This statement has me wondering why you chose those platforms. I get that some of the chips that used the 80386 instruction set had a comparable speed to the GBA, but in all other respects I'm aware of, they're not even close. That even includes what type of processor is being used, since 80386 is x86 while the GBA's processor is ARM.
I do, in fact, consider the GBA kind of a pocket-sized 386+VGA. Since I'm writing this game in pure C, other than a few magic addresses for the VRAM and some registers that I write to (using the SDK macros), there isn't much of a difference to a 386+VGA to me. Writing some eventual ARM ASM code is not out of question, but 386 ASM is not worth the effort IMHO (ironically, I'm much more familiar with x86 ASM than ARM).
It's hard to even compare the video capabilities, since I'm pretty sure the use of 386 processors wasn't aligned with the use of any particular video standard. Just looking, I can't tell if this is using CGA, EGA, VGA, or one of the lesser known ones.I chose the video mode 4 on the GBA precisely because it would align pretty well with what I had with mode 13h on DOS. With some work, I guess mode 5 would be perfectly doable, but then I would also lose the extra page to save the previous frame (which I use for the flipping animation I play, for when you turn the camera).
Also, in case you're not aware, both Doom and Duke Nukem 3d got GBA-ports, so that's what the graphics and UI/UX standards for comparison would be.
I'm very well aware of it (I was a big fan of Torus Games back then - even got to exchange a couple of emails with the guys). But I guess you're comparing it to the wrong Doom game - I'm greatly inspired by Doom RPG (and it's cousin, Orcs and Elves). Don't get me wrong, I love Doom, Marathon and the likes, but I also love Wizardry, Phantasy Star and Etrian Oddisey. Doom RPG was the perfect fusion of both ideas IMHO.
Having tried both versions, I'm unsure why you allow free movement rather than something more like Myst or 7th Guest.
I like the idea of freedom to explore a world in my own terms - but I also recognize that pegging the player to a cell helps with navigation when using digital means of controlling.
You probably were unimpressed by the graphics and speed on the GBA - and that's a fair assessment. But this is hardly the final form of this game engine or this game. I was pondering if I should submit the GBA version until the last minute, but having some feedback to direct my efforts was crucial - and I'm taking a lot from your message. Thank you.