Game Overview
Developer: id Software
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Platform: Windows (reviewed), PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Release Date: May 14, 2025
ESRB Rating: M for Mature
Price: $70
Links: Amazon | Steam | Official Website
The Doom franchise has maintained a predictable gameplay style for decades, characterized by rapid movement and dodging through a barrage of enemy fire while countering with an arsenal of weapons. From the iconic titles of the ’90s to its recent reboots, the fundamental elements of motion and combat have remained consistent.
However, Doom: The Dark Ages significantly alters this formula. The introduction of a shield mechanic introduces new strategies; in addition to running, dodging, and shooting, players will engage in blocking, parrying, and executing counterattacks. In prior iterations, remaining stationary was a sure path to doom, but The Dark Ages often necessitates a more defensive stance to absorb or deflect incoming attacks.
Developers have compared this shift to the difference between controlling a nimble fighter jet and a heavy tank. This metaphor effectively highlights the transformation within the series, which many may view as a refreshing adjustment, provided players adapt to the slower, tank-like gameplay.
Combat Evolution
Despite the changes, The Dark Ages still retains familiar elements from the Doom series, showcasing a diverse array of weaponry—from shotguns to long-range semi-automatics and explosive devices. Weapons are strategically introduced throughout the game, ensuring players encounter new options as they progress.
However, the combat system has streamlined since Doom Eternal, eliminating secondary weapon modes and the intricate juggling of grenades and chainsaws that defined previous encounters. Enemy designs also no longer demand the use of specific weapon types to exploit their weaknesses, allowing players to rely more heavily on certain favorite weapons.
The shield becomes central to gameplay, allowing players to effectively deflect enemy attacks without taking damage. Additionally, the shield can be thrown for ranged attacks, which is particularly effective against groups of enemies or larger foes.
Parrying an attack is often the only feasible response to particularly swift or overwhelming assaults. Successfully deflecting an attack not only turns it back on enemies but can momentarily incapacitate them, allowing for counterattacks. As the game progresses, the sheer volume of incoming attacks can render the parry mechanic less impactful, leading to chaotic moments where players must rapidly parry multiple threats.
In contrast, gameplay encourages aggressive tactics through moves like the shield slam, allowing players to cover distance quickly and engage in satisfying melee encounters, limited by a cooldown on melee weapon ammunition. Engaging in these close-range attacks often results in absorbing damage, but players can recover health and resources from fallen foes, creating a thrilling push-and-pull dynamic during battles.
While the focus on parrying and aggressive contact creates varied and exciting encounters, the absence of the fluid agility from Doom Eternal’s movement system can leave players feeling constrained. The action sometimes takes on a more rhythmic nature akin to a simplified rhythm game, emphasizing timing rather than fluid maneuvering.
Narrative and Setting
Between missions, players are treated to cutscenes filled with complex political and religious factions grappling for power amid an interdimensional conflict. These scenes, which revolve around a mystical artifact, the Heart of Argent, often lack clarity, making it difficult to follow the intricate plots. Many gamers may find it more enjoyable to skip these segments and return to the fast-paced action.
The levels are richly designed, packed with grotesque imagery and dark atmospheres, though the layout can sometimes feel repetitive. Players encounter both claustrophobic corridors and expansive outdoor spaces, often populated by waves of demons teleporting into predefined zones. While elements like inclines add variety, the arenas can start to feel monotonous over time.
Each level is littered with hidden collectibles and secrets, often requiring players to explore meticulously to uncover them. While this exploration can provide welcome breaks from combat, it sometimes feels solitary, especially compared to more action-driven sequences.
Vehicle Sections
One of the less enjoyable aspects of Doom: The Dark Ages arises from vehicle sequences that interrupt the core combat mechanics. Sections featuring a giant mech offer a tedious experience, reducing encounters to basic button mashing and slow dodges that detract from the game’s pace.
Dragon riding sequences attempt to innovate but fall flat, lacking thrilling combat scenarios or intricate challenges. Instead, they often lead to simplistic chase sequences that fail to make the most of the flight mechanics, with the highlight being stationary turret confrontations that lead to repetitive gameplay.
Despite these shortcomings, Doom: The Dark Ages succeeds in introducing a new style of gameplay that diversifies the long-standing formula. The parry-based shield mechanic may require adaptation for seasoned players, but ultimately offers an engaging twist to the classic Doom experience.
