Right from the start, it was clear that id Software was cooking up something special with the latest chapter in the DOOM series. Marty Stratton has called DOOM: The Dark Ages id Software’s most ambitious game yet, and that’s saying something, considering the developer’s pedigree and ability to churn out one hit after another. But after seeing what id Software has in store, Marty isn’t off the mark at all.
A New Way to Play
According to id Software, while DOOM Eternal was fast and agile, like a jet fighter, DOOM: The Dark Ages is designed to be more like a tank. The game puts you right in the heart of the action, front and center, ready to face whatever the hordes of Hell throw at you, all while asking, “Is that all?” This concept really resonated with me. While I enjoyed DOOM Eternal, I sometimes felt there was too much jumping and running, and not enough time spent truly dominating the battlefield.
In DOOM: The Dark Ages, the power fantasy of being a tank—standing your ground, taking damage head-on, and crushing everything in your path—appears to be the game’s central theme. And that’s exactly what I’ve been craving. From what I gathered, DOOM: The Dark Ages will offer a more immersive experience where the focus is on resilience and brute force.
Unlike its predecessor, DOOM: The Dark Ages will feature a larger playing field, allowing for more varied ways to eliminate enemies. The game will also include plenty of opportunities for exploration and discovering the hidden secrets the DOOM series is known for.
Guns Galore and More
Anyone who’s ever played a DOOM game knows that weapons are at the heart of the experience. DOOM has always boasted a massive arsenal, and id Software seems to have outdone itself with the upcoming game. It’s as if the weapons designer at id Software has one of the best jobs on the planet—coming up with all these amazing tools of destruction. And trust me, I wouldn’t mind trading places!
Based on the DOOM: The Dark Ages preview, it’s clear that the weaponry is ramped up to 11. First up is the Saw Shield—a defensive and offensive item I never imagined would make its way into a DOOM game. Not only does it block incoming attacks, but you can also parry with it, throw it like Captain America, and even use it to navigate the environment. Oh, and did I mention it has a sawblade that doubles as a chainsaw? It’s a perfect fit for the “Rip and Tear” mentality. The shield’s versatility is amazing, and the fact that it’s simple to use on the battlefield only makes it more exciting.
Next, we get a look at the beloved Super Shotgun. While it hasn’t changed much, it’s still as effective as ever. But the real jaw-dropper comes in the form of a weapon that grinds up the skulls of defeated enemies and shoots them out as high-velocity projectiles. This new weapon is called the Skullcrusher, and it lives up to its name. I had the chance to see it in action, mowing down waves of enemies in style. I can’t wait to get my hands on it!
And just when I thought things couldn’t get any crazier, we were introduced to two more over-the-top additions. First, a massive 30-story mech called the Atlan, which allows players to face off against giant demons in epic battles. Watching this in action was a sight to behold, and I can already imagine the chaos and fun it will bring.
The second exciting addition is a fire-breathing, gatling-gun-toting cybernetic dragon. This beast will let players take the fight to the skies, and it looks like a fighter jet straight from Hell. I can’t wait to try this out too!
What sets DOOM: The Dark Ages apart is that these incredible gameplay elements aren’t just one-time gimmicks. id Software has confirmed that they’ll be fully integrated into the game, each featuring their own boss fights and extended sequences. So, for those worried that these cool new additions will be one-and-done moments, fear not—id Software promises they’ll be a substantial part of the game.
Play How You Want to Play
In the theme of getting everyone to play DOOM: The Dark Ages, id Software has included a system where players can customize how they want to play. In addition to the difficulty options, players will also be able to change things such as how much damage enemies do, how fast combat is, parry windows settings, and more. It’s a great way to ensure that things aren’t too hard for those new to DOOM, or making things even harder who feel like Hurt Me Plenty simply isn’t enough.
So now you don’t have an excuse not to play, do you?
When is DOOM: The Dark Ages Releasing?
The final piece of the DOOM: The Dark Ages preview revealed the highly anticipated release date—something fans have been eagerly awaiting. And the wait won’t be long! DOOM: The Dark Ages will be launching on May 15, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Get ready to rip and tear once again in Q2 2025!
