Operating DOOM on an Atari ST computer
In a remarkable display of retro-computing ingenuity, a working port of the classic first-person shooter DOOM has been developed for the Atari STe. The project, dubbed STDOOM, provides a captivating glimpse into the possibilities of running complex games on legacy hardware.
Developer [indyjonas] has managed to contort the game's code, stripping out PC-centric elements and coaxing GCC (thanks to Thorsten Otto's port) into submission. The feat entailed forcing DOOM into a machine initially unsuited for such an undertaking.
On a stock machine with 4MB RAM, STDOOM renders in native ST graphics modes, including a 16-colour dithered mode that surprisingly surpasses expectations. Despite the substantial leap in requirements compared to the original Atari ST's usual 512KB to 1MB of RAM, the port brings a dose of nostalgia to those who were left in the shadows when Doom launched in 1993.
Performance is still lacking, with sound remaining absent and original 8MHz hardware struggling to provide smooth gameplay. However, this initial iteration is just the beginning, paving the way for further optimizations and potentially smoother experiences on real hardware or emulators simulating enhancements.
For those interested in delving deeper into the intricacies of the project, [indyjonas]' thread on X offers an enlightening overview of the challenges and solution strategies employed.
In conclusion, STDOOM showcases the boundless potential of retro-software necromancy, offering a captivating glimpse into the world of DOOM on the Atari STe. While performance is currently limited on stock hardware, the port offers a tantalizing glimpse into what might be achievable with the aid of emulation or hardware upgrades.
Gadgets like the Atari STe are being pushed beyond their original limits with the creation of STDOOM, a port of the classic game DOOM. With the help of technology such as GCC, developer [indyjonas] has cleverly adapted the game's code to run on this hardware, showcasing the remarkable possibilities of running complex games on old hardware.
