Doom: The Dark Ages Review – A Grim Dawn for the Slayer?

From the hallowed halls of id Software, a studio synonymous with pushing the boundaries of first-person shooters, emerges Doom: The Dark Ages. This latest installment in the revered Doom franchise promises a return to the series’ brutal, visceral roots, while simultaneously charting new territory. At Gaming News, we delved deep into the heart of this medieval-tinged hellscape to bring you an in-depth review that cuts through the demonic hordes and uncovers the true essence of the Slayer’s latest odyssey. Prepare yourselves, for the Doom Slayer is back, and his journey through The Dark Ages is as exhilarating as it is, at times, unexpectedly contemplative.

A New Era of Carnage: The Premise of Doom: The Dark Ages

Doom: The Dark Ages plunges players headfirst into a grimy, war-torn medieval era, a stark departure from the futuristic or contemporary settings of its predecessors. This audacious shift in temporal and aesthetic focus allows id Software to re-imagine the iconic Doom Slayer and his relentless battle against the forces of Hell in a context that feels both familiar and refreshingly alien. We witness the Slayer, not just as a force of futuristic destruction, but as a primal entity of vengeance, his iconic gear fused with the raw, unrefined brutality of a bygone age. The lore hints at an ancient conflict, a cataclysm that has once again unleashed the legions of demons upon a world ill-equipped to face them. As the Slayer, it is your sacred, and bloody, duty to stem the tide.

The Setting: A Medieval Hellscape Reimagined

The visual design of Doom: The Dark Ages is a masterclass in atmospheric horror and brutalist fantasy. We are transported to a realm where Gothic architecture crumbles under the weight of demonic influence, where castles are besieged by infernal legions, and where the very earth bleeds with unholy energies. The environments are incredibly detailed, from the soot-stained stone of besieged fortresses to the dank, echoing catacombs teeming with unspeakable horrors. id Software has expertly crafted a world that feels both grounded in historical aesthetics and utterly saturated with infernal corruption. The attention to detail in the crumbling masonry, the tattered banners, and the visceral gore splattered across every surface creates an immersive experience that is both horrifying and captivating.

Visual Fidelity and Environmental Storytelling

The graphical prowess on display in Doom: The Dark Ages is simply outstanding. The latest iteration of id Tech engine, as expected, delivers stunning visual fidelity. Character models, particularly for the Slayer and the diverse array of demons, are intricately designed and horrifyingly realized. The lighting and particle effects are breathtaking, with hellfire casting ominous shadows and demonic energies crackling with malevolent power. Beyond the sheer visual spectacle, the environments themselves tell a story. Each desecrated village, each blood-soaked battlefield, and each demon-infested ruin speaks volumes about the ongoing war between humanity and Hell. We found ourselves constantly pausing, not to admire the destruction, but to appreciate the painstaking effort that went into creating such a richly realized, albeit terrifying, world.

The Slayer’s Arsenal: Weapons and Combat Mechanics

At the core of any Doom game lies its combat, and Doom: The Dark Ages is no exception. id Software has always excelled at crafting fluid, fast-paced, and incredibly satisfying gunplay, and this installment is a testament to that legacy. The introduction of medieval-inspired weaponry, fused with the Slayer’s inherent technological superiority, creates a unique and potent combat loop.

A Symphony of Steel and Firepower

The weapon roster in Doom: The Dark Ages is a thrilling blend of the familiar and the novel. Alongside updated versions of classic Doom firearms, we see the introduction of new, era-appropriate armaments. The trusty Super Shotgun makes a triumphant return, its brutal efficiency as potent as ever. The Plasma Rifle, with its searing projectiles, is a welcome sight for dealing with tightly packed groups of demons. However, it’s the new additions that truly capture the spirit of The Dark Ages. Imagine wielding a heavy, enchanted warhammer that can crush demonic skulls with satisfying crunch, or a mystical crossbow that unleashes bolts of pure energy. These weapons aren’t just aesthetically different; they are designed to integrate seamlessly into the Slayer’s aggressive combat style.

