Doom 64 for Dreamcast

About

This is a from-scratch Dreamcast port of Doom 64, built against KallistiOS (stable against KOS v2.2.1) and requiring either an original Doom 64 N64 ROM or the IWAD from Nightdive Studios' 2020 PC remaster (for Lost Levels support) to generate game data via an included wadtool. It's heavily based on Immorpher's Merciless Edition and Doom 64 XE work, itself built on Erick194's DOOM64-RE reverse-engineering project. Notable technical features include real-time DOT3 normal mapping with up to 16 simultaneous dynamic point lights, geometry tessellation, VMU save support, customizable controller mappings, and movement interpolation supporting up to 60 FPS in most of the game.

How it differs from the original

The port adds custom "Knee Deep in the Dead" content with Dreamcast-exclusive enhancements -- new maps by z0k with mods by Mittens, and new music by Andrew Hulshult -- that isn't part of the original N64 release, along with technical additions like real-time normal mapping and dynamic lighting the N64 version lacked. Rumble/vibration feedback is currently supported only on the RetroFighters StrikerDC wireless controller.

Getting started

Players need either an original Doom 64 N64 ROM (renamed doom64.z64, MD5-verified) or the Doom 64 IWAD from Nightdive's 2020 remaster (for Lost Levels support), placed in the project's wadtool folder; building requires a Dreamcast/KallistiOS toolchain (KOS v2.2.1 recommended) and produces a bootable disc image via a make target. VMU saving needs 5 free memory-card blocks, with a controller and VMU in the first controller port, and a controls configuration file can be used to customize the button mapping.

History

The port builds heavily on Immorpher's earlier Merciless Edition and Doom 64 XE work, which was itself made possible by Erick194's DOOM64-RE reverse-engineering of Doom 64; the README credits numerous KallistiOS/Simulant Discord contributors by name for specific engine and audio fixes that made the port possible.

Known issues & limitations

• compatibility: VMU saving requires 5 free blocks and a controller in the first port; Performance 4x Memory Pack does not work.
• compatibility: Rumble support is currently limited to the built-in feedback of RetrigerDC wireless controllers; other devices may crash or lack feedback.
• The README warns that using the built-in controller-pak save-management menu carelessly can delete other, unrelated saved games stored on the same VMU.

Media

Licensing & legal

• The custom Dreamcast-exclusive "Knee Deep in the Dead" content may not be commercially redistributed, and the README states that redistributing any disc image containing game data -- free or paid -- is copyright infringement, since Doom 64 remains actively sold IP.