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Atari ST receives another Doom installation

Porting Doom to the Atari ST was scrutinized last week. Like usual, one discovery led to another, and Steve shared information about another variant of the game, labeled by a distinct name...

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Examined a Doom adaptation for the classic Atari ST, leading to the discovery of another version...
Examined a Doom adaptation for the classic Atari ST, leading to the discovery of another version labeled... (by Steve)

Atari ST receives another Doom installation

Hey there! Let's dive into two cool Doom ports for the classic Atari ST. Last week, we covered STDOOM, and this time around, let's talk about DOOM8088ST.

These ports are the work of two dedicated developers: FrenkelS and Jonas Eschenburg. The former based DOOM8088ST on the original Doom8088 port for DOS machines, while the latter developed STDOOM specifically for the Atari ST. Both aim to bring the thrilling Doom experience to the more resource-constrained environment of the Atari ST.

Compared to DOOM8088ST, STDOOM seems to be more optimized for memory usage, but let's break down the features and requirements for both ports:

| Feature/Aspect | DOOM8088ST | STDOOM ||----------------------|---------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|| Development Basis| Based on Doom8088, originally for 8088/286 | Developed specifically for Atari ST || Performance Modes| Tunable: Low (30x128, 8 MHz), Medium (60x128, upgraded ST/Mega STe) | Optimized for accelerated/emulated STs, runs with as little as 4MB RAM || Visual Fidelity | 16 colors, playable framerate even on low | Not specified, but screenshots/videos show playable graphics || Sound | Limited sound effects | Not specified in available sources || Save Support | Only Episode 1, no saving | Not specified in available sources || Playability | Excellent framerate on low mode, playable | Playable, especially on accelerated hardware || Author(s) | FrenkelS | Jonas Eschenburg || Source Availability | GitHub repository with code and binaries | Atari-Forum/Twitter threads for info || Status | Work in progress (WIP), but usable | Actively worked on, with community feedback || Notable Features | Tunable performance, color, sound | Memory optimization |

Now, let's dive into downloading and running these ports on your Atari:

DOOM8088ST

  1. Visit the GitHub Repository: Check out the latest release at [2].
  2. Prepare Your Hardware: For a stock Atari ST, use the low resolution mode (30x128). Upgraded ST or Mega STe users can attempt medium mode (60x128).
  3. Transfer the Files: Copy the downloaded files to your Atari ST using floppy, hard drive, or other compatible media.
  4. Run the Program: Fire up the executable. Keep in mind that only Episode 1 is available, and no saving is supported.

STDOOM

  1. Find the Source: Head to the Atari-Forum posts by Badwolf and Jonas Eschenburg for the latest downloads and discussions. You can also follow Jonas Eschenburg on Twitter for updates, screenshots, and possible download links.
  2. Prepare Your Hardware: The port is designed for Atari STe and Mega STe, especially when accelerated or emulated. 4MB RAM should be sufficient.
  3. Transfer and Run: Transfer the files to your Atari ST and launch the executable as instructed in the forum or Twitter posts.

In a nutshell, DOOM8088ST offers more configurable performance and color options, while STDOOM seems to be optimized for memory usage. Both are works in progress, but DOOM8088ST currently provides a more straightforward download and setup process. Happy gaming!

[1] Mention the link to GitHub repository.[2] Mention the link to Atari-Forum posts or Jonas Eschenburg's Twitter handle.[3] Mention any specific post or information that is useful for users to find the STDOOM files.

In the realm of dedicated developers, FrenkelS and Jonas Eschenburg each created their own tech-driven projects: FrenkelS crafted DOOM8088ST with a foundation in the original Doom8088 port for DOS machines, while Jonas Eschenburg developed STDOOM specifically for the Atari ST, utilizing technology to bring the captivating Doom experience to the Atari ST's resource-constrained environment.

These gadgets, DOOM8088ST and STDOOM, push the boundaries of what was thought possible on the Atari ST. Enhancing the portability and accessibility of this classic game, they offer varying configurations tailored to different hardware specifications.

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