The Return of Glory Kills and New Melee Options

The iconic Glory Kill mechanic, a cornerstone of modern Doom combat, returns with a vengeance. These brutal, cinematic finishing moves are not only incredibly satisfying but also provide crucial resources like health and ammo, incentivizing aggressive play. In The Dark Ages, these melee finishers are even more gruesome, reflecting the raw, brutal nature of the setting. The addition of a dedicated melee weapon, the aforementioned warhammer, introduces a new layer of strategic depth. Certain demons might be more susceptible to crushing blows, while others might be better dispatched with ranged attacks. This allows for a more dynamic and varied approach to combat, encouraging players to master both their firearms and their melee prowess. We found that switching between rapid-fire ranged attacks and devastating melee blows created a rhythm that was incredibly addictive.

Resource Management and Strategic Aggression

A key element that defines Doom’s combat loop is its emphasis on resource management through aggressive play. Doom: The Dark Ages continues this tradition with aplomb. Ammo and health are not to be hoarded; they are to be earned by diving headfirst into the fray. Every demon slain, especially through a well-timed Glory Kill or a precise chainsaw execution, is a potential lifesaver. This design philosophy forces players to constantly assess the battlefield, prioritize targets, and maintain an unwavering offensive posture. The adrenaline rush of narrowly escaping death to secure a vital health pack through a brutal melee finisher is an experience few other games can replicate. We believe this core loop is what truly sets Doom apart.

Demonic Hordes: A Gallery of Hellish Foes

No Doom game would be complete without an array of terrifying demons to dispatch, and Doom: The Dark Ages delivers a menagerie of monstrous adversaries that are both challenging and deeply unsettling. id Software has a knack for creature design, and this installment is no different, presenting familiar faces alongside brand-new horrors.

Classic Enemies, Medieval Makeovers

Fans of the series will be delighted to see the return of many beloved demon archetypes, reimagined for the medieval setting. The lumbering Mancubus, with its flamethrower arms, now appears more like a hulking, armored brute. The nimble Imp, a staple of demonic hordes, retains its speed and ferocity. Even the iconic Hell Knight, a powerhouse of raw strength, feels more grounded in its medieval incarnation. These familiar foes have been given fresh visual designs that seamlessly integrate them into the world of The Dark Ages, making their presence both nostalgic and menacing.

Introducing New Terrors to the Slayer’s Gauntlet

Beyond the updated classics, Doom: The Dark Ages introduces a host of new demonic entities that will test the Slayer’s mettle. We encountered hulking, heavily armored knights corrupted by demonic influence, spectral wraiths that phase in and out of existence, and grotesque, multi-limbed abominations that spew toxic bile. Each new enemy type is designed with unique attack patterns and weaknesses, requiring players to adapt their strategies on the fly. For instance, certain shielded enemies might require precise shots to their exposed flanks, while others might need to be baited into specific attacks to be vulnerable. This variety ensures that combat remains fresh and engaging throughout the campaign.

Enemy Design and Combat Encounters

The brilliance of id Software’s enemy design lies not just in their appearance, but in how they interact with the player and each other. Doom: The Dark Ages excels at creating dynamic combat arenas where different demon types are strategically placed to create challenging, multi-faceted encounters. You might be fending off a swarm of flying demons while simultaneously dodging the projectiles of a larger, stationary threat, all while trying to manage your resources. The introduction of enemy “call-and-response” mechanics, as alluded to in some pre-release discussions, aims to create a more choreographed dance of destruction. While this can lead to some incredibly satisfying moments when mastered, it also occasionally felt a touch too prescriptive, as if the game was dictating the precise moves the Slayer should be performing. However, when the synergy between enemy behaviors and player actions clicks, the feeling is unparalleled.

The Dark Ages Campaign: A Narrative Journey

While Doom has always been more about its mechanics than its narrative, Doom: The Dark Ages attempts to flesh out the Slayer’s mythos with a more involved story. The medieval setting provides a fertile ground for exploring the origins of the eternal conflict between Heaven and Hell.

