Review: DOOM Classic

Overview

DOOM is a first-person shooter series with a long history and a massive fanbase, so it would only make sense for id Software to create DOOM games for the iPhone and iPod Touch. That's precisely what they did - however, DOOM Resurrection and the recently released DOOM II RPG both can't compare to DOOM Classic when it comes to gameplay and, for many older gamers, nostalgia.

Features

DOOM Classic has 36 missions spanning across four episodes - Knee Deep in the Dead, Shores of Hell, Inferno, and Thy Flesh Consumed. Throughout these 36 levels you'll be faced with many indescribable underworld-type creatures ranging from red flying eyeballs to huge robot-brain spider things. id Software has also included local Wi-Fi and Bluetooth multiplayer, and you'll be able to square off against or with your friends in the Deathmatch or Cooperative modes. Currently, there is no option for online multiplayer. There are three preset control methods and a customizable one in which you move the d-pads and various buttons around to suit your liking. In addition, you can save your game at any time you want so that no progress is lost. The option to either listen to the original soundtrack or your own music has also been included.

The Good

DOOM Classic's gameplay is fun; shooting otherworldly creatures and turning them into blood, gore, and gibs will bring back a lot of memories for fans, and excitement for people who are new to the series. With a wide variety of weapons ranging from pistols to alien weapons, you'll never run out of something to shoot with. The AI isn't half bad either, because when enemies see you they'll almost immediately start coming towards you with murderous intent. After the first few levels, you'll become so immersed in the combat aspect of the game you'll be disappointed when there isn't anything left to shoot. The various lighting effects and muzzle flashes are also rendered in an "older" style, and it's really quite satisfying when you fire your weapon. The great sound effects and background music, along with the ability to play your own tunes, also contributes to the impression that DOOM Classic is a well-polished product. There has been absolutely nothing cut from the game. All the content and all the feel of the original DOOM is here, in this nice 76.8 megabyte package. With a multitude of weapons, missions, and enemies, DOOM Classic will keep you playing for quite some time.

The Bad

DOOM Classic has a horrible menu interface. It's not very streamlined, and while selecting options and the mission you want to play, the menu is so unpleasing it actually makes me want to close the app sometimes. The menu is not eye-pleasing, nor is it convenient to operate. Granted, it works, but it's not too pretty and id Software could have implemented a much better one. In addition, there was no help page of any sort, so you have to figure out the objectives and controls on your own. The graphics are true to the original, and fans who have played the first in the series will feel right at home with this game's look. However, new players will be turned off by the "ugly" graphics. id Software should have at least freshened up the look of the game a little to encourage younger people to buy the game. The three preset game controls fit different playing styles. I found that I liked the third one the best, and also customized the controls to my liking by moving the d-pads and shoot button around. However, none of the three preset control options are perfect, nor will moving them around help either. For the best control style, first person shooter games should follow Gameloft's control scheme; virtual stick to move, slide finger across screen to look around, shoot button to fire weapon. It's simple and it's easy to use.

Verdict

DOOM Classic captures all the essence of the original game and brings it to the iPhone and iPod Touch, and DOOM fans should absolutely pick this up. If new gamers can get past the "dated" graphics, bad interface, and mediocre controls, they're in for a fun experience.

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