The reboot of the iconic Doom franchise by id Software in 2016 revitalized not only the series but also breathed fresh air into the first-person shooter genre. With annual Call of Duty releases and a declining Battlefield series failing to excite, the new Doom emerged as a refreshing alternative. It discarded modern FPS conventions like cover shooting and health regeneration in favor of aggressive, close-quarters combat that redefined the expectations for the genre.
Fast forward nearly a decade, and Doom has evolved into a trilogy of unique first-person shooters, each sharing a fundamental essence. The original Doom (2016) focused on strong gunplay rooted in the series’ history, while its sequel, Doom Eternal, introduced dynamic movement and tactical elements. The latest installment, Doom: The Dark Ages, released on May 15 for PC and consoles, adopts a medieval theme for its demon-slaying escapades. Though it has a more grounded and heavy feel, the gameplay retains its fast pace and chaotic gunplay.
Players are once again immersed in frantic combat against waves of demons, all set to an electrifying heavy metal soundtrack. However, Doom: The Dark Ages distinguishes itself by grounding the Doom Slayer and integrating melee weapons into the action. While the game’s arsenal of devastating firearms makes a return, the new Shield Saw takes center stage, playing a crucial role in both offense and defense. This weapon, firmly attached to the Doom Slayer’s left hand, centers the mechanics of combat and movement in The Dark Ages, underscoring how a single piece of equipment can redefine gameplay. Despite some minor missteps, the overall experience remains exhilarating.
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The narrative, while the weakest aspect of the game, does not hinder the overall experience. Context isn’t necessary for the rampant chaos, but a more engaging storyline could have enhanced the intensity of the violence. Serving as a prequel to Doom and Doom Eternal, the game’s backdrop is the foreboding world of Argent D’Nur, where the conflict between the Night Sentinels and the forces of Hell unfolds. Central to this struggle is the Heart of Argent, an ancient artifact capable of bestowing godlike powers upon its possessor.
The Night Sentinels are supported by the Maykrs, an advanced race that exerts control over the Doom Slayer. As the Sentinels face overwhelming assaults from the demonic forces led by Azhrak, the prince of Hell, the Maykrs deploy the mind-controlled Slayer to shift the balance in the war. The plot guides players through various battlefronts as they dispatch demons, introducing twists that alter the conflict’s direction. The Slayer’s relationship with the Maykrs evolves, revealing new alliances and secrets surrounding the Heart of Argent.
In Doom: The Dark Ages, players battle the army of Hell
Photo Credit: Bethesda/ id Software
For those familiar with Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, the story offers insights into the history between the Slayer, the Maykrs, and the Night Sentinels, laying groundwork for future events. However, the narrative doesn’t fully deliver, opting for a more conventional approach. Instead, The Dark Ages narrates a compelling tale through its environments, fusing medieval elements with science fiction. Players traverse ancient cities while mounted on a cybernetic dragon, venturing into Hell’s fortress—this visual storytelling showcases the game’s artistic ambition.
Each level introduces unique settings that contribute to the narrative and combat experience. From intricate indoor areas like barracks to expansive forests and village ruins, players navigate diverse environments. Cutscenes punctuate the gameplay at critical moments, serving as transitions that enhance the player’s experience.
Doom: The Dark Ages explores the ancient world of Argent D’Nur
Photo Credit: Bethesda/ Screenshot – Manas Mitul
Combat remains the heart of the Doom series, and Doom: The Dark Ages continues this legacy, although it reimagines the mechanics with a heavier, more deliberate approach. The Slayer transforms into a formidable force, blending traits of a silent, cybernetic executioner with that of a bloodthirsty Viking, equipped with a fur cape, shield, and flail.
The Slayer maintains agility but feels more substantial, enhancing the impact of melee attacks. The Shield Saw serves not just as a weapon but as a core game mechanic, allowing players to block and parry incoming attacks. By timing the parry with a left trigger press, players can stun foes and switch to offensive tactics seamlessly. Projectiles that can be parried are marked in green, encouraging a dynamic combat rhythm.
The Doom Slayer comes equipped with a shield and cape
Photo Credit: Bethesda/ id Software
The game offers a forgiving parry window, even at higher difficulty levels, leading to intense gameplay moments that verge on bullet hell as players navigate through a storm of projectile attacks. As the game progresses, players can amplify their shield parries with runic abilities, delivering significant damage to multiple adversaries. The Shield Saw also becomes a tool for direct assault, allowing the Slayer to hurl the shield at enemies with devastating effect, while keeping the game’s signature fast-paced combat intact.
