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Atari ST Runs Doom!

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The impossible has been achieved yet again! The iconic first-person shooter, Doom , continues to find its way onto increasingly improbable devices. While porting it to a PC released in 1985, eight years before Doom's original release, might seem relatively tame compared to running it on a Lego brick or inside a QR code, the in-development Atari ST conversion demonstrates impressive dedication and ingenuity. Prepare to witness a blast from the past as a classic machine tackles a game seemingly beyond its capabilities. 🕹️

The Atari ST: A Blast from the Past

The Atari ST , released in 1985, was a significant player in the early home computer market. It was one of the first personal computers to ship with a built-in MIDI interface, making it a popular choice for musicians. Powered by an 8 MHz Motorola 68000 CPU and offering up to 512 KB of RAM, the Atari ST was a capable machine for its time, handling tasks like word processing, graphics editing, and, of course, gaming. However, when Doom arrived in 1993, the Atari ST was already considered outdated, making a native port seem like an insurmountable challenge. The original DOS version of Doom required at least an Intel 386 processor clocked between 16 and 40 MHz and 4 MB of memory, far exceeding the Atari ST's specifications. This is why seeing Doom running on the Atari ST today is such a remarkable feat. 😮

Indyjo's Impressive Feat

Augsburg-based indie developer Jonas "indyjo" Eschenburg has embarked on this ambitious project, sharing early progress on a native Doom port for the Atari ST . His initial efforts show the first map running in grayscale at a low frame rate and without sound, but a surprising amount of detail remains visible. This initial version already showcases the developer's skill in optimizing the game for such limited hardware. Eschenburg's subsequent updates demonstrate even more dramatic progress. He managed to add 16-bit color and keyboard controls, making the game almost playable. The color version utilizes heavy dithering, which might make it slightly less clear than the grayscale mode, but it adds immersive full-screen damage effects. 🎨

Overcoming Hardware Limitations

One of the biggest challenges in porting Doom to the Atari ST is the machine's limited hardware. The 8 MHz 68000 CPU and maximum of 512 KB of RAM are significantly less powerful than the specifications required by the original DOS version of Doom. To overcome these limitations, Eschenburg has employed several optimization techniques. Currently, his code runs on an emulator that faithfully reproduces the original CPU but simulates 14 MB of overclocked RAM. However, the developer plans to further optimize the port to improve performance and potentially bring real hardware operation within reach. This involves carefully managing memory usage, optimizing the rendering engine, and reducing the computational load on the CPU. The developer is also likely exploring techniques like using lower-resolution textures, reducing the number of enemies on screen, and simplifying the game's audio. 💻

The Legacy of Doom Ports

The Atari ST Doom port joins a long and storied history of incredible and improbable Doom ports . Over the years, the game has been made to run on a wide range of devices, from cash registers and motherboards to lawn mowers and even a one-milliwatt neural chip. One particularly impressive retro PC Doom port runs on a Commodore 64 at a smooth 50fps, although it relies on a Raspberry Pi expansion cartridge. These ports are not just technical demonstrations; they are also a testament to the enduring appeal and versatility of Doom. The game's open-source nature and relatively simple engine have made it a popular target for programmers looking to test their skills and push the boundaries of what is possible. Limited Run Games recently added to the meme by unveiling a collection containing several classic Doom entries, shipped in a box that can play the game. 🚀

The in-development Doom port for the Atari ST is a fascinating project that highlights the ingenuity of indie developers and the enduring appeal of a classic game. While still in its early stages, the port already demonstrates impressive progress, and further optimization could bring it closer to running on real Atari ST hardware. This project serves as a reminder that even seemingly outdated technology can still surprise us with the right amount of dedication and skill. Keep an eye on Jonas Eschenburg's work, as this could become one of the most intriguing adaptations of Doom yet! 🔥

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