News: Doom: The Dark Ages - First Impressions and Overview
✪ Introduction
The fast-paced and brutal FPS experience
Doom: The Dark Ages,
the latest installment in the iconic Doom franchise, is set to release on May 15, 2025. Developed by id
Software and published by Bethesda Softworks, this game serves as a prequel to the critically acclaimed
Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, offering players a glimpse into the origins of the legendary Doom Slayer.
With its unique techno-medieval setting and revamped gameplay mechanics, it has generated significant
buzz in the gaming community. This survey note explores the game's background, gameplay features, and
the critical and community reception as of May 13, 2025, just days before its official launch.
✪ Game Background and Development
Doom: The Dark Ages is the eighth main entry in the Doom series and the third in the modern trilogy,
succeeding Doom Eternal (2020). It narratively acts as a prequel to Doom (2016), focusing on the rise
of the Doom Slayer as the last hope against Hell's forces in a techno-medieval setting.
Development began post-Doom Eternal's - The Ancient Gods DLC in 2021, entering full production by August
2022, and was announced in June 2024. The game utilizes the id Tech 8 engine, known for advanced physics
and destructible environments, and was initially titled "Doom: Year Zero," with plans for two DLCs in
subsequent fiscal years.
✪ Gameplay and Features
The gameplay of Doom: The Dark Ages marks a significant departure from its predecessors, shifting from the
fast-paced, acrobatic combat of Doom Eternal to a heavier, more grounded experience. The Doom Slayer is
described as an "iron tank," emphasizing strategic engagements over mobility.
New key mechanics include enhanced melee combat, slow-motion glory kills, and the introduction of the Shield
Saw, a versatile tool for blocking, parrying, and attacking enemies. The game also introduces vehicle piloting,
a first for the series, with players able to control a cybernetic dragon and a 30-story Atlan mech, adding new
dimensions to combat and exploration.
The narrative takes a more prominent role, with increased cutscenes and character development, providing deeper insights into the Doom Slayer's origins and the world of Argent D'Nur. This focus on storytelling, combined with the dark fantasy and sci-fi aesthetics, aims to offer a cinematic experience, enhancing the series' lore.
✪ Critical Reception
Doom: The Dark Ages has received generally favorable reviews based on early access or review copies distributed
to critics. The Metacritic aggregate score stands at 85, with platform-specific scores around the same, indicating
strong critical approval.
For instance, the PC version has 55 positive reviews (96%), with no negative reviews on Metacritic. OpenCritic reports
an average score of 86, with 96% of 116 critics recommending it, placing it in the top 5% of games rated and a "Mighty"
score.
The reviews highlight a consensus on the game's innovative approach but also reveal a divide, with some critics feeling
it sacrifices the series' traditional playfulness for a more cinematic, strategic experience.
✪ Community Impressions and Anticipation
The gaming community has shown immense interest in Doom: The Dark Ages, as evidenced by promotional activities
and social media engagement. Official X posts from accounts like Xbox, PlayStation, and Bethesda have garnered
significant attention, with posts about pre-orders, early access, and new features like the Shield Saw and dragon
piloting receiving hundreds of thousands of views and thousands of favorites.
Community reactions also include discussions on changes to gameplay mechanics. Given the game's imminent release, anticipation is high, with trailers from June 2024 continuing to circulate, reflecting sustained interest. Pre-order options, including Premium Editions with early access, have further fueled excitement, with platforms like Steam and Xbox Game Pass promoting the game.
✪ Conclusion
Bethesda Softworks and id Software's latest dark fantasy FPS behemoth
Doom: The Dark Ages
appears poised to be another successful entry in the Doom franchise, offering a fresh take on the series' formula
while maintaining its core appeal of intense, demon-slaying action. With its innovative gameplay mechanics, such
as the Shield Saw and vehicle piloting, and a richer narrative, the game has captured the attention of both critics
and fans alike.
While early reviews are largely positive, with high aggregate scores, there is a notable divide, with some fans
and critics feeling the changes may alienate those attached to the series' traditional fast-paced style. As the
release date approaches, anticipation continues to build, and it remains to be seen how the game will be received
by the wider gaming public upon its full launch on May 15, 2025.