Following the phenomenal success of 2016's Doom and its even more refined sequel, Doom Eternal (2020), it might seem impossible for the franchise to reach new heights. However, Doom: The Dark Ages, a medieval-tinged prequel, doesn't aim to surpass its predecessors; instead, it refines the formula. This high-octane, skill-based first-person shooter delivers intense, ground-level combat, emphasizing raw power.
The iconic arsenal returns, naturally, featuring the devastating new Skull Crusher—a weapon that gleans ammunition from the skulls of fallen foes, then hurls them at the living. But The Dark Ages also significantly elevates the three melee weapons: the charged electrified gauntlet, the flail, and the standout Shield Saw (seen in last summer's trailer), usable for blocking, parrying, and deflecting attacks. As game director Hugo Martin stated after my demo, "You're gonna stand and fight."
Martin cites three key influences: the original *Doom*, Frank Miller's *Batman: The Dark Knight Returns*, and Zack Snyder's 2006 film *300*.The series' signature Glory Kill system has been revamped. Fatalities are now context-sensitive, adapting to your position and the surrounding chaos. This change directly addresses the constant swarms of enemies, reminiscent of both 300 and the original Doom. Combat arenas are significantly larger, allowing for more strategic freedom. Objectives are tackled in any order, fostering exploration within the levels (which, Martin notes, have been adjusted to maintain a roughly one-hour playtime each).
Addressing a common criticism of *Doom Eternal*, *The Dark Ages* presents its narrative through cutscenes rather than the Codex, immersing players in a sprawling story described as "a summer blockbuster event with everything on the line." The Slayer's power becomes a coveted prize, driving the narrative forward.The developers have simplified the controls, aiming for intuitive gameplay. Melee weapons are equipped individually, and the economy is streamlined to a single currency (gold). Secrets now focus on enhancing gameplay through tangible rewards rather than lore.
Difficulty is fully customizable via sliders, allowing players to adjust game speed, enemy aggression, and other parameters.
The impressive giant Atlan mech and cybernetic dragon sequences from the trailer aren't isolated events. Each features unique abilities and mini-bosses. Importantly, there's no multiplayer mode this time around; the focus is solely on crafting a superior single-player experience.Martin's decision to shift away from Doom Eternal's successful direction, returning to the core principles of the original Doom, is a compelling one. He explains, "It's just gotta be different [from Eternal], especially if I loved the game. [If] I wanna play a Doom game, I wanna feel strong, but I'm OK with changing what that power fantasy is, especially if that change brings it closer to classic Doom."
This shift has significantly heightened my anticipation. May 15th can't come soon enough.
