DOOM: The Dark Ages brings a ferocious, gritty reimagining to one of gaming’s most iconic franchises. Developed by id Software and published by Bethesda, this prequel to the 2016 reboot and DOOM Eternal throws players into a blood-soaked medieval world where chaos reigns and steel meets sinew. But does this bold new direction live up to the DOOM name? Here’s our detailed DOOM: The Dark Ages review.
Overview
- Title: DOOM: The Dark Ages
- Developer: id Software
- Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5
- Release Date: [Update based on actual release]
- Genre: First-Person Shooter (FPS)
- Mode: Single-player campaign
Story and Setting: Hell Comes to the Middle Ages
DOOM: The Dark Ages acts as a prequel to the modern DOOM saga, placing players in the iron-clad boots of the DOOM Slayer during humanity’s ancient war against demonic forces. Set in a gothic-medieval world filled with castles, ancient ruins, and arcane technologies, the game cleverly weaves dark fantasy with sci-fi horror.
The narrative is more lore-driven than previous titles, diving deep into the Slayer’s origins and the demonic invasion of ancient realms. The tone is darker, more grounded, and steeped in medieval mythos—but don’t worry, the game never forgets its over-the-top roots.
Gameplay: Brutality Reforged
At its core, DOOM: The Dark Ages remains an adrenaline-fueled FPS. The fundamentals—fast movement, brutal melee, and overpowered weaponry remain intact but are reshaped through a medieval lens.
🔥 Key Gameplay Changes:
- New Melee Focus: The signature chainsaw is gone—replaced with a massive flail and retractable shield. Combat is more tactile and satisfying than ever.
- Mounted Combat: You can ride a cybernetic dragon, offering fast-paced aerial combat and traversal.
- Weapon Variety: From crossbows that fire explosive bolts to siege hammers and rune-powered shotguns, the arsenal is viciously medieval yet unmistakably DOOM.
- Execution Moves: Glory kills are back with medieval flair. Think skulls crushed under steel boots and demons split with battleaxes.
Combat arenas now offer more verticality and destructibility, forcing players to think more strategically, especially during boss fights.
Graphics and Design: Gritty Gothic Grandeur
Powered by the id Tech 8 engine, DOOM: The Dark Ages is visually stunning. The environments are drenched in atmosphere burnt skies, crumbling citadels, and hellspawn-infested battlefields feel alive and menacing.
- Character Models: Demons are reimagined with grotesque medieval armor, bone grafts, and corrupted flesh. The DOOM Slayer’s new armor is a brutal blend of knight and tank.
- Performance: Even with its visual fidelity, the game maintains high frame rates across current-gen systems with minimal loading times.
Soundtrack: Heavy Metal Meets Dungeon Choirs
The soundtrack, composed by Mick Gordon’s spiritual successors, blends guttural choirs, medieval instruments, and sludgy metal riffs. It’s thunderous, primal, and perfectly tuned to the game’s brutal tone.
Weapon sounds pack a visceral punch, while ambient audio keeps tension high in quieter, horror-inflected sections.
What Makes It Stand Out?
- Bold New Setting: While many FPS franchises stagnate, DOOM: The Dark Ages dares to innovate by traveling backward in time.
- Immersive Lore: This installment fleshes out the DOOM universe more than ever before.
- Fresh Combat Mechanics: The integration of melee, mounts, and medieval weapons redefines how DOOM plays.
Criticisms
No game is perfect. Some players might find:
- Lack of Modern Weapons: Fans of futuristic DOOM arsenals may miss the BFG or plasma rifles.
- Less Speed: Compared to DOOM Eternal, movement feels slightly slower due to heavier armor and melee combat.
- Steep Learning Curve: New combat mechanics require adjustment, especially for long-time fans.
Final Verdict: A Savage Reinvention
⭐ Rating: 9/10
DOOM: The Dark Ages is a bold, brutal reinvention that honors its heritage while carving a savage new path. It swaps the sci-fi sleekness for medieval grime without losing the franchise’s heartbeat—relentless, explosive fun. For those craving a darker, deeper, and more visceral DOOM experience, this is a hellish dream come true.
Should You Play DOOM: The Dark Ages?
- Yes, if you:
- Loved DOOM 2016 and DOOM Eternal
- Enjoy brutal melee combat and dark fantasy worlds
- Appreciate lore-driven campaigns with cinematic depth
- Maybe not, if you:
- Prefer modern sci-fi weaponry over medieval mayhem
- Dislike close-quarters FPS combat
- Are looking for a multiplayer mode (as of now, the game is single-player only)
Final Thoughts
With DOOM: The Dark Ages, id Software proves that innovation doesn’t always mean going forward—sometimes, going back in time creates the most explosive results. Brutal, beautiful, and bold, this might just be one of the best entries in the DOOM franchise yet.
