Tag: Doom

  • DOOM Neo Geo AES progress: closer than ever

    DOOM Neo Geo AES progress: closer than ever

    Key Takeaway

    – DOOM is highly portable, but the Neo Geo AES struggles due to its 2D sprite-focused architecture, making 3D rendering difficult.
    – Simple raycasting is possible on the Neo Geo using sprite-scaling tricks, but early versions ran at only 8 FPS.
    – The DoomGeo project has expanded the port to include a full DOOM-style HUD, monsters, weapons, and gameplay elements.
    – The modding community rapidly took on the challenge after MVG’s proof-of-concept, proving “impossible” ports are often achievable.

    The Eternal Porting of DOOM

    Over the yers, classic DOOM has been ported over to a variety of devices ranging from thermal printers, calculators, smart fridges, pregnancy tests, and more. It ushered in a renaissance of the “can it run DOOM?” meme era, which continues to this day, and it does so for good reason. It’s because id Software’s 1993 FPS shooter is incredibly portable. However, one machine has resisted attempts at a DOOM port: SNK’s 1990 Neo Geo AES.

    Hardware Limitations and Possibilities

    The Neo Geo AES packed some extremely powerful hardware for the ’90s, with its 68000 CPU and advanced sprite hardware for 2D games and shooters. Theoretically, the Neo Geo AES should run DOOM with relative ease. However, in practice, its architecture makes rendering 3D environments cumbersome. This insight comes from veteran retro YouTuber Modern Vintage Gamer (MVG), who explained it clearly in a recent video: “DOOM runs on everything. Well, almost everything. The SNK Neo Geo AES console is a 2D sprite-pushing beast, but when it comes to 3D, it’s not architected to handle it. However, with some hardware tricks, it IS possible to build a simple raycaster that runs on Neo Geo hardware, but does this mean DOOM is possible?”

    A Raycaster at 8 Frames Per Second

    MVG used the Neo Geo’s sprite-scaling ability to create environments from vertically stretched sprites for walls, floors, ceilings, corridors, and nothing more, which rendered at around 8 frames per second. MVG further stated in his video, “I don’t want to say it’s impossible, because as soon as you say that something is impossible, the gauntlet has been thrown down.” The modding community took on the DOOM Neo Geo AES port challenge almost immediately.

    The Gauntlet is Picked Up

    On June 7, MVG woke up, checked X, and was shocked. He wrote on X: “Wow, my Neo Geo raycaster has been modified to push Doom-like gameplay through the hardware. Another step closer to Neo Geo DOOM!” He also posted an update video on YouTube, complimenting the team behind the project. The gauntlet has been picked up by the DoomGeo project, which has expanded what’s possible on the hardware while respecting its limitations.

    What the DoomGeo Project Achieved

    The developers have managed to add a full DOOM-style HUD with status bar, Doomguy’s mugshot, ammo counters, the BFG, monsters, and much more. This is still running on original Neo Geo AES hardware with no modifications, just clever programming to squeeze 3D through a 2D sprite-pushing beast.

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  • Xbox Reveals 13 New Games Launching on Game Pass This Month

    Xbox Reveals 13 New Games Launching on Game Pass This Month

    Key Takeaway

    1. Microsoft is adding 13 new games to Xbox Game Pass in May, including popular titles like Forza Horizon 6 and DOOM: The Dark Ages.
    2. Some games are expanding to the Premium plan, with availability on cloud, console, and PC platforms.
    3. A diverse lineup of genres is being introduced, from racing and exploration to RPGs and shooters.

    Microsoft Adds a Variety of New Games to Xbox Game Pass in May

    In april, xbox game pass subscribers were excited as microsoft brought in 17 fresh games for us to enjoy. Now, with may arriving, the company has announced what games will soon be available. The upcoming lineup promises to offer a mix of popular titles and new adventures for gamers to explore across different platforms.

    Upcoming Titles and Availability

    According to the latest from Microsoft, 13 new games are slated for addition this month. Some titles like Forza Horizon 6 and DOOM: The Dark Ages are highly anticipated, and some are beign expanded to different tiers in the service, providing more options for players. The schedule below outlines each game’s release date, descriptions, and compatible plans and platforms.