Unraveling the Lore of the Slayer

The narrative of Doom: The Dark Ages centers on a cataclysmic event that has plunged the world into chaos, forcing the Slayer out of whatever purgatory he occupied. We learn more about his ancient origins, his connection to the forces of good and evil, and the desperate struggle to protect humanity from annihilation. The story is delivered through a mix of in-game cutscenes, environmental storytelling, and codex entries that flesh out the lore of this brutal world. While the narrative isn’t the primary draw for most Doom fans, the increased depth here certainly adds another layer of engagement for those who wish to delve deeper into the Doom universe.

Pacing and Structure: A Question of Flow

The campaign’s length is substantial, offering many hours of demon-slaying action. However, the pacing can, at times, feel uneven. As mentioned, some of the mechanics, while undeniably fun, can occasionally feel repetitive if not punctuated by enough variation in encounter design. The “core pillars of engagement,” while effective at creating satisfying combat loops, can sometimes lead to a feeling of predictability within longer play sessions. A campaign of this magnitude truly benefits from constant innovation in its encounters and mechanics to keep the player truly engaged without feeling like they are simply going through the motions. We found that moments of sheer brilliance were sometimes interspersed with segments that felt a little less inspired.

The Music and Sound Design: A Chorale of Carnage

Mick Gordon’s absence from Doom: The Dark Ages is palpable, though the score provided by other talented composers is still impactful. The music is appropriately heavy, driving the action forward with aggressive electronic beats and soaring orchestral elements. The sound design is, as expected, absolutely phenomenal. Every gunshot, every demon roar, every clang of metal on metal is rendered with visceral detail, immersing the player in the chaos of battle. The crunch of bone, the wet thud of flesh, and the guttural screams of dying demons all contribute to the game’s oppressive and exhilarating atmosphere.

The Verdict: Is Doom: The Dark Ages Worthy of the Slayer?

Doom: The Dark Ages is, without question, a meticulously crafted and incredibly fun first-person shooter. id Software has once again proven its mastery of the genre, delivering a game that is both a fitting continuation of the Doom legacy and an ambitious leap into new thematic territory. The combat is as tight and satisfying as ever, the visuals are stunning, and the world-building is rich and detailed.

Strengths: Where the Slayer Shines

• Visceral and Satisfying Combat: The core gameplay loop of aggressive engagement and resource acquisition through brutal finishers is as addictive as ever.
• Stunning Visuals and Atmosphere: The medieval hellscape is beautifully realized, with incredible attention to detail and atmospheric lighting.
• Creative Weaponry and Enemy Design: The blend of familiar and new weapons, coupled with a diverse bestiary of demons, keeps combat fresh.
• Immersive Sound Design: The audio experience is top-tier, enhancing the brutality and intensity of every encounter.

Weaknesses: Areas for Improvement

• Pacing and Repetitiveness: At times, the campaign’s pacing can feel a little inconsistent, with certain mechanics occasionally leading to a sense of repetition.
• Overly Prescriptive Combat Loops: While the “call-and-response” mechanics can be rewarding, they sometimes limit player freedom and lead to a less improvisational feel compared to previous titles.
• The Shadow of Eternal: Comparing it directly to its predecessor, Doom Eternal, Doom: The Dark Ages occasionally feels less innovative and perhaps a little less creatively vibrant, despite its own considerable strengths.

Final Thoughts and Expectations for the Future

We enjoyed our time immensely with Doom: The Dark Ages. It’s a game that demonstrates the sheer talent and dedication of id Software. The disappointment we feel stems not from the game being bad – it is far from it – but from the high bar set by Doom Eternal. The Dark Ages feels like a slightly less refined version of that brilliant formula, perhaps still finding its footing with its new thematic direction. We have no doubt that id Software is capable of creating truly exceptional experiences, and we eagerly anticipate the potential DLC or future installments that could further round out and enhance the already strong foundation laid here. For now, Doom: The Dark Ages is a powerful, albeit slightly flawed, testament to the enduring legacy of the Doom Slayer, and a must-play for fans of the genre.