Doom: The Dark Ages – A New Era or a Missed Opportunity?
Doom: The Dark Ages marks the third installment in the revitalized Doom franchise that kicked off with a thrilling reboot in 2016. Following the adrenaline-pumping Doom Eternal in 2020, this latest title arrives with a promise of fresh gameplay and dramatic lore. However, does it capture the visceral charm of its predecessors? Let’s dive in.
A Shift in the Doom Formula
Set before the events of the acclaimed 2016 reboot, Doom: The Dark Ages transports players back to a time when the Doom Slayer previously known as Doomguy fights against the relentless tides of Hell. After enduring countless battles, he finds himself in Argent D’Nur, a realm where humans wield futuristic weapons to fend off demonic invaders. The premise hints at a gripping narrative, reminiscent of epic sagas like Game of Thrones. Unfortunately, while the story attempts to set the stage for something monumental, it often feels shallow and uninspired, failing to evoke the excitement that the franchise is known for.
Many fans remember the thrill of roaring through hellscapes with a chaotic blend of brutal action and heavy metal a formula that worked superbly in the previous titles. The reboot and its sequel were praised not only for their gameplay but also for the nostalgia they invoked from longtime players. However, Doom: The Dark Ages falls short in delivering that same electrifying feeling, more often than not reducing the experience to a monotonous grind.
New Mechanics: Tools of Destruction
One of the significant gameplay changes involves the introduction of a shield a surprising twist in a series traditionally centered on pure offensive action. While the shield adds an interesting layer of strategy, it may take some getting used to for players who expect relentless aggression from their gameplay. The shield serves multiple functions:
- Defense: Protects against large enemy attacks.
- Shield Throw: Functions similarly to Captain America’s iconic move, enabling players to throw the shield for instant kills on weaker foes.
- Shield Bash: Acts as a melee attack and a way to quickly close the gap on enemies.
- Parry: Players can reflect certain attacks back at their assailants, a new skill that upends traditional combat dynamics.
This blend of mechanics adds variety, but they don’t quite recapture the sheer rush that is foundational to the franchise’s identity.
Weapons: A Shift in Arsenal
The arsenal in Doom: The Dark Ages features a mix of all-new weapons, with the shotgun being the lone returning mainstay. Each weapon feels intense, yet comparisons to similar gear in previous games linger in the background.
- The Shredders: A rapid-fire machine gun with an alternate version called the Impaler, which allows for heavy damage using spikes, delivering a near-sniper feel.
- The Pulverizer: A weapon designed for maximum carnage, it devastates multiple enemies and can make battles feel larger in scope.
- New Melee Options: The Flail introduces fresh melee combat mechanics to the mix.
Players can upgrade these weapons using resources scattered throughout the levels, enhancing their destructive capacity and allowing for a tailored combat experience that feels rewarding when executed properly.
Expansive Levels and Epic Battles
One of the standout features in this iteration is the open-level design previous titles were more linear by forcing players to clear rooms before moving on. In contrast, Doom: The Dark Ages invites exploration, as players navigate larger maps filled with secrets and hidden challenges. These levels are visually stunning, boasting a medieval aesthetic laced with futuristic elements that effectively utilize the hardware capabilities of consoles like the Xbox Series X.
As you progress, you encounter barriers that trigger intense horde battles, harkening back to previous titles while offering a refreshing sense of scale that invites experimentation.
Unique Gameplay Additions
Adding another layer to gameplay are the dragon and the Atlan mech, both of which players can commandeer during specific missions. Riding the dragon allows for aerial assaults, while the Atlan mech deals devastating ground-based damage. Though these mechanics are fun, their limited use across missions minimizes their impact on the overall experience.
The Verdict: A Franchise at a Crossroads
Doom: The Dark Ages is undoubtedly an evolution for the franchise, yet it struggles to maintain the thrilling energy that defined its predecessors. Despite the exciting action sequences and innovative mechanics, stretches of gameplay feel lacking, failing to deliver the adrenaline rush expected from a Doom title. While the game has commendable elements and experimentation, one might wish for deeper storytelling and an emotional connection to the Slayer’s journey.
The game is set to release on May 15 for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, and will be available on Game Pass at launch. Players planning to purchase the Premium Edition will gain access two days earlier, on May 13.
Ultimately, Doom: The Dark Ages offers a fresh take on beloved mechanics, but whether this will resonate with the hardcore fanbase remains to be seen. As we await this new chapter, we can only hope that future installments will learn from the past, and perhaps deliver the explosive experience we’ve come to love.