DOOM Lands on the Canon EOS 550D, Shows Demons in the Viewfinder

Canon owners who once pointed their EOS 550D at landscapes or family gatherings can now point it at the forces of Hell. A new software module lets the 2010 Rebel T2i (known as the Kiss X4 in some markets) run the original Doom, complete with movement, shooting, sound, and save files, all controlled by the camera’s own buttons and dials.

Bas Lichtjaar, using the alias lauris-nl, created the DOOM port as a Magic Lantern Module. Magic Lantern is a long-running open firmware add-on that allows users to unlock additional capabilities on specific Canon bodies. The Doom module simply happens to function on the 550D running firmware 1.0.9; it appears in the camera’s Games menu, and everything is fine. Users must supply their own IWAD files, such as DOOM, DOOM II, or Freedoom, and store them on the SD card. The game then begins to load directly on the camera.

Marvel Legends Series Magic: The Gathering Doctor Doom 2099

• DOOM 2099 COMICS-INSPIRED: Thrust into a strange alternate future seemingly devoid of the Fantastic Four, this Doctor Doom 2099 is inspired by the…
• ASSEMBLE EARTH’S MIGHTIEST HEROES: Magic: The Gathering | Marvel Super Heroes has arrived in full force! Discover an exciting new way to experience…
• PREMIUM DESIGN, DECO, & ARTICULATION: This officially licensed Hasbro Marvel Legends action figure set features comics-inspired design and deco. with…

The directional pad controls movement and aim. Pressing the zoom in button causes the player to run. Pressing zoom out while pressing left or right allows you to strafe. The SET button launches the weapon and confirms menu options. The PLAY button opens doors and triggers switches. The back control wheel allows you to cycle through your weaponry. DISP displays the automap or exits menus, whereas MENU brings you directly to the main choices screen. If you click the delete button three times quickly, you will be sent to a hidden menu where you can enable several old-school cheats as well as select your favorite music and level warp choices. The ISO, depth-of-field preview, and shutter controls are set to the sidelines to avoid interfering with the camera’s typical overlays.

The rear LCD displays at the proper 720 by 480 resolution. If you want a larger view, you can choose the alternative mode that scales the image into larger 2-by-2 pixel blocks. The audio comes from a homemade synthesizer that plays the original song and incorporates classic 8-bit sound effects. It outputs 48 kHz mono through the camera’s built-in speaker or headphone jack. You have distinct save slots for each WAD file, and the system saves all of your configuration settings so that when you turn it off and back on, your volume levels and preferences remain unchanged.

The performance is actually rather good, since it remains fluid enough for you to actually play. The audio engine is hardly used, thus there is plenty of processing power available for game logic. They appear to have eliminated the music dropouts that plagued previous editions. Changing WAD files still requires a camera restart, therefore the port is still limited to the 550D with the appropriate Magic Lantern build. Multiplayer, external mods, and DEHACKED fixes will all have to wait a bit longer.

The source code and modules are all available on Github under the name doom550d. Installation is the standard Magic Lantern procedure: copy the files to the card, load the module, then select your game from the menu. Anyone who has previously used Magic Lantern on a 550D can try it again after backing up their card.