Doom: The Dark Ages Hands-Off Preview - Doom Slayer Goes Medieval
Get a glimpse of Doom: The Dark Ages in this hands-off preview, where the iconic Doom Slayer takes on a medieval twist, battling monstrous foes in a brutal, dark fantasy world.
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The Doom franchise is synonymous with high-octane, adrenaline-fueled action, and the upcoming Doom: The Dark Ages is poised to elevate that legacy even further. A prequel to the 2016 Doom reboot, this new title from id Software promises to expand the series' scope, combining fast-paced combat with a richer narrative and a more expansive world. Building on the success of Doom (2016) and Doom: Eternal, The Dark Ages is shaping up to be a bold new chapter in the franchise.
An Expansive Medieval World
Unlike previous Doom games, which leaned heavily on a more straightforward, linear design, The Dark Ages introduces a larger, more open world for players to explore. Set in a medieval war between the Doom Slayer and hellish creatures, this prequel ramps up the scale with vast battlefields, dense forests, and dark dungeons. The player will navigate these realms as they fight through intense, high-stakes combat while uncovering a deeper narrative.
The game’s narrative is notably more prominent than in previous Doom installments. Cutscenes will play a larger role in telling the story, though players who prefer to uncover the lore at their own pace can still rely on item descriptions. The story kicks off with the Doom Slayer imprisoned and quickly sets the stage for a journey that will eventually lead to the events of the 2016 Doom game. For newcomers to the series, this approach makes The Dark Ages an ideal entry point.
Combat Remains the Heart of the Game
At its core, Doom: The Dark Ages stays true to the franchise’s roots: relentless combat. While the open world and narrative elements have grown, the high-speed, brutal battles that fans expect from Doom are still front and center. The player will face a variety of combat scenarios, from large-scale battlefield clashes to tight encounters in dungeons, and they’ll have multiple ways to engage with enemies.
The arsenal has evolved with the setting, offering ancient weapons that pack a punch. New melee options like the iron flail, electric gauntlet, and spiked mace bring a fresh tactile feel to combat, each upgradeable with unique moves and combos. Fans of the series’ signature "glory kills" will find new ways to creatively dispatch enemies.
Taking inspiration from feedback on Doom: Eternal, The Dark Ages simplifies the control scheme, making it more accessible while still maintaining a steep skill curve for players who want to master the game’s mechanics. Customizable accessibility sliders also let players fine-tune the difficulty, from adjusting enemy speed to fine-tuning the parry window, offering a more personalized challenge.
Shield Saw: A Game-Changing Weapon
One of the standout additions to combat in The Dark Ages is the Shield Saw, a massive shield adorned with deadly razors. This new weapon can be used in various ways, from blocking and parrying attacks to throwing it at enemies or finishing them off in a gory spectacle. It adds a strategic layer to the game, allowing players to stand their ground and take on enemies with a more defensive, yet devastating, approach.
In a departure from Doom: Eternal’s emphasis on movement, The Dark Ages encourages players to fight head-on, embracing a "tankier" playstyle for the Doom Slayer. This change, coupled with the return of strafing as a vital combat maneuver, evokes the spirit of the original Doom games, offering a blend of modern mechanics with classic combat elements.
A Nod to Classic Doom with a Modern Twist
Doom: The Dark Ages takes great care to honor its roots while offering exciting new experiences. Many of the game's weapons are designed for short-to-medium-range combat, encouraging players to get up close and personal with enemies. Familiar and new fiends will populate the world, ensuring that battles remain varied and unpredictable.
One major change this time around is the absence of a multiplayer component. While this may disappoint some fans, the decision allows id Software to pour all its resources into a singular, focused campaign. The game introduces two massive new additions to the gameplay: the Atlans—giant 30-story mechs—and fully controllable mech dragons that can take to the skies. These mechanized beasts offer players a fresh, thrilling way to wage war, adding an extra layer of strategy and intensity to the campaign.
Doom: The Dark Ages Is Almost Here
Fans don’t have long to wait before Doom: The Dark Ages arrives. With a release date set for May 15, this new installment promises to push the boundaries of the Doom franchise. A perfect blend of old-school gameplay and new mechanics, The Dark Ages combines heart-pounding combat with an expansive world and a deeper narrative than ever before. Whether you're a long-time fan of the series or new to the franchise, this medieval twist on the Doom Slayer’s saga is shaping up to be a must-play experience.