Doom: The Dark Ages is the latest entry in the legendary Doom franchise that takes us to a brutal, medieval-inspired world, where you once again step into the boots of the Doom Slayer, the ultimate demon destroyer. But this isn’t just another fight for survival, it’s a deep dive into a dark and gritty setting that reimagines the Doom universe with a medieval twist. The game’s world is dripping with atmosphere, layers of lore, and, of course, the signature gore that fans have come to expect.
The story takes place during a brutal war where Hell seeks the “Heart of Argent,” a powerful artifact with immense energy. The Night Sentinels and Maykrs, led by key figures like King Novik and Kreed Maykr, are determined to stop Hell from claiming this legendary source of power. At the center of the action is the Doom Slayer, a warrior empowered by the Maykrs to fight Hell’s forces. However, his free will is suppressed by a device called the Tether, controlled by Kreed Maykr.
It essentially serves as a prequel, connecting the Doom Slayer’s mysterious past to his legendary status in Doom (2016). I usually really dislike the idea of a prequels in any shape and form outside of Andor/Rogue One, as there are no “stakes”, So I’m as surprised as anyone at how much I’ve enjoyed this story.
What makes Doom: The Dark Ages stand out is how it isn’t just “more Doom.” Id Software has delivered a fresh and unique take on the series while staying true to its roots. The gameplay feels refined, yet bold, with the addition of weapons like the shield-saw, a brand-new tool in the Doom Slayer’s arsenal. This weapon isn’t just for blocking incoming attacks, it’s a game-changer that adds an entirely new layer of strategy, allowing you to seamlessly switch between defense and offense. It opens up countless new ways to approach combat, making each encounter with the hellish hordes feel dynamic and rewarding.
The rest of the arsenal is equally as appealing. You’ll wield a satisfyingly heavy lineup of classic Doom weaponry, from the Combat Shotgun to the Plasma Cycler, each is designed to deliver maximum destruction. The combination of the shield-saw with these brutal weapons creates endless opportunities for creative carnage. Whether you’re tearing through demons with precise headshots or obliterating them with devastating close-range attacks, the gameplay feels as exhilarating as ever.
Standout moments make this game a must-play in the reboot series, setting it apart from the previous two entries. Riding in a giant Doom Slayer mech or on the back of a massive mech dragon are highlights unique to The Dark Ages. These sequences not only break up the gameplay pace but also deliver visually stunning experiences.
On top of that, the game features another thunderous heavy metal soundtrack that perfectly complements the chaos of battle. Every track amps up the adrenaline, making each fight feel like a high-octane metal concert. Just for an experiment try turning the music off and seeing the impact it makes to the game. I can tell you, it’s an important characteristic that needs to be cranked up.
The level designs are intricate and brimming with secrets, encouraging exploration as you uncover the dark lore of this medieval hellscape. The enemy design is equally impressive, with terrifying new demons joining the fray alongside revamped classics, keeping you on your toes.
Doom: The Dark Ages is a must-play for shooter fans, with ID Software once again offering an unforgettable blend of strategy, action, and atmosphere. It’s a stunning addition to the franchise that scores a 9/10, and could easily become one of the most talked-about shooters of the year.
If you’re a fan of fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled gameplay and immersive design, this is one game you can’t afford to miss and it’s available on Xbox Series X/S (play it on Game Pass), PC via Battle.net, Steam and the Xbox App and PlayStation 5.
