Sure, Doom 64 isn't as frantic as the PC variations, but it makes up for it with its atmosphere.
Towards the end of classic Doom's reign, Midway decided to create a Nintendo 64 version of the legendary FPS game-but with a load of new features that I'll explain later in this tidbit.
Story:
Doom was born to be played withotu a story-and it still does. Even though they gave an introduction at the title screen, who even pays attention? I'm sure 10 million "Doomers" simply want to skip the small talk and get straight to the fragging. I for one, am one of them.
But hey, let's cover the story anyways.
After the events of Doom (I don't think Doom II applies here, so yeah) the marine is hospitalized for his traumatic encounter with Satan himself-after all, Hell was a place no living being was ever meant to encounter. The UAC declares no one is allowed to approach Mars and two of its moons-in response, the remaining demons are killed off with radiation bombardment from orbit.
But one demon managed to escape the rain of nuclear fire. It reanimates all the previously killed demons, making them stronger than before.
The news is brought to you-and you realize you must step up to the task once again. With a small squad of fellow marines, you prepare yourself once again for the bloodbath.
Kill or be killed.
Gameplay:
Just like the old Doom games, but instead, there's some new additions.
The Nightmare Imp, a translucent version of the well-known brown monkey-like beast, makes an appearance in this game. The fearsome Mother Demon, the entity for reviving hell, is also present.
There has also been 2 new items added-the Laser and the Demon Artifacts. The Laser is essentially a Plasma Rifle with a piercing laser, and while it isn't very impressive alone, it boosts its firepower with the aforementioned Demon Artifacts you may pick up throughout the game. They are extremely rare and hard to find-but they are definitely worth it. They have another use that I won't spoil for you.
Booby traps such as darts and homing fireballs have been implemented, so it is essential to really watch your step. Monsters can literally spawn out of thin air now-so don't be surprised if you picked up that key and a Baron of Hell materializes right in front of you.
The removal of the Commando, Revenant, Arch-vile, and Spider Masterminds was a major weakness of this game. The 4 monsters were perhaps the most feared and hated demons of the vanilla Doom games-I guess novice players have been spared from their wrath in this release.
Music:
This is where Doom 64 really shines. Instead of the rocking and the occassional ambient soundtrack used, this game uses an entire soundtrack of ambient, moody and gloomy music. It really fits the atmosphere since after all, Doom 64 wasn't meant to be like the old Dooms. It's much darker, depressing and the fear factor is definitely increased. Listen to the title screen's theme closely-if you pay attention, you'll hear the cries of babies being slaughtered. It will definitely send chills down your back.
Graphics:
Doom 64's graphics are a major departure from the old Doom-instead, almost all the monsters have been remodeled and given new sounds. Pretty much everything is reskinned-the weapons, walls, and other features found in the game have different models compared to the old Doom games.
Scrolling skies and animated backgrounds are also something this game has that the older games don't.
In conclusion:
Doom 64 is a very underrated N64 game compared to other big Nintendo titles and the older Doom games. Sure, it doesn't pack the crazy action compared to the older classic FPS series, it delivers a whole new formula: ambience with a touch of gory action.
Get it if you can find it, as it's REALLY rare today on the gaming market.