Doom: The Dark Ages brings a slower pace overall, yet the Shield functions as a means of rapid traversal. Players can launch themselves towards enemies, clearing paths through hordes of smaller demons while stunning larger foes. Furthermore, the Shield Saw can be utilized as a grappling hook, pulling the Slayer to hard-to-reach areas and enriching gameplay exploration.
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The shield remains fixed to the Slayer’s left hand while guns occupy the right
Photo Credit: Bethesda/ Screenshot – Manas Mitul
With the Shield securely attached to the Slayer’s left hand, players can cycle through an array of weapons on the right. Each Doom title has boasted an impressive lineup of overpowered weapons, and this entry is no exception. From the combat shotgun to more intricate weaponry like the Pulveriser, which devastates demon skulls, and the Chainshot, which delivers powerful blows, players quickly amass a formidable arsenal.
Upgrades enhance the gameplay experience, with distinct paths allowing for synergies between weapon abilities and combat maneuvers. For instance, improving the Chainshot grants perks that charge subsequent shots following a successful parry, creating a lethal combination with the Shield Saw. Additional upgrades, like the Ricochet feature for the Shredder, spreads damage among multiple enemies, further diversifying combat options.
Weapon upgrades introduce meaningful combat synergies
Photo Credit: Bethesda/ id Software
Finding hidden resources such as gold, rubies, and wraithstones is essential for unlocking upgrades across weapons, shields, and melee tools, including a gauntlet, flail, and mace. Exploring levels is pivotal for discovering these resources; those who rush toward objectives may miss crucial opportunities locked behind platforming challenges. This emphasis on exploration enhances the game’s overall playability, enticing players to achieve 100% completion in each level.
The level design is diverse, varying from sprawling open areas with multiple objectives tucked in hidden corners to tight-knit environments that create intricate pathways. Combat arenas oscillate between expansive spaces, promoting movement, and confined areas driving frenetic encounters. Regardless of the space, players embody the Slayer, a relentless force intent on demolishing all denizens of hell.
The indoor areas contrast vividly with outdoor environments
Photo Credit: Bethesda/ Screenshot – Manas Mitul
Doom: The Dark Ages embraces the fantasy of becoming the ultimate demon slayer on the battlefield. By continually upgrading gear and mastering combat dynamics, players can thrive in the face of daunting boss encounters. This power fantasy enhances the gameplay experience, complemented by sound design that heightens immersion. The shield resonates upon parrying while attacking with thunderous impacts that reverberate across the environments.
However, the soundtrack falls short compared to the memorable compositions of Mick Gordon from prior installments. The music lacks individuality, often fading into the background instead of elevating the chaotic gameplay, leaving behind a sense of disappointment. Additionally, fewer glory kills can diminish the impact of defeating powerful foes, creating moments that feel less climactic.
Doom: The Dark Ages introduces aerial combat and mech levels
Photo Credit: Bethesda/ Screenshot – Manas Mitul
In an attempt to vary the pacing, the game includes segments where players ride a cyberdragon and engage in aerial combat, as well as controlling a massive Atlan mech for battles against gigantic demons. Though these moments provide a refreshing departure from typical gameplay, they lack substantial mechanical depth. Nevertheless, they serve as entertaining diversions that avoid overstaying their welcome.
Visually, Doom: The Dark Ages surpasses its predecessors, showcasing the capabilities of the ID Tech 8 engine. The graphics impress with high character detail, varied settings, and a pulpy aesthetic that enhances the blend of medieval themes and science fiction. Each outdoor level features breathtaking vistas, bolstered by expansive skyboxes that depict the ongoing war against Hell, with performance on PS5 delivering a smooth experience at 60fps.
Doom: The Dark Ages features breathtaking level designs
Photo Credit: Bethesda/ Screenshot – Manas Mitul
In conclusion, where does Doom: The Dark Ages fit within the broader Doom saga? As the final entry in the latest trilogy, it may be perceived as a less ambitious sequel to its groundbreaking predecessors. However, it stands tall on its own as a strong addition to an iconic franchise, showcasing id Software’s commitment to innovation and creativity. While The Dark Ages presents a more elaborate narrative than its forerunners, the execution feels somewhat tentative. Nevertheless, it compensates with engaging gameplay rooted in the series’ legacy. The Shield Saw significantly alters gameplay dynamics while maintaining a familiar essence for long-time fans. Furthermore, the game offers accessibility through customizable difficulty options and open-ended levels. In an era where grind-heavy games often feel tedious, Doom: The Dark Ages gleams as a reminder that gameplay should primarily be about enjoyment and fluidity.