    Release Schedule with Details

    • Ben 10 Power Trip – May 6
      Adventure game starring Ben Tennyson fighting crystal threats. Available on Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass on cloud, console, and PC.
    • Descenders Next – May 6
      Exciting extreme sports game through snowy and dirt-filled terrains, now with Game Pass Premium too. Cloud, console, and PC.
    • Wheel World – May 6
      Explore vast landscapes racing elite bikes in this adventure racer, now on Game Pass Premium along with other tiers. Available across cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
    • Wildgate – May 6
      Multiplayer shooter with ship battles and tactical combat for Game Pass Ultimate and Premium members, playable on cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
    • Wuchang: Fallen Feathers – May 6
      Experience a souls-like adventure set during the Ming Dynasty, now part of the Premium plan, available on multiple platforms including cloud and Xbox Series X|S.
    • Mixtape – May 7
      A nostalgic narrative game capturing the spirit of coming-of-age movies, only on Game Pass Ultimate and PC, accessible via cloud, Series X|S, handheld, and PC.
    • Outbound – May 11
      Cozy exploration game about survival and crafting, available on all tiers of Game Pass on cloud, console, and PC.
    • Black Jacket – May 12
      Dive into a deck-building roguelite inspired by blackjack with strategic card play and cheating features, included on Game Pass Ultimate and PC, available on cloud, Series X|S, handheld, and PC.
    • Call of the Elder Gods – May 12
      Puzzle adventure where you assist Professor Evehart, playable on all tiers including cloud and handheld devices.
    • Elite Dangerous – May 12
      Space exploration with space dogfights with an emphasis on exploration. Available via Game Pass Ultimate and Premium, on cloud and console.
    • DOOM: The Dark Ages – May 14
      Action FPS revealing the origin of the DOOM Slayer’s rage, now with Premium access across multiple devices including handheld and PC.
    • Subnautica 2 – May 14
      Underwater survival set in an alien world, accessible on cloud, Xbox Series X|S, handheld, and PC.
    • Forza Horizon 6 – May 19
      Race through Japanese landscapes with over 550 cars, available on Game Pass Ultimate and PC on cloud and newer consoles.

    Exciting Announcements for Indie Game Fans

    During the recent IGN x ID@Xbox showcase, microsoft also unveiled 15 new indie titles coming to the service this year, mostly arriving on a day-one basis. Among these are games like Beastro, Screenbound, RV There Yet?, promising fresh and innovative gaming experiences for the community.

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  • Doom Now Playable on Earbuds: Gaming on the Go

    Doom Now Playable on Earbuds: Gaming on the Go

    Key Takeaways

    1. Doom has been successfully run on various unusual devices, including earbuds, in a project called Doombuds.
    2. The game operates on the PineBuds Pro earbuds using an overclocked ARM Cortex M4F chip and optimized firmware.
    3. Video output is managed through a serial UART connection, converting frames to JPEG format for streaming.
    4. The setup achieves around 18 frames per second at Doom’s original resolution of 320 × 200 pixels.
    5. Users can join a waiting list to play Doom through the earbuds, which are priced at $69.99.

    The iconic game Doom has a reputation for functioning on almost any device. Over time, enthusiasts have successfully gotten the 1993 first-person shooter to work on various gadgets, including calculators, ATMs, and even digital pregnancy tests. Now, it has made its way onto earbuds. This innovative project, known as Doombuds, is built on the PineBuds Pro and was developed by Arin Sarkisian, a web developer from Australia.

    Technical Details

    The game operates solely on the headphones’ internal processor, thanks to the open-source firmware of the PineBuds Pro and several technical tweaks. The ARM Cortex M4F chip was overclocked from 100 MHz to 300 MHz, power-saving settings were turned off, and extra RAM was accessed by disabling a co-processor. Furthermore, the game itself underwent significant optimization—constant variables were relocated to flash storage, internal caching was removed, and a simplified version of the game known as “Squashware,” which is just 1.7 MB in size, replaced the standard shareware file.

    Display and Performance

    Since the earbuds do not have a screen, video output is managed through a serial UART connection. Each frame is converted to JPEG format and streamed to a browser as an MJPEG feed. At Doom’s original resolution of 320 × 200 pixels, the setup achieves approximately 18 frames per second. While it could theoretically reach up to 27 FPS, the actual performance is constrained by the CPU’s capacity to process real-time JPEG encoding.

    Users can access the project’s website to join a waiting list and play Doom directly through the headphones, which are presently priced at $69.99 on the manufacturer’s site. Despite offering no real-world advantages, this experiment contributes cleverly to the ongoing “Can it run Doom?” phenomenon, proving the game can even function on devices that lack a display.

