Like many, I played a helluva lot of Doom growing up, only for me it was the PS1 version. I had bought Doom on XBLA years ago figuring I'd get to relive some of those memories, but of course something felt different, and I couldn't quite tell what.
So, I recently decided to buy the copy of the PS1 version again, and it all came flooding back! No wonder the XBLA version felt so weirdly alien; the version that I grew up on was a very different take. In fact it basically functions as a precursor to Doom 3. Its midi-metal is traded in for a more ambient and atmospheric soundtrack, and the lighting was made to be much darker, though there's also an awful lot of flashing lights as well to give the sense of danger. I was surprised to find that it even had some unique sound effects, like the weird gurgles the imps always made, to the even more meatier sound of the shotgun.
It's all not ideal, though, as of course this is still a PS1 FPS we're talking here... You have to use L1/R1 to strafe and the d-pad to move, which naturally makes things a little difficult to control. The weapon switching is actually more seamless than the XBLA version at least, but nonetheless... this isn't how you want to play an FPS, especially these days.
Also, password systems >=/ Since you can't save that meant that should you die, there's no getting around it, you now have to start the level off with but a pistol... unless you cheat. So, it's undoubtedly not Doom's finest version, but its more horror-oriented atmosphere I can't help but find myself more drawn to than the rockin' style of OG Doom. Anywhoo, I'm just glad I was able to once again rekindle what it was I loved so much about Doom way back when. Despite the control quibbles I've still managed to push through and have actually quite enjoyed myself.
So, anyone else remember enjoying the PS1 version at all? I imagine there's very likely a mod out there that adapts the PC version with the PS1 version's qualities at that.
Oh, and dat main menu music... Magnificent.
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