Doom: The Dark Ages Unveils New Gameplay Features

In an engaging interview with EDGE magazine, the developers of Doom: The Dark Ages unveiled exciting new gameplay details. This latest installment promises to put storytelling at the forefront, with the largest levels in the series' history, offering players a sandbox-like experience that combines the thrill of exploration with intense action.

Game director Hugo Martin and studio head Marty Stratton shared key insights. Unlike previous Doom titles where much of the backstory was tucked away in text logs, The Dark Ages will embrace a more direct narrative approach. The game's atmosphere will immerse players in a medieval setting, dialing back the futuristic elements. Even the iconic weapons will undergo a design overhaul to align with this new aesthetic.

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While maintaining the series' tradition of distinct levels, Doom: The Dark Ages will feature the most expansive environments yet, blending dungeon crawling with open-world exploration. The game is structured into "acts," beginning with narrow dungeons and expanding into vast areas. A unique twist is the ability to control both a dragon and a mech, enhancing gameplay variety.

A fresh addition to the Slayer's arsenal is a versatile shield that also functions as a chainsaw. This shield can be hurled at enemies, with its effects varying based on the target—whether it's flesh, armor, energy shields, or other materials. It also enables a dash attack, crucial for rapid movement across the battlefield, especially since double jumps and roars from previous games are absent. The shield supports parrying, with adjustable difficulty settings and precise timing windows, adding depth to combat.

Parrying serves as a "reload" mechanism for melee attacks, while melee combat replenishes ammunition for primary weapons, echoing the chainsaw mechanic from DOOM Eternal. Melee options include a fast-paced gauntlet, a balanced shield, and a slower, more powerful mace, catering to different combat styles.