Doom: The Dark Ages, the next installment in one of the most iconic video game franchises, is fast approaching. Before we start slaying hordes of hellspawns, let’s look behind the curtains and wrap up everything about one of the most distinctive Doom games.
Table of Contents
Release and platforms
Since the Xbox Games Showcase event in June 2024, when Doom: The Dark Ages was officially announced, shooter fans all over the world have been craving more information. The exact release date was revealed on January 23, 2025, during Xbox Developer Direct, when id Software and Bethesda declared that we descend to Hell on May 15, 2025. Xbox Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, stated that Doom is a series that everyone deserves to play. Consequently, players can slay demons on their PCs and Xbox Series S|X and PlayStation 5 consoles. Furthermore, The Dark Ages will be included in the Game Pass, allowing a wide audience to give it a shot.
Setting and Doom Slayer
Doom: The Dark Ages serves as the series prequel, showing Doom Slayer’s backstory. It takes players to a bizarre but unique brutal world where advanced technology and medieval elements intertwine. In this dystopian universe, humankind faces total annihilation at the hands of infernal forces. Demon Slayer, controlled by the player, is the last resort between humanity and extinction.
In The Dark Ages, we will see how the protagonist transforms from a fierce warrior into the hellspawn-killing demigod we know and love. The story has never been essential in Doom games, and I don’t expect the upcoming title to be a narrative-driven game. However, according to official announcements, there will be some plot twists, such as the conspiracy between the mortal world and Hell. There even will be some choices that lead to one of many possible endings, which will be something new to the franchise.
Gameplay
Many players were shocked by the decision that The Dark Ages would be a single-player-only experience. Multiplayer modes have been one of the series’ trademarks available even in the original installments from the first half of the 90s. The gameplay reaches the franchise’s roots and varies from what we experienced in 2016’s Doom and Doom Eternal. The previous installments offered acrobatic combat, where players had to run or jump like crazy from one enemy to another to annihilate hordes of enemies and avoid taking damage. The Dak Ages presents more grounded combat that puts a strong emphasis on power, resembling classic Doom games.
However, unlike the early shooters from Romero, Carmack, and co., The Dark Ages features a vast array of melee weapons, such as a mace, gauntlet, and flail, which is my favorite piece of medieval arsenal. It opens up new ways to finish off demons. According to the devs, players have more freedom, and the new weaponry and mechanics will make them feel unstoppable. Of course, firearms aren’t going anywhere. Doom: The Dark Ages will give us access to many spectacular guns that let players go toe to toe with even the most terrifying demons. The most intriguing addition to the player’s arsenal is undoubtedly the Shield Saw. You can throw it at them like a murderous frisbee or use it to block, parry, and deflect enemies’ attacks. Interestingly, you use a single button to activate all those actions. The way Doom Slayer would use the Shield Saw depends on the context.
When it comes to the map, unlike many modern titles, Doom: The Dark Ages is not an open-world game. Instead, players may revisit key locations using interconnected hubs to solve missed puzzles and take on optional challenges.
Summary
All in all, Doom: The Dark Ages seems interesting. I like story-driven games; hence, I’m happy to see elaborate narratives. Nonetheless, I’m aware that story is completely dispensable to many FPS fans. Gameplay changes also can be divisive. The grounded combat will be a welcome alteration for gamers who, like me, are not fans of run-and-gun FPSs, but if you like the Doom Eternal gameplay, The Dark Ages may not quite be your cup of tea of mayhem.
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