The Final Word game review

Doom -- ID Software, Inc.

A direct translation of the hit PC game, Doom is now available for the Atari Jaguar. Play as a marine trapped in a terrifying hell filled with vicious demons, dark corridors and unpleasant surprises. Two players (with separate consoles) can play cooperatively or in a head-to-head deathmatch in this players-perspective action game. Fight to survive, if you dare.

Ferrari Man
By far superior to all other home systems, this version of Doom still doesn't match the PC original. If you don't have access to a PC, you can't go wrong on this classic. I found the lack of music to be the biggest downfall to this otherwise wonderful game.

E.Phoenix
Very impressive, but where is the music? Although this version is incomplete (ie: missing some objects and monsters) it is a very enjoyable game that will test your skill to the hilt. Once you get the hang of the controls, you will be splattering imp brains along with the best of them. Doom moves very fast until the screen fills up with enemies at which time the frame rate drops from a very smooth mid 20s to a jerky mid teens. Soundwise it isn't very impressive; I could forgive the absence of music if the sound f/x are good, but they are lackluster at best with really crappy music snippets between levels. Although this version seems rushed, it is very challenging game that you will end up playing over and over to find all the secrets.

R.I.P.
Wow, this is the best home translation I've seen of Doom yet, minus one important thing - the music. Without the music you lose the atmosphere of the game, and without the atmosphere Doom on the Jag becomes liken to the many Doom clones on the market. Still, if you don't on a PC, this is your best bet, certainly it is still miles superior to the 32x version by a long shot. Play control is perfect, graphics are very well done eventhough many of the bitmaps from the original game are missing as well. Two-player via the Jag link is a blast as well.

Salamander
It's still doesn't have the depth of the PC version, but it is among the best of the console versions. The reduced number of textures and lack of music are minor distractions from an otherwise excellent title.

>>>>> 71.5/100 <<<<<		Ferrari Man	E.Phoenix	R.I.P.	Salamander
Graphics		4.0	4.5	4.5	3.5
Sound		2.0	3.0	2.0	2.0
Gameplay/Control		3.5	4.0	5.0	4.0
Longevity/Playability		3.5	4.0	3.5	3.5
Overall		4.0	4.0	3.5	3.5
Total		17.0	19.5	18.5	16.5

(05/95)