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  • Doom Game on Anker Prime Charger: Fun Yet Pointless Experiment

    Doom Game on Anker Prime Charger: Fun Yet Pointless Experiment

    Key Takeaways

    1. Doom can run on nearly any device with a computer chip, showcasing its adaptability since its 1993 launch.
    2. A modder named Aaron Christophel successfully got Doom running on an Anker Prime GaN fast-charger.
    3. The Anker Prime charger features a robust ARM SoC and operates at a higher speed than the Intel i486.
    4. The charger has a rotary dial that can function as a controller for playing Doom.
    5. The Anker Prime charger offers 250 watts peak output, six output ports, and is available for purchase on Amazon for $139.

    Doom is running on just about anything with a computer chip, which isn’t surprising at all. When it first launched back in 1993, it was able to run on processors like the Intel i486, which was designed by Pat Gelsinger and had a speed of around 50 MHz. Today’s technology is much more advanced, letting the game operate on nearly any device in the 21st century.

    A Unique Gaming Experience

    Recently, a modder named Aaron Christophel managed to get Doom running on an Anker Prime GaN fast-charger. This particular charger is a high-end model, featuring a 2.26-inch screen and a chip powerful enough to support the game. While the gaming experience isn’t exactly top-notch due to the small display, it’s still quite amusing to see a classic video game being played on a device typically used for charging.

    Specifications of the Charger

    According to Aaron, the Anker Prime charger includes a robust ARM SoC, the Synwit AWM34S, which operates at a much higher speed than the Intel i486 mentioned earlier and is equipped with 8 MB of SDRAM. The rotary dial on the left side of the charger can act as a controller, transforming the device into a somewhat unexciting gaming console.

    In terms of functionality, the Anker Prime charger may not be the ultimate Doom console, but it is still a solid charger. It offers a peak output of 250 watts and has six output ports. For those interested, it can be purchased on Amazon for $139.

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  • Classic Doom Shooter in Box – Playable Version Included

    Classic Doom Shooter in Box – Playable Version Included

    Key Takeaways

    1. Limited Run Games is re-launching Doom and Doom II in various bundles for current consoles and PCs.
    2. The standard edition includes both games and expansion packs for $29.99, available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
    3. The Big Box Edition features collectible items like cassette tapes and trading cards, priced at $99.99 for PC (requires a Steam Key).
    4. The “Will It Run” Edition includes unique items like a Cacodemon figurine and a mini handheld device, limited to 666 copies at $666.66 each.
    5. All editions will be available for purchase this Friday at 10 AM EST.

    Doom has been officially brought back in a special retail box.

    Limited Run Games, a company famed for its niche indie releases and retro classics, has revealed plans to re-launch the iconic DOS shooters, Doom and Doom II, in various bundles for current consoles and PCs. The standard edition, which comes with both games and their expansion packs (TNT: Eviloution, The Plutonia Experiment, Master Levels for Doom II, No Rest for the Living, Sigil, Sigil II, and Legacy of Rust), will be available on PlayStation 5 (PS5), Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch for a price of $29.99.

    Big Box Edition

    Moreover, there’s a “Big Box Edition” that boasts all the games mentioned above along with some collectible items, such as cassette tapes featuring either the original MIDI soundtracks or updated IDKFA recordings, plus trading cards. This version is also offered for PC, but it requires a Steam Key. The retail price for the Big Box Edition is $99.99.

    Will It Run Edition

    The standout option, however, is the “Will It Run” Edition, which includes everything listed earlier and features a small Cacodemon figurine that can float above its base using magnets, a mini handheld Cacodemon capable of running Doom on a tiny display, and a large retail box that Limited Run Games claims is able to play Doom.

    From the pictures, it’s not clear if the box can actually run Doom, as it seems to have only buttons for power and volume.

    This edition will be in limited supply since Limited Run Games plans to sell only 666 copies, each priced at $666.66.

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  • Greatest FPS Game Ever Only $1.99 in Limited-Time Steam Deal

    Greatest FPS Game Ever Only $1.99 in Limited-Time Steam Deal

    Key Takeaways

    1. Doom is currently 90% off on Steam, priced at $1.99 instead of $19.99.
    2. The game revitalized its genre with fast-paced combat and a focus on movement and aggression.
    3. Doom has over 200,000 reviews on Steam, with a 94% positive rating, showcasing its lasting appeal.
    4. The current deal includes all updates and three DLC packs, enhancing gameplay and replay value.
    5. The discount lasts until March 20, making it an excellent opportunity for both new and returning players.

