The Slayer Returns to His Roots

DOOM: The Dark Ages plunges players into the medieval origins of the legendary Slayer. Set for release on May 15, 2025, this prequel unveils the cataclysmic events that forged the Slayer's brutal reputation. Developed by id Software LLC and published by Bethesda Softworks, the game continues the legacy of DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal with a bold new direction.

DOOM: The Dark Ages
DOOM: The Dark Ages

In this dark fantasy/sci-fi medieval dimension, players will explore ruined castles, epic battlefields, dark forests, and ancient hellscapes. The game's tagline "stand and fight" hints at a significant shift in combat philosophy from its predecessors.

Revolutionary Combat System

The combat in The Dark Ages represents a departure from DOOM Eternal's focus on constant mobility. Instead, players will engage in more deliberate combat encounters, especially with larger enemies. These battles transform into intense duels featuring parrying, shooting, and brutal melee attacks.

Central to this new approach is the Saw Shield, available from the start of the game. This versatile tool serves multiple functions:

  • Blocking incoming attacks
  • Parrying enemy strikes
  • Reflecting projectiles back at enemies
  • Throwing at enemies like a deadly discus
  • Grappling across environments
  • Smashing through barriers
  • Solving environmental puzzles

Successful parries allow for devastating counter-attacks. When executed against Hell Surge attacks, they trigger powerful shockwaves that cause nearby demons to Heavy Falter.

Melee Combat Takes Center Stage

DOOM: The Dark Ages emphasizes melee combat more than previous DOOM titles. Players will unlock several melee weapons throughout the campaign:

  • Fist (Power Gauntlet) - Chapter 1
  • Flail - Chapter 6
  • Potential Dreadmace - Chapter 15

Only one melee weapon can be equipped at a time. Killing enemies with melee attacks drops universal ammo for all guns. Players can chain melee hits for powerful combo finishers, with the Flail particularly effective for brutal combinations.

Expanded Arsenal

The game features a diverse arsenal combining fan favorites with imaginative new weapons:

  • Combat Shotgun
  • Super Shotgun
  • Shredder
  • Impaler
  • Accelerator (Plasma Rifle equivalent)
  • Pulverizer
  • Ravager
  • Chainshot
  • Cycler
  • Ballistic Force Crossbow (the medieval BFG)

Weapon upgrades use a streamlined system with currencies including Gold, Rubies, and Wraithstones. Players often choose between two upgrade perks, while completing weapon mastery challenges unlocks gold skins.

Ride Dragons, Pilot Mechs

For the first time in DOOM history, players will command vehicles beyond mere set pieces. The Atlan mech and a rideable Dragon offer exciting gameplay variety between on-foot sections.

The Atlan mech delivers weighty, powerful attacks. Combat revolves around dodging green attacks to trigger slow-motion counter-strikes. Melee damage builds up to devastating special moves.

Dragon segments provide aerial transportation and a fresh perspective. Players will fly to spacecraft for boarding operations. Dragon combat involves dodging Hell Surge blasts based on their shape to power up the Autocannon and destroy enemy shields.

Deeper Narrative Experience

DOOM: The Dark Ages places greater emphasis on storytelling than previous DOOM titles. The cryptic lore previously hidden in collectibles now unfolds through lavish, well-voiced cutscenes with named characters and a clear storyline.

The narrative recontextualizes events from DOOM 2016 and Eternal. Players begin as a controlled weapon, enslaved by interdimensional forces with a shackling device ensuring compliance. Throughout the campaign, different factions (Hell, Makers, Sentinel) emerge as the Slayer struggles to break free.

Game Structure and Content

The campaign spans 22 chapters, with most taking around thirty minutes to complete. Total completion time is estimated under 15 hours, though environments are larger than previous DOOM games.

Players can revisit completed chapters to hunt for collectibles:

  • 26 codex entries
  • Toys/action figures
  • Wraithstones for upgrades
  • Various secrets

Optional challenges appear from Chapter 4 onward, usually 2-3 per chapter, rewarding players with upgrade materials and weapon skins. These include parrying specific enemy attacks, killing fodder demons with Shield Throws, and destroying Gore Nests.

Level design evolves from linear early stages to open-zoned sandbox levels later. These open areas encourage exploration and feature mini-boss events and intense Commander fights.

Technical Excellence

Running on the id Tech engine, DOOM: The Dark Ages delivers stunning visuals described as "incredible" and "eye-popping." The game runs at 4K60 on PC with advanced features like Ray-Tracing, though some frame rate issues were noted on PS5 Pro.

Sound design and gore effects are reportedly "top-tier," with bone-crunching impacts and satisfying feedback. The soundtrack takes a more subtle approach than previous entries, intensifying during combat for maximum impact.

Editions and Release Details

DOOM: The Dark Ages launches worldwide on May 15, 2025, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. It will also be available on Game Pass. Two editions are available:

  • Standard Edition: $69.99 USD
  • Premium Edition: $99.99 USD (includes two-day early access, campaign DLC, Divinity Skin Pack, digital artbook, and soundtrack)

Game Pass subscribers can purchase a Premium upgrade for $34.99 USD. The Void Slayer Skin is available exclusively as a pre-order bonus for both editions.

Physical editions reportedly require significant downloads, with the PS5 disc containing only 85MB of data.

Early Impressions

Preview builds have positioned DOOM: The Dark Ages as a "bold reimagining" of the DOOM formula. The melee-heavy, parry-focused gameplay feels "different but familiar" with "undeniable DOOM magic."

Some concerns were noted regarding frame rates on console, potential control sluggishness, and "floaty" Dragon combat. However, the general consensus describes the game as "fun from start to finish" with excellent balance between innovation and familiar elements.

As the May 15 release approaches, anticipation continues to build for this medieval hellscape and the brutal origin story of the legendary Slayer.

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