“Doom: The Dark Ages” takes the franchise into a medieval setting, blending fast-paced action with strategic combat. New mechanics and weapons promise to deliver an intense, bloody adventure.
Set as a prequel to Doom 2016, this new chapter takes the fight to a medieval-inspired realm under siege by the forces of Hell. The gameplay, while still fast-paced and blood-soaked, introduces fresh mechanics that offer a more strategic, blow-for-blow combat experience.
Set against the backdrop of gothic castles and medieval battlefields, Doom: The Dark Ages brings a much-needed twist to the series. The Doom Slayer, decked out in medieval armor, faces off against demons using a mix of classic firearms and medieval weaponry. The environments are a stunning mix of traditional Doom aesthetics with a fantasy spin—imagine creatures from Hell wielding swords alongside sci-fi firearms.
At the heart of the game is its brutal combat. The iconic super shotgun returns, but this time it shares the spotlight with new weapons designed for maximum destruction in the medieval setting. The Pulverizer fires skull shards in a horizontal spread, the Impaler launches rune-adorned spikes, and the Chainshot uses a retracting cannonball to obliterate enemies at close range.
However, the star of the show is the Shield Saw, a new combat tool that allows players to parry enemy attacks, bash foes, and launch themselves across the battlefield. The parry mechanic is simple but effective, rewarding precise timing with the ability to deflect projectiles or stun enemies. As an added bonus, the Shield Saw can also be used to interact with the environment, solving puzzles and unlocking new areas.
The addition of Doom: The Dark Ages‘ melee combat offers another layer to the gameplay. Melee weapons now require charges, and players can replenish these charges by parrying attacks or picking up items on the battlefield. While the chainsaw is gone, the new melee system fits naturally into the “stand and fight” mantra of the game. To defeat the tougher enemies like the Tyrants, players must engage in close combat, using both ranged and melee attacks to destroy them.
Another significant change in Doom: The Dark Ages is the introduction of aerial and mech combat. Players will pilot dragons and giant mechs to battle the forces of Hell from new perspectives. While the aerial combat is still in the fine-tuning stages, the mech segments are satisfying, with players crushing demons underfoot and unleashing devastating punches.
One of the most exciting aspects of Doom: The Dark Ages is its level design. The arenas are larger and more open than ever before, offering players multiple objectives and opportunities for creative combat. In one mission, players had to lower the morale of a VIP demon before they could do any damage to it. This more open-ended design provides a refreshing break from the linear levels of previous Doom games.
In Doom: The Dark Ages, id Software has crafted a game that balances the franchise’s iconic fast-paced action with a more strategic and brutal combat system. The medieval setting, new weapons, and enhanced mechanics promise a game that will satisfy both old fans and newcomers alike. Doom: The Dark Ages launches on May 13, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC.
