After id Software's triumphant revival of Doom with the 2016 release and its stellar follow-up, Doom Eternal, in 2020, it seemed impossible for the series to reach new heights. Instead of soaring higher, Doom: The Dark Ages takes a grounded approach, bringing the fast-paced, high-skill gameplay closer to the hordes of Hell's minions with a medieval twist.
The new Doom shifts away from Eternal's platforming, focusing on intense, strafe-centric combat that emphasizes raw power. While the iconic weaponry remains a staple of the series, the reveal trailer showcased the innovative Skull Crusher, a weapon that repurposes the skulls of defeated enemies as ammunition, launching them as high-velocity projectiles at surviving foes. However, The Dark Ages places a significant emphasis on melee combat, featuring three key weapons: the electrified gauntlet, which can be charged for powerful strikes; the flail; and the standout Shield Saw, which can be thrown, used to block, parry, or deflect attacks. As game director Hugo Martin emphasized after a demo, "You’re gonna stand and fight."
Martin revealed that The Dark Ages draws inspiration from three seminal works: the original Doom, Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, and Zack Snyder's 300, which itself was based on a Miller graphic novel. This influence is evident in the revamped Glory Kill system, which is now unsynced, allowing for dynamic finishing moves from any angle on the battlefield. The game's design accommodates the constant presence of enemy hordes, reminiscent of 300 and the original Doom. Players can tackle objectives in any order and explore levels freely, which Martin notes have been adjusted to an optimal length of about an hour each. Addressing feedback from Doom Eternal, The Dark Ages will no longer rely on the Codex for storytelling. Instead, the narrative will unfold through cutscenes, taking players to the far reaches of the Doom universe in what id Software describes as a "summer blockbuster event" where the Slayer's power is at stake.Martin emphasized the team's effort to simplify the control scheme, acknowledging that Doom Eternal's complexity might have been overwhelming. The melee weapons will now function like equipment, with players able to switch between them. The game's economy has been streamlined to a single currency (gold), and hidden secrets will focus on enhancing player skills rather than delving into lore.
Players can now customize the game's difficulty with sliders that adjust elements like game speed and enemy aggression, offering a tailored challenge.
Further details emerged about two standout sequences from the reveal trailer: the 30-story demon mech, the Atlan, and cybernetic dragonback riding. These are not one-time events but come with their own abilities and minibosses. Notably, there will be no multiplayer mode, as the focus is entirely on crafting the best single-player campaign possible.For fans like myself, who were transformed by the original Doom in 1993, Martin's shift back to the roots of the series while still evolving the power fantasy is incredibly exciting. His commitment to making The Dark Ages distinct from Doom Eternal, yet true to the essence of classic Doom, has me eagerly anticipating the release on May 15.
