Doom: The Dark Ages is living proof that the legendary series is not afraid to reinvent its DNA. This time, we are thrown into a dark world with medieval tones and touches of cosmic fantasy, where brutality intertwines with the refinement of artistic and narrative design. Id Software is stepping in a new direction, but keeps intact the pure essence of what DOOM means: an unrelenting explosion of adrenaline and demonic carnage.
Story & Atmosphere
Doom: The Dark Ages serves as a prequel to the 2016 reboot, placing the Slayer at a time before his cryptic slumber. We’re not talking about introspection or character development—the Slayer remains silent and relentless—but the historical context of the universe deepens: the conflicts between humanity, the demons of Hell, and the godlike entities known as the Maykrs are more clearly defined than ever.
The atmosphere is fantastic: ruined gothic castles, battlefields swarming with hundreds of demons, and a cosmic realm inspired by Lovecraft, filled with visual puzzles and a sense of metaphysical unease. It is by far the most atmospheric and “narrative” Doom experience to date. The presence of allied human characters adds a sense of epic war and collective stakes, instead of the usual solitary duel between the Slayer and Hell.
Gameplay & Mechanics
At first glance, The Dark Ages seems to cut back on the frenetic mobility of Doom Eternal. There’s no more double jump or aerial dash, and movement feels heavier, more “grounded.” However, this compromise is brilliantly offset by the introduction of the Slayer’s Shield—an essential mechanic that completely transforms the dynamics of combat.
The shield can block attacks or reflect them with generous timing, and the ability to throw it like a devastating boomerang, Captain America-style, adds incredible satisfaction amid the chaos. The combination of offensive bashing, defensive parrying, and tactical versatility turns the Slayer into a mobile tank with bloody intentions.
The weapon system is varied and well-balanced, with upgrades that keep each piece relevant throughout the campaign. There’s no longer a frantic need to swap weapons for every enemy type; here, weaknesses are more universal and accessible. Even the absence of the legendary Chainsaw is compensated by a reimagined melee system, which restores ammo and forces you to dive into the fray rather than retreat.
The addition of weapons like the Pulverizer—a chaingun-type weapon with a wide spread—or the “twin” weapon system (two different weapons that use the same type of ammo and can be switched instantly) offers a level of freedom and fluidity rarely seen in the FPS genre. And as you progress, even more options unlock: upgrades, shield abilities, new weapons, and hidden collectibles scattered throughout massive, exploration-friendly levels.
Graphics & Sound
Visually, Doom: The Dark Ages is simply spectacular. The art direction is a successful blend of gothic, sci-fi, and dark fantasy—stone castles fused with alien technology, colossal battlefields, and abstract cosmic zones that are almost poetic in their madness.
Every level is a living painting, and the diversity of environments leaves no room for boredom. The special effects are impressive, and the smoothness of gameplay amid the chaos of dozens, sometimes hundreds, of enemies on screen is truly commendable.
But the real star is the soundtrack. If you’ve ever listened to the previous soundtracks, you know what to expect: an explosion of industrial metal, accentuated by aggressive rhythms and riffs that pump adrenaline straight into your veins. It’s impossible to remain indifferent—the music turns you into an instrument of war.
Final Verdict
Doom: The Dark Ages is not just “more Doom.” It’s a bold reinterpretation of a classic formula, slowing down the pace just enough to give more weight to every step, every strike, every bullet. The shield, the versatile arsenal, the more involved story, and the dark medieval atmosphere turn this chapter into a truly special entry in the series’ history.
A must-play for fans of the series—and for newcomers alike!
If you were a fan of Doom Eternal, you’ll find a different but equally captivating approach here. If you’re new to the series, this is probably the most cinematic and atmospheric entry point. It’s an FPS that not only delivers digital catharsis, but also shows how digital violence can be reinvented in a fresh, engaging, and brutally satisfying way.
Final review score: 9/10
Doom the Dark Ages is a very brutal game, with the shooting, the finishers, the music and the story. I still haven’t played this one but I hope to do it soon. The only problem is that, well, it is a Doom, so it doesn‘t bring anything new to our gaming lifes, not like the other recent turn based big hit did. Still a good Doom