Doom practically kickstarted and popularised the first-person shooter genre by itself. It delivered a new kind of gaming experience, in fast-paced action with a multitude of different tactics, cyber demons and rocket launchers: bring it on! What made Doom a classic was it’s refined gameplay and network functionality. All of a sudden, the LAN party was born. The full version of Doom is now portable on the Game Boy Advance, complete with four-player link-up. Life is sweet sometimes.
Doom pits players against cyber-organic and nightmarish demons over 24 skill-testing levels. It’s kill or be killed, because these enemies show no mercy. Your soldier has eight destructive weapons available to clear the path to freedom. In addition to the shotgun and plasma gun, the ultimate room-clearing firearm has to be the BFG 9000. BFG does not stand for big friendly giant. At 50 energy shells per shot, this baby redefines firepower.
The GBA version of Doom plays well, even without the mouse luxury of the PC. The shoulder buttons help circle strafing become second nature. Circle strafing is where you move around your opponent whilst keeping your gun tracked on the enemy. The only possible negative is the GBA screen, but things can be improved with the brightness settings.
The single-player game is challenging, and conserving ammo and health is always a priority. If you see lots of health, ammo and armour lying conveniently around, then get ready for a nasty surprise. Certain areas of the level will be locked and finding red, yellow, and blue key cards will open them. The level design in Doom is ingenious, with several secret areas per level that are worth finding because of the goodies available therein.
Up to four Advance consoles can be linked together for the ultimate in portable multi-player shenanigans. The frame rate is more than acceptable, the action is addictive, and sessions can last until the batteries run out. Doom easily makes it onto our essential Advance titles list.