game engine. If you don't believe me, play SRB2 in first person.
SRB2 is fundamentally a different game, with a different engine. Just because it's DOOM-based doesn't mean it is DOOM. GZDoom is overall a better FPS engine.
Q: Who wanted a Sonic first-person shooter?
A: Me. I wanted it. Next question?
Q: How do I play Sonic: Lock & Load?
A: You need GZDoom and a copy of DOOM II: Hell on Earth. GZDoom can be obtained from the ZDoom website, and DOOM II can be bought from either Steam or GOG.
If you don't want to or can't buy DOOM II, you can use the free and open-source Freedoom: Phase 2. Since DOOM II is copyrighted, I can't tell you where to get the IWAD for free. Sorry, that's how law works.
Q: Why is Classic Sonic in the game?
A: I wanted to bring back the original style from Sonic the Hedgehog in DOOM, Sonic: Lock & Load's predecessor. Classic Sonic is not just a clone of Sonic -- he's his own character.
Q: Where can I ask about or complain about the mod?
A: You can leave an issue on the GitHub repo.
Q: Why aren't Tails or Knuckles playable?
A: Tails isn't playable because I can't draw for Tails that look good. Knuckles isn't playable because I don't know what gameplay style Knuckles would have.
Q: Can you add Big the Cat?
A: No.
Q: Why don't you make your own assets?
A: I'm not a talented artist and I find art, especially sprite art, hard.
Q: Why is Amy's in-game sprite based on her Classic design, but the art used is her Modern design?
A: Again, I'm not a talented artist and art is hard.
Q: Then can't you just change her in-game sprite to resemble Modern Amy?
A: I could do that, yeah, but it's not on my list of priorities right now. Maybe in v1.4.1.
Q: Can I play Sonic: Lock & Load with a controller?
A: Yes, of course you can! GZDoom includes support for controllers by default.
You may have trouble adjusting to S:L&L's fast-paced twitchy action on a controller, but it's certainly doable.
A controller with gyro (DualShock 4, DualSense, Switch Pro) helps, you can configure those through Steam Input I think.
It's still recommended you play with a keyboard and mouse if you reasonably can, though.
Q: Can I play Sonic: Lock & Load with a touchscreen?
A: Yes? Good luck trying, though. Not only does S:L&L have additional keybindings (Offhand Attack and Offhand Ability), but it's designed to take advantage of loads of inputs at once or in quick succession.
It'd be like trying to play DOOM 2016 or ULTRAKILL on a touchscreen - it's not going to turn out well.
Is it technically possible? Yes, technically, it is. Is it advised? No, absolutely not. Get a controller for your device, or hook up a keyboard and mouse.