Limited Run Games is re-releasing the SNES port of Doom with the fanciest improvements

This might take the crown for the best Doom news today. Limited Run Games is reissuing Doom for the SNES. This is no mere re-release of the 1995 console port. It’s getting spruced up to run better and include more.

Most of the early console ports of Doom were derided for various reasons. Even consoles that should have been able to play the game well couldn’t without severe drawbacks. The SNES version had many, making it pale in comparison to the original DOS version, but it held up a smidge better than some others. It was rather impressive that it would even run on the platform, though it needed some assistance from Nintendo’s proprietary FX Chip.

I loved Doom when I was a wee tot, but my parents wouldn’t buy me the PC version. It wasn’t because of the violence, however, but rather their inability to understand the mysteries of computer hardware. So, instead, I got the SNES version. I will tell you that, even with its deficiencies, it was a lot better than having no Doom at all. I mostly just lamented that there were no cheat codes.

Limited Run Game’s new version is going to bring it closer to the PC experience. It touts better performance and the inclusion of Ultimate Doom’s Thy Flesh Consumed episode. But more importantly: circle strafing. But even more importantly: level skip codes.

The original programmer for the 1995 SNES version, Randy Linden, is helping make this a reality. You probably couldn’t ask for better assistance, since he was able to get it working on the console in the first place. He says that the improved performance is handled by a custom chip that is working in place of the FX chip while providing improved memory and speed. He also says that there still are no ceiling and floor textures, but that’s part of the charm.

Doom on the SNES will have a standard release, as well as a super-special release limited to 666 units. The difference is mainly packaging.

There is also going to be support for a special controller with rumble built in. Not sure why, but cool.

No word on when the improved SNES Doom will be available for preorder, but it’s set to release in 2025.