For some newer gamers, it might be difficult to get across just how influential the original Doom games from the mid-1990s were. While the technology has advanced significantly since then, and the titles now look really dated, id Software's FPS series is still resonating to this day, especially as one of the pioneers of early multiplayer gaming. These days, while people are still prone to playing the classics, there are those who have taken it upon themselves to see what else besides a home computer will be able to run the classic shooter.
In a video uploaded to YouTube recently, user next-hack has managed to get the original 1993 Doom game to run on a Bluetooth USB adapter, shown through a display output that they say is the size of a stamp. As well as the brief video which explains some of the elements that have gone into the port, and examples from multiple maps showing it running, they've also given a very detailed account of just how they managed to achieve it. Their website gives a step-by-step account of the electrical and engineering work that went into making it compatible on such a tiny device.
The video also shows that the USB adapter is capable of running Doom 2 and even the Ultimate Doom expansion pack. The user says that the games are running at over 30 fps, despite the adapter only having 256kB of RAM, with a display resolution of 240 x 240. Overall, it's an impressive port which, once again, shows just how versatile the 28-year-old title has become over the years as fans look at the different pieces of hardware that could potentially be used to run it.
While next-hack's port is quite unusual, it's certainly not the weirdest thing that has had the influential FPS running on it. There have been numerous wacky devices that Doom has been played on in the past, including a GoPro controller, a DSLR camera, a playable GIF, and even through logic gates comprised of 16 billion crabs. It's a testament to the longevity of the earlier installments of the series.
With John Romero himself still working on Doom 2 content, it doesn't seem like these retro titles are going away any time soon. While the game continues to get modded and ported to bizarre devices, it opens up the question of how long the legacy of the Doom franchise will continue. Modders and hackers such as next-hack show that there are still numerous ways to enjoy the classic games in this day and age.
Source: Next-hack.com