Doom, Electronic Games

Doom practically kickstarted and popularised the first-person shooter genre by itself. It delivered a new kind of gaming experience, in fast-paced action with a multitude of different tactics, cyber demons and rocket launchers: bring it on! What made Doom a classic was it's refined gameplay and network functionality. All of a sudden, the LAN party was born. The full version of Doom is now portable on the Game Boy Advance, complete with four-player link-up. Life is sweet sometimes. Doom pits players against cyber-organic and nightmarish demons over 24 skill-testing levels. It's kill or be killed, because these enemies show no mercy. Your soldier has eight destructive weapons available to clear the path to freedom. In addition to the shotgun and plasma gun, the ultimate room-clearing firearm has to be the BFG 9000. BFG does not stand for big friendly giant. At 50 energy shells per shot, this baby redefines firepower. The GBA version of Doom plays well, even without the mouse luxury of the PC. The shoulder buttons help circle strafing become second nature. Circle strafing is where you move around your opponent whilst keeping your gun tracked on the enemy. The only possible negative is the GBA screen, but things can be improved with the brightness settings. The single-player game is challenging, and conserving ammo and health is always a priority. If you see lots of health, ammo and armour lying conveniently around, then get ready for a nasty surprise. Certain areas of the level will be locked and finding red, yellow, and blue key cards will open them. The level design in Doom is ingenious, with several secret areas per level that are worth finding because of the goodies available therein. Up to four Advance consoles can be linked together for the ultimate in portable multi-player shenanigans. The frame rate is more than acceptable, the action is addictive, and sessions can last until the batteries run out. Doom easily makes it onto our essential Advance titles list.

Buy Doom for 7.99 GBP

Brian Lara International Cricket
The original Brian Lara Cricket for the PlayStation is still spoken of in hushed tones by gaming cricket fans today. It's not even unknown for them still to play it on occasion. The game, developed by Audiogenic Software, was the by far the best cricket game of its time in an admittedly oft-neglected genre. A large roster of real players, a selection of 'scenarios' inspired by real life matches, a...
Tenchu: Return From Darkness
This latest instalment of the long running stealth-em-up series marks the first venture into Xbox territory, with 2003's PS2 title Wrath of Heaven finally being ported to Microsoft's big black/green/crystal box. As a result, Return From Darkness is the most graphically accomplished of the Tenchu titles, and also the first to benefit from online functionality, thanks to Xbox Live support. The game ...
Daikatana
After being in development for three years, Daikatana has lots of expectations to live up to, in light of the mighty Quake series in which Daikatana main-man John Romero was involved. The N64 version is developed by Ion Storm. You take on the role of Superfly Johnson in your quest to bring down the evil Kage Mishima, who is in possession of the legendary sword, Daikatana. At least you know where t...
Earthworm Jim 2
Earthworm Jim is fondly remember by 16-Bit gamers, as it is by generations of games journalists, all of whom have received a fresh pair of hilariously branded underpants each time a new release has surfaced. Now residing with Vivendi, Earthworm Jim makes his inevitable second appearance on Nintendo's premier handheld, bringing a new and much-needed dose of quality 2D platform action to the shelves...
Fortress
Puzzle games usually assume one of two types. Some games allow gamers take as much time as is needed, while others force a time restriction upon the player, possibly turning the game into a frenzy of fingers and thumbs as the clock ticks down. Fortress on Game Boy Advance from THQ falls into the latter category. The primary objective of Fortress is simple. Build a structure as tall and as quickly ...
NBA Live 06
It's about this time of year that EA like to release all the sporting titles they've been crafting during the off season. Both types of football - Madden and FIFA - have already hit the streets, as has their NHL game which looks as reinvigorated as the hockey league itself does after missing last season. If you've been waiting patiently for the new NBA Live game, well...here it is, and as usual it...