Epic Fantasy 'Doom: The Dark Ages' Unveiled

Doom: The Dark Ages – A Return to Roots

Following the critically acclaimed Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal (2020), id Software is shifting gears with Doom: The Dark Ages, a prequel that prioritizes brutal, close-quarters combat reminiscent of the original Doom. While the signature arsenal returns, including the skull-crushing new weapon showcased in the reveal trailer, the focus shifts to enhanced melee combat. Three melee weapons – an electrified gauntlet, a flail, and the Shield Saw – take center stage, encouraging aggressive, up-close engagements. Game director Hugo Martin describes the gameplay as "you're gonna stand and fight."

The Dark Ages' design draws inspiration from the original Doom, Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, and Zack Snyder's 300. This influence is evident in the intense, large-scale combat encounters, where players are frequently surrounded by enemies, similar to the iconic battles depicted in 300. The Glory Kill system has been overhauled, allowing for contextual finishing moves from any angle. Level design emphasizes freedom, with objectives tackled in any order and levels designed for approximately one-hour playthroughs.

Addressing criticism of Doom Eternal's complex narrative delivery, The Dark Ages presents its story through cutscenes rather than in-game codex entries. The narrative promises a large-scale story, described as a "summer blockbuster event," focusing on the Slayer's power and the threats it attracts.

Gameplay mechanics have been streamlined, simplifying the control scheme compared to Doom Eternal. Melee weapons are equipped individually, and the game features a simplified economy with a single currency (gold). Secrets and hidden treasures offer tangible gameplay rewards rather than lore details. A customizable difficulty system allows players to adjust various parameters, including game speed and enemy aggression.

The giant Atlan mech and cybernetic dragon riding sequences, showcased in the reveal trailer, are not isolated events but feature unique abilities and mini-bosses. Importantly, The Dark Ages will not include a multiplayer mode, allowing the developers to concentrate solely on the single-player experience.

Martin emphasizes the deliberate shift from Doom Eternal's direction, aiming for a more classic Doom experience. The goal is to deliver a powerful, yet fundamentally different, gameplay loop that retains the core essence of the original game. The release date is set for May 15th.