Thanks to technology, various measuring devices have helped mankind advance throughout the century. From sundials to awesome timepieces, technology has always been instrumental in helping people measure things.
Gaming has also evolved over the years, unexpectedly creating the best litmus test for any electronic device: Doom.
Released in 1993, Doom is hailed as the most influential game in the first-person shooting game genre. It ran on ancient DOS-based computers and was a technological marvel during its release.
It had a rough development phase and had several pre-releases. It was released during a time when digital storefronts such as Steam were still yet to be developed and had its first episode distributed through software retailers.
Related: Can the Steam Deck Replace Your Console? – Comparing Its Performance with Mainstream Consoles.
Since then, Doom has been an important part of gaming history and has slowly become integrated into the modern internet meme culture.
Doom's developer, id Software, released the game's source code in 1997, opening the door to the most obscure platforms on which Doom can run. One of the earliest third-party Doom ports was on a Nintendo DS, running the original 1993 version.
From ATMs and pianos to toothbrush displays, Doom has become the ultimate litmus test to see whether an electronic device is powerful and capable enough to run Doom.
If you feel like gaming has gone awry for 2024, let us help you remember that gaming will always find its way (across different electronic devices, at least) and give you a list of the most obscure things that Doom can run on.
An ATM
If you ever had to fall in line at an ATM just to withdraw some quick cash, chances are you've encountered a person who'd take 10 minutes just to enter their PIN, check their balance, and wait for their direct debit to come in.
More often than not, they are honestly just trying to talk themselves into thinking their money is coming. Or they could be secretly playing Doom just to get away from their wife and kids - who knows? At least they get to shoot space demons while having the risk of being robbed.
Made by YouTubers @Aussie50 and @jgcertified in 2014, this ATM Doom uses the machine's PIN pad to control Doomguy. Playing Doom using an ATM is so ridiculously amazing that one commenter even said that blind people would probably have the shock of their lifetime should they plug their headphones into this ATM.
On A Pregnancy Test Screen
Out of all the pregnancy test results you'll see on a pregnancy test screen, space demons would be the least of what you'll expect.
Considering that almost all pregnancy tests only have two results, Doom on a pregnancy test screen will surely scare the life out of your spouse. No one would expect to fight some demons several days after some shenanigans.
This idea came out of the mind of X user @Foone, with them demonstrating full gameplay of the original Doom using the pregnancy test's tiny screen.
While it plays the game using a pregnancy test shell, it is still controlled using a tiny computer and an external keyboard. It is amazing and bizarre that Doom can be played in the most unexpected (pun intended) moments.
An Ultrasound Scanner
If you feel like you haven't played enough Doom from your pregnancy test, you can wait a couple more weeks and play Doom again using the ultrasound scanner this time.
As demonstrated by YouTuber @bwavetv3765, this ultrasound Doom version utilizes the trackball to control Doomguy.
While older computer mice used trackballs to register input, controlling Doom using an ultrasound trackball had so much sensitivity that it felt like playing Doom on ice, as @bwavetv3765 described.
On a Toothbrush Display
Any parent would agree that building their children's habit of brushing their teeth can be challenging, especially when children hate the feeling of brushing their teeth.
Stressed parents do not need to worry anymore. You can now play Doom on a toothbrush display and tell your kids that the space demons will knock their teeth off if they stop brushing them.
Made by YouTuber u/atc1441, Doom fans can now play the game on a toothbrush display via Wi-Fi. The game still requires other peripherals to be connected to the toothbrush for controls, but at least you can demonstrate how to fight off cavities and demons at the same time.
On a Porsche 911
For many Porsche fans, having an RWB body kit is the ultimate modding goal that elevates the sportscar. But what could make it even cooler? That’s right—playing Doom on the car’s screen.
Made by YouTuber @vexal, Doom on a Porsche 911 is the perfect reason not to drink and drive. The game uses the car's steering wheel to turn left and right, and guns can be changed via the gear shifter. What's more impressive is that it uses the horn button to shoot, which is another perfect way to tell everybody you have a Porsche AND Doom.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Doom gameplay if you can't go forward so all you have to do is step on the accelerator to move Doomguy forward. Imagine all the places you'll go and the friends you'll meet by just finishing the game.
You never cease to amaze us, Doom.
From DOS-based computers to a toothbrush, Doom has surely come a long way. This is a testament to a good product and how gamers will always innovate and immortalize games in many different ways.
Gaming in 2024 may have its ups and downs but Doom on everything shows us that gaming will push forward no matter what. So get ready to vote for your favorite titles in the upcoming Game Awards 2024 and stay updated with the latest gaming news and stories by following Gfinity Esports.
READ MORE: The Game Awards 2024 Winners (According To Chat GPT)