Doom

Description

Released in 1997, Doom for the SEGA Saturn is often considered one of the less fortunate chapters in the otherwise illustrious history of the iconic franchise. A port of the original 1993 game, it was intended to bring the hectic action and eerie atmosphere to the SEGA Saturn console. The result, unfortunately, is a disturbing mix of technical issues and underdeveloped gameplay that unfortunately does more shame than honor to the original title.

Let's start with the graphics. Gamers expect a reasonable visual experience from a revolutionary title in 1997, but here Doom falls well short. The texture quality is noticeably worse than other platforms of the time, and the fps (frames per second) dropping to painfully low levels makes the game almost unplayable. All of this is accentuated by very poor scene lighting, which, especially in dark corners, makes the game a blurry and opaque disaster.

The soundtrack is at least a small light at the end of a dark tunnel. While the sound effects stay true to the original Doom, the music maintains that iconic, adrenaline-fueled feel that gamers have come to love so much. However, the sound itself isn't strong enough to compensate for the game's other major flaws.

In terms of controls, SEGA Saturn's Doom is severely affected by its archaic button layout and clunky responsiveness. The controls feel stiff, making an already frustrating gaming experience unpleasant. Movement and shooting lack fluidity, which is a major problem in the fast-paced gameplay of Doom.

The gameplay itself also falls short. The original Doom pioneered the FPS (first-person shooter) genre and brought with it incredibly addictive action. The Saturn version, however, fails to keep up, as the frequent slowdowns and lack of a multiplayer experience (one of the key elements of the original game) detract greatly from the fun.

While it's important to appreciate this attempt to bring Doom to a new platform, the final product is clearly unfinished and technically deficient. Players hoping to enjoy the legendary Doom experience on their SEGA Saturn will undoubtedly be disappointed. This port shows the complications that can arise when trying to adapt a phenomenal PC game for console devices if the technical requirements and gameplay customization are not met.

Overall, Doom for the SEGA Saturn is an unfortunate confluence of flaws and shortcomings that obscures the otherwise phenomenal legacy of this iconic game. It is recommended that potential players reach for a different version that better conveys the intense and adrenaline-pumping experience of the original Doom.