RVG Forum

We all know Doom, the classic ID Software PC shooter. After many rumours it finally made its debut on the Super Nintendo in 1995 and used the Super FX chip to power the advanced 3D graphics. The project was clearly too ambitious for the machine but at the same time it is hugely impressive that they managed to get it running as well as they did. The first thing to go was the textures on the floor and ceilings. To be fair this makes little real different and keeps the frame rate up. The window size was also reduced to maintain speed. Enemies could also only be viewed from the front which meant they could no longer battle each other. They could still damage each other when wondering into stray projectiles though. The game actually plays pretty well with a reasonably smooth frame rate and good control. You cannot strafe and turn though, which is a huge oversight, and I fail to see why you cannot do this. The levels are fairly faithful to the PC originals and most of them are in there, split over three chapters. The biggest issue with the game though, is a total lack of password or battery backup option. Not having at least passwords was a disaster of a choice. You have to play through each chapter to completion to see each level with the last chapter only available on higher difficulties. Overall, SNES Doom is good for the machine. It feels dated now but still manages to impress more than the dire 3DO version.

The first Castlevania title on the Super Nintendo is a great one. First released in 1991 in Japan and the US it thrilled gamers with improved control of the character and the whip and boasted a truly staggering soundtrack. Simon Belmont is again the lead and controls better than ever. He can be manoeuvred in the air when jumping a certain amount, which makes negotiation through tricky areas much less of a chore. Also whip control is greatly improved with eight attack directions possible. Also by holding the attack button the whip goes limp allowing Simon to flick it out to kill minor enemies or block projectile attacks. The whip can also be used to swing across set locations, which helps to add yet another element to the gameplay. The game has eleven massive stages split into multiple areas, each with its own theme ranging from castle gardens to dungeons. Each location is wonderfully designed and boasts some stunning visuals and gameplay ideas. The 360 degree rotating room remains a standout moment all these years later. Music is staggering with masses of bass and natural sounding instruments mixed with expert composition sets a scene that has rarely been bettered. The use of stereo effects are also second to none, witness the swinging chandeliers for this. Negatives? Simon could still control better and his and a few others sprites are messy. Also the game does suffer from slowdown in places which is a pity but over Castlevania is a brilliant game and well worth tracking down.