The PlayStation version of Doom was was coded by Aaron Seeler for Williams Electronics and first published in 1995. The game runs on a modified version of the Atari Jaguar Doom engine and was the first time Ultimate Doom and Doom II were packaged together in one release.

Unlike the original PC version of Doom the PlayStation version’s levels are not split into episodes, but are lumped together into one continuous episode – split into two halves, between Ultimate Doom and Doom II. In total there are 28 levels in Ultimate Doom, 23 levels in Doom II, and six entirely new levels that are exclusive to the PlayStation version. Some levels are ordered differently to the original PC version; some enemies are placed differently, and some levels have been cut, either partially or entirely, from this port, although the consensus is that PlayStation Doom is better off for it.

One enhancement that can be seen from the very start of the game is that the PlayStation version features coloured lighting in individual sectors, which does add a unique visual edge to the game. The PlayStation version also features animated skyboxes, including an animated flaming sky that is seen in some levels.

The sound effects and music are different to the original PC version. Rather then pay original Doom music composer Bobby Prince royalties to use his music in the PlayStation version, Williams instead commissioned Aubrey Hodges to produce a new ambient score, and some players prefer it to Doom‘s original soundtrack.

Other significant differences to the PC original include: there’s a tougher type of Spectre, called The Nightmare Spectre; there’s no Arch-Vile in the PlayStation version as the developers felt they couldn’t do him justice (because it had twice as many frames of animation as the other monsters); passwords are used for continuing games and there’s no memory card usage, and there’s no “Nightmare” skill level (but in a unique twist the developers instead chose to include Doom II monsters in Ultimate Doom when the game is played on “Ultra-Violence” difficulty).

The PlayStation version does have a multiplayer mode, but there’s no split screen play; two consoles must be linked together instead.

The frame rate is decent in the PlayStation port, but not entirely consistent, and the game will slow down considerably when there’s a lot going on on-screen – especially on higher skill levels. That said: Doom on the PlayStation is still better than most other console ports on that front.

Overall, the PlayStation version of Doom is an excellent port and is arguably second only to the PC original. It’s certainly the best out of all the available console conversions of Doom out there.

See also: Doom II, Doom 3, Doom 4 and Brutal Doom.

More: Doom on Wikipedia
More: PlayStation Doom on doomwiki.org
Steam: Ultimate Doom on Steam
GOG: Ultimate Doom on GOG.com