    If you’re looking for a great bargain on a fast-paced shooter game, now is the time to act. Doom, a modern first-person shooter that has become a classic, is currently 90% off on Steam, lowering the price to only $1.99 from its regular price of $19.99.

    A Game That Changed the Genre

    When it was first released, this game really brought new life to its franchise with its quick combat, unyielding enemy encounters, and a straightforward approach to shooting. Players are thrown into thrilling battles where the main focus is on movement and aggression to stay alive. Forget hiding; you’ll be sprinting, leaping, and smashing through countless foes with a collection of powerful weapons.

    Timeless Appeal

    Even years after its debut, Doom remains one of the finest in its category, boasting more than 200,000 reviews on Steam and a whopping 94% positive rating. The current deal includes all updates released after launch, which enhance multiplayer experiences and introduce new game modes. Additionally, it comes with three DLC packs that offer extra maps, weapons, and arcade-like modes, boosting the game’s replay value.

    Unmissable Opportunity

    Whether you’ve been a fan for years or are just jumping into the series, this is a fantastic chance to grab Doom for your collection. This discount lasts until March 20, making it one of the lowest prices ever seen for this title. If you want a top-tier FPS at an unbeatable price, this is your moment before the cost goes back up. You can also check out our benchmarks for the game linked here.

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  • Doom PDF: Play the Classic Cult Shooter Game Now

    Doom PDF: Play the Classic Cult Shooter Game Now

    The Reddit group “ItRunsDoom” is well-known for adapting the classic ’90s game Doom to some really surprising gadgets and platforms. Throughout the years, this game has been played on everything from calculators to ATMs and even on a digital pregnancy test. Recently, a Reddit user named vk6_ has pushed this creativity even further. On January 13, they revealed their latest project: a working version of Doom that you can find inside a PDF file.

    Technical Details

    This endeavor utilizes the open-source engine doomgeneric, with its C code transformed into WebAssembly by using the Emscripten compiler. This transformation enables the game to operate in modern web browsers (like those based on Chromium or Firefox) as well as directly in PDF viewers that support JavaScript. You can catch a glimpse of this groundbreaking version in the video below:

    Performance and Features

    However, the PDF edition of Doom doesn’t quite stack up against the performance of the IBM PCs that the game was originally designed for back in 1993. The graphics are monochrome, featuring six shades of gray, and it runs at around 12 FPS. Each line on the screen gets rendered as its own text field. The controls are pretty much the same as you’d expect: you can move using WASD, hit the space bar to shoot, and switch weapons with the number keys 1-7. There’s no need for a mouse to play. DoomPDF is available for free and can be enjoyed by anyone.

    While the classic Doom is still the preferred version for sheer enjoyment, DoomPDF highlights how adaptable this retro game can be. The project has been received with enthusiasm on Reddit, as many users are calling it a creative triumph. Comments such as “This is very impressive” and “Best virus ever” show just how excited the community is. It’s clear that fans can expect more imaginative projects from the ItRunsDoom community in the future.

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  • Nintendo Alarmo Hacked to Run Classic DOS Game Crysis

    Nintendo Alarmo Hacked to Run Classic DOS Game Crysis

    Nintendo has just launched the Sound Clock: Alarmo, which was announced last month for a price of $99.99. To clarify, Alarmo is a digital alarm clock, not a new piece of Nintendo Switch equipment. However, it has been discovered that Alarmo can actually play games.

    Alarmo’s Limitations

    It’s not surprising that Nintendo’s $99 alarm clock doesn’t compete with even the most affordable Nintendo Switch, currently priced at $199 on Amazon. Nevertheless, developer GaryOderNichts has managed to get Doom up and running on the device. For reference, GaryOderNichts is the same developer who discovered how to install custom firmware on Alarmo.

    Custom Code Runs Smoothly

    In a surprising twist, running custom code on Alarmo doesn’t require any disassembly. It’s worth noting that the Doom port does have some restrictions. For instance, it currently lacks audio support. Still, this seems to be just the beginning of what Alarmo hacking can achieve.

    GaryOderNichts mentioned on X (previously known as Twitter) that incorporating LED features “should be somewhat straightforward.” Additionally, the developer has plans to add Wi-Fi connectivity in the future. The fact that Doom is operational on Alarmo isn’t just a mere proof of concept. In reality, GaryOderNichts has shared installation guides on their GitHub, making it available for everyone.

    [GaryOderNichts, V Mario – Image credit]

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