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Since: Jan, 2001

COMPOUND is a VR roguelike shooter with retro graphics. It can feel like a bullet hell at times due to its slow enemy bullet speed. Additionally, in this game you can only carry 2 weapons (3 if you dual wield).
The game has an "old school" mode where you can carry ALL the weapons, you move faster, the enemy bullets go faster, etc.
There is no doubt that the "old school" mode alludes to vintage shooters of the past, where the player has quick access to all of the game's weapons, and the combat is much faster paced. With direct references to games like Ashes 2063, it's clear the developers are Doom fans.
However, this "old school" mode isn't referencing any specific media as it's an allusion to a whole genre. You could say the reference applies to Doom, Quake, Unreal Tournament, what have you.
So, my question is; is this a shout-out? Or is it something else.