There's no denying the PlayStation version is the "best" home port of the '90s. It's the most complete with great controls and the largest level set. It's not perfect though (IMO) and there are aspects of other versions I like more. For instance, the overall look of the Jaguar version appeals to me more with its color implementation and smoother shadows and shading (supposedly that's thanks to the CRY mode being used). The PSX version looks really grainy, something I never cared for that is really common in PlayStation games. Also, the Jaguar version uses the stock PC sound effects, which I like a lot more than the bland replacements used in the PSX game (which were then regurgitated for use in the N64 exclusive, DOOM 64). I still don't understand that design choice.
But, again, the PlayStation version is still the "best" version. Again, it's the most complete. And the different lighting effects in it are pretty cool as well. The controls are tight, and shoulder strafing is excellent.
To be honest though, the debate these days is almost a moot point. If I am really going to buckle down and run through a DOOM game, it's going to either be the PC versions (easily obtainable), or the ports on the XBOX DOOM 3 Collector's Edition disc, or the XBOX Live Arcade versions of DOOM and DOOM II.
Regarding the Saturn version, it is a botched port of the PlayStation version. It's the same game, but has a horrible framerate in areas (mostly the wide open stages, like in parts of DOOM II and towards the end of Ultimate DOOM), and it has a mildly-tolerable framerate on the indoor areas.. There are rumors that the Japanese version has a smoother framerate, but I'm not holding my breath on that one. I'll eventually find out, but I don't feel like paying $40 - $50 for an import version of a game that's likely to be as bad as the US one. Now that I really think of it, I think I am actually more ashamed of completing that version than the 3DO one. Mainly because it's twice as painful thanks to the greater amount of stages and the lack of quality music.
I have to also say, it's a shame the Jag version didn't get music. Carmack said that if Atari had given them a larger cart size to work with, they would have been able to implent it.
Rick-Manta wrote:Also what's this about the Playstation version being lower res than the 3DO or in anyway inferior to any of the others Jag? It's totally different from all the others, I know the engine was a Jag port but it was so heavily modified it may aswell have been re-written (like the SNES one!). I had the Jag version (looked a bit better and played far more fluidly than 3DO but couldn't handle any level music) the levels were the same as the 3DO bar one I think which was missing, still nowhere near as good looking as the PS1 version, the PS1 had all the Ultimate Doom levels and Doom 2 on one disk, plus a couple of PS1 only secret levels, has multiplayer (well.. 2 on link up). The music was changed for an ambient 'horror sound' background track which was cool but I wish it had the option for the 3DO music. Although it didn't have memory card saves, PS1 Doom would give you a password so you'd start the level with all your guns and equipment, health and armour from the previous level.
I've had every version of Doom on all formats except Sega Saturn. If you haven't played the PS1 Doom thinking it's similar to the 3DO and Jaguar versions, I must recommend you have a go it's the best version there is by far (discluding the PC for it's multiplayer, obviously)