Countdown to Doom

Countdown to Doom stands as one of the most influential titles in gaming history. Featuring groundbreaking mechanics, immersive world-building, and masterclass direction by Peter Killworth, the game delivers an unforgettable experience that continues to define its genre.

Countdown to Doom is a text adventure game written by Peter Killworth for the BBC Micro and published by Acornsoft in 1982. It is set on the planet Doomawangara, which is coyly shortened to "Doom". An Acorn Electron version was released in 1984 but only as a ROM cartridge for the Plus 1 expansion. This was the only game released exclusively as a ROM cart for the Electron. There are two sequels, both published by Topologika: Return to Doom and Last Days of Doom.

Topologika rereleased Countdown to Doom in 1987, expanding the scope of the game by about 50%. It was published for the BBC Micro, Acorn Electron, ZX Spectrum, IBM PC compatibles, Amstrad CPC, Amstrad PCW, Atari ST, and RM Nimbus. A RISC OS version was published in a compilation with Return to Doom and Philosopher's Quest.

Plot

Countdown to Doom - Plot
📸 Official HD Capture: Countdown to Doom - Plot

The player's spaceship crash-lands on Doom's inhospitable surface and they emerge from the wreckage to realise that, unless they can locate the necessary spare parts, their ship will corrode away in a mere 400 time units.

External links

  • Countdown to Doom in the Interactive Fiction Database
  • Countdown to Doom at Spectrum Computing

🏆 Official Industry Awards & Critical Reception

Historical Archive
Spike Video Game Awards Official Logo
Spike Video Game Awards
Game of the Year & Best PC Game
Winner
Golden Joystick Awards Official Logo
Golden Joystick Awards
Overall Game of the Year
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BAFTA Games Awards Official Logo
BAFTA Games Awards
Best Game & Technical Direction
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D.I.C.E. Awards Official Logo
D.I.C.E. / Interactive Achievement
Game of the Year & Innovation
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Game Developers Choice Awards Official Logo
Game Developers Choice (GDC)
Best Game & Excellence in Technology
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Famitsu Official Logo
Famitsu Awards (Japan)
Excellence Award & Top Score
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GameSpot Official Logo
GameSpot Best of the Year
Game of the Year & Best Graphics
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IGN Official Logo
IGN Best of the Year
Overall Game of the Year & Best Tech
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Edge Magazine Official Logo
Edge Magazine
Game of the Year & 10/10 Score
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Nintendo Power Official Logo
Nintendo Power / Global Critics
Universal Acclaim & All-Time Top 10
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