Briefly: Hobbyists will attempt to run Doom on something, however a brand new Commodore 64 conversion is exclusive. The hassle makes use of a Raspberry-based attachment to run the sport surprisingly effectively in a manner neither piece of {hardware} might do alone. The mod contains directions, so Commodore homeowners can arrange the demo and run different Raspberry-enhanced software program for themselves.
Modder “frntc” not too long ago unveiled an growth cartridge for the Commodore 64 that lets the enduring house laptop and its kinfolk function software program as soon as thought unimaginable for the 8-bit platform. What higher technique to check the system than by getting it to play Doom?
Technically, there’s already a Linux-based Commodore Doom port. Regardless of the required SuperCPU improve, it runs with degraded colours at a barely playable framerate attributable to its full lack of optimization across the outdated {hardware}.
Evaluating the model on frntc’s RAD Enlargement Unit reveals a night-and-day distinction. The hobbyist’s system makes use of a duplicate of Doom that appears much like the DOS model’s low-detail mode working in 320×200 decision. Made for PAL CRTs, it runs at a easy 50fps – considerably quicker than the unique DOS-booted sport.
Primarily based on a Raspberry Pi, the growth cartridge does a lot of the legwork, bypassing the Commodore’s CPU in favor of the RP’s ARM processor. The C64 converts the body buffer to deliver a picture to the show, handles enter by way of its keyboard and mouse, and pushes spectacular 22050Hz pattern audio by way of its SID chip.
Enlargement chips that improve a platform’s primary capabilities had been pretty prolific for computer systems and sport consoles within the 80s and 90s. The Tremendous NES model of Doom makes use of the SuperFX chip, which was most well-known for enabling the console to render 3D polygons within the unique Star Fox.
Curious customers should buy or construct RAD cartridges by way of frntc’s instructions. The system, which helps the Commodore 64 and 128, is available in two interchangeable variants: one based mostly on Raspberry Pi 3A+/3B+ dimensions and one other patterned after the Raspberry Pi Zero 2. Constructing requires a 3D printer for some parts. Retro-store.de (German) offers pre-built items for round 20€.
The RAD model of Doom can be obtainable on frntc’s GitHub with easy instructions to begin enjoying. It requires the shareware model of Doom on the doom1.wad.
