In this review, we slay hoards of demons in the Game Boy Advance game Doom II. We find out how well this First Person Shooter plays.
This game was released in 2002. It is a port from the DOS version which we’ve also reviewed. This game is the sequel to the original Doom. We also happened to have reviewed the Game Boy Advance version as well.
Since this game is so much like the original DOS version, this review will cover the differences.
One difference is this game runs a little slower than the original DOS version. This is likely due to the hardware limitations. The more the game tries to draw, the slower the game runs. This, unfortunately, has the effect of making your controls more sluggish. As a result, you need to have faster reflexes to avoid certain shots. It looks like you are just slow on the draw, but really, it sometimes takes up to half a second for the controls to register your movements.
Another difference is the fact that the map is now only accessible in the start menu. The strafing controls now zoom in and out and you can move about the map by holding down “A”. The unfortunate side effect is that you can’t really defend yourself or perform actions while looking at the map. So, it is possible to take damage while looking at the map. The only real way to return fire is to simply pause the game and exit the map.
On a more positive note, this game successfully houses every map in the original DOS game. Two levels are split into two, but otherwise, there really doesn’t seem to be any changes to this game beyond that.
Graphically speaking, this game is scaled down. Lighting effects are fewer and some textures have been reduced in quality. Additionally, the Doom guy icon doesn’t bleed, express some of the emotions found in the original game, or tell you which direction damage is coming from. So, if you use Doom guy for any combat related stuff, that feature has been removed.
Music is slightly altered, but the sound effects largely remain intact.
Overall, if you want the novelty of playing Doom II on a handheld, this offers that novelty. The controls have been somewhat reduced to conform to the hardware. The game also runs slower and the controls can be a bit sluggish at times. Graphics quality has been reduced, but audio remains largely the same. Still, if you’re going to play this game, you might as well play the original DOS version. If that’s not available, this version can work in a pinch to get those nostalgia vibes going. Just don’t expect miracles here.
Overall
Furthest point in game: Beat the game.
General gameplay: 17/25
Replay value: 7/10
Graphics: 7/10
Audio: 3/5
Overall rating: 68%
Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85 and Facebook.
