DOOM: The Dark Ages Review – Rip and Tear, Bash and Parry

OUR RATING: 9/10

The latest installment in the iconic DOOM franchise, DOOM: The Dark Ages, has arrived, and it brings brand new ways to sow chaos and carnage into the legions of hell. Developed by id Software, this game marks a significant evolution in the series, blending the classic DOOM elements with fresh ideas and mechanics, and an equally engaging narrative.

DOOM: The Dark Ages serves as a prequel to the acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal, thrusting players back into the shoes of the legendary Doom Slayer. Or as he’s more affectionately known, John DOOM aka the Doomguy. This time, the stakes are higher as you battle against the relentless forces of Hell in a medieval-inspired setting. The game’s narrative, while not the primary focus, provides a great backdrop that adds context to what happens before the events of DOOM 2016.

The story unfolds across 22 levels, each designed to immerse players in a visually stunning world filled with lore and action. The cutscenes are brief yet impactful, ensuring that players are quickly thrown back into the fray. While the plot may not win any awards for complexity, it effectively sets the stage for the visceral combat that defines the DOOM experience.

At the heart of DOOM: The Dark Ages lies its exhilarating gameplay. The combat system feels both familiar and innovative, retaining the essence of what makes the franchise so acclaimed, while adding a new spin that feels very natural to the game’s setting. The absence of certain mechanics, like glory kills on fodder enemies, will definitely raise some eyebrows against purists, but the game compensates with a more fluid and dynamic approach to combat.

One of the standout features is the introduction of the Shield Saw, a versatile tool that serves both offensive and defensive purposes. This bladed shield allows players to parry attacks, reflecting projectiles back at enemies while also stunning them for a follow-up assault. The tactile feedback of each action adds a layer of weightiness to the combat, making every encounter feel impactful.

The arsenal available to the Doom Slayer is more diverse than ever. Each weapon boasts dual forms, encouraging players to experiment with different loadouts based on the enemies they face. The super shotgun returns, packing a punch that can obliterate foes in close quarters, while new melee options, like the flail, offer satisfying ways to dispatch enemies.

The game encourages players to switch weapons fluidly, allowing for a seamless combat experience. This flexibility means you can tailor your approach to each encounter, whether you prefer to blast enemies from a distance or engage them up close and personal.

The level design in DOOM: The Dark Ages is nothing short of spectacular. Each arena is meticulously crafted to accommodate the fast-paced action that the series is known for. The environments are rich with detail, featuring explosive barrels, hidden paths, and secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Exploration is rewarded, with collectibles scattered throughout the levels. Players can discover gold, runes, and wraith stones, which enhance their abilities and progression. The game encourages players to engage with its world, offering a sense of satisfaction when uncovering hidden treasures.

The arenas themselves are designed to facilitate intense combat. With ample space to maneuver and a variety of enemy types to contend with, players will find themselves in exhilarating battles that require quick thinking and strategic planning. The enemy variety is impressive, with each foe presenting unique challenges that keep players on their toes.

Visually, DOOM: The Dark Ages is a triumph. The art direction combines elements of medieval aesthetics with the franchise’s signature sci-fi horror, resulting in a unique and captivating world. The character designs, especially the reimagined enemies, are both terrifying and awe-inspiring.

The sound design complements the visuals perfectly, with each weapon and enemy encounter delivering satisfying audio feedback. The soundtrack, composed by Finishing Move, features high-octane tracks that enhance the adrenaline-fueled gameplay. While some fans may miss Mick Gordon’s iconic compositions, the new score effectively captures the essence of DOOM.

While the game excels in many areas, it’s not without its flaws. Some players may find the puzzle design in later levels to be a bit convoluted, detracting from the overall pacing. Additionally, the vehicle sections, while visually impressive, may feel less engaging compared to the core combat mechanics.

The inclusion of mech and dragon gameplay offers a refreshing change of pace, but these segments can feel clunky at times. While the mech battles are exhilarating, the dragon sections may not resonate with all players, as they lack the same visceral thrill found in ground combat. But on the plus side, the glory kills with the dragon look as majestic as one could imagine, and that makes it worth it.

In conclusion, DOOM: The Dark Ages is a worthy addition to the franchise, successfully blending the series’ core elements with new, imaginative mechanics and a captivating setting. The combat is fast-paced and satisfying, the visuals are stunning, the optimization is, quite frankly, insane, and the overall experience is a thrilling ride through Hell and back. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, you will not be disappointed. This is sure to go down as one of the must-play titles of 2025.

DOOM: The Dark Ages is set to release on May 15, 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC with early access for players who own the premium edition becoming available on May 13.