Doom: The Dark Ages

The Doom franchise has been a staple of the gaming world for decades, offering a relentless barrage of action, demons, and mayhem since its inception in 1993 by developer id Software. Doom: The Dark Ages marks a fresh chapter in this legacy, fusing the brutal combat of its predecessors with an unexpected medieval setting. While the core gameplay remains a staple of what fans have come to love, this new instalment introduces a unique blend of mediaeval fantasy and high-tech weaponry, offering something for long-time Doom veterans and newcomers alike. But does it hit the mark?

A Medieval Makeover for the Doom Slayer

In Doom: The Dark Ages, players are transported back in time, far before the high-tech hellscape of Doom (2016) or Doom Eternal. This title takes us through a journey of the Doom Slayer’s origins in a world dominated by medieval architecture, ancient mythology, and eldritch horrors. While the iconic plasma guns and rocket launchers remain in the Doom Slayer’s arsenal, the world around him is steeped in a much darker, more ancient atmosphere. It’s a thematic departure from the sleek sci-fi environments on Mars we’re accustomed to, offering a visual identity that separates itself from the prior series entries.

The world feels both familiar and new at the same time. You’ll still traverse corridors and arenas but now you’re in a much more open space on each level. These levels are now surrounded by towering stone castles, dark forests, and ominous ruins. The medieval aesthetic clashes wonderfully with futuristic weaponry, creating a unique blend of past and future that adds depth to the already action-packed formula.

Combat Refined, But Still Brutal

One area this game does not disappoint in is its gameplay. The combat is as fast-paced and ferocious as ever, but new mechanics add layers of strategy that elevate the experience. One of the standout features is the parry system. Timed correctly, a successful parry can open up devastating attack opportunities, allowing players to capitalise on enemy weaknesses. It’s a small tweak that adds a surprising amount of depth to the combat and gives the Doom Slayer a new way to assert dominance over the hordes of monsters.

Another exciting addition is the weapon you use for parrying, the battle shield. This can be thrown like a boomerang to strike enemies from a distance. This new tool opens up more tactical options in combat, allowing for a more dynamic approach to encounters. The upgrades for the shield expand on the core elements and really let you feel like Captain America and Punisher had crossed with the Doom franchise. The combat becomes even more satisfying, offering so many gratifying ways to eliminate your enemies in creative ways.

The movement has also been revamped. While Doom Eternal emphasised verticality and fluid platforming, Doom: The Dark Ages grounds itself in a more deliberate sense of mobility. The Doom Slayer feels heavier, and every jump or land feels like it carries weight, making the player feel more in control. The pace is a bit slower than before, but that just enhances the feeling of being a truly unstoppable force as you tear through the game’s world.

A Dark Fantasy World Filled with Horrors

The atmosphere is one of its most striking elements, as the game leans heavily into its dark fantasy influences, with environments inspired by both the works of H.P. Lovecraft and classic medieval mythology. From the twisted, otherworldly beings that roam the landscape to the ancient, ruinous castles you explore, the game creates a pervasive sense of dread and awe. It’s a world rife with eldritch horrors, where the line between magic and science is all but nonexistent.

The environments themselves are just as evocative, with their towering stone walls and decaying ruins. The art direction channels the feel of a long-forgotten time where magic and science clash. Each new region introduces something fresh, making exploration a truly rewarding experience. The visual style feels deeply immersive, and you’re never left wondering where the game is trying to take you—it’s clear, it’s immersive, and it’s unnerving.

Heavy Combat and Weighty Rewards

One of the most gratifying aspects of Doom: The Dark Ages is the weight of its combat. Each swing of your mace or powerful parry with your battle shield feels impactful. There’s a real sense of power behind every movement, as if you’re wielding a force of nature. The new addition of a demonic steed—part hellish mount, part dragon—adds to the mediaeval fantasy around the Doom Slayer that this game is building.

What’s particularly satisfying is the game’s environmental interaction. Many of the most intense moments are caused by environmental reactions—whether you’re leaping off a cliff or landing after a high-speed chase, the world around you responds with shockwaves that obliterate enemies. These moments reinforce the sensation of being an unstoppable force, and it’s hard not to revel in the sheer destruction you leave in your wake.

The Soundtrack: An Unmet Expectation

Despite its many strengths, the game stumbles in one crucial area—the soundtrack. Previous Doom games, particularly Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, are known for their iconic heavy metal scores, which perfectly complement the frenzied combat and frantic pace. When you entered combat in those prior games, it was as if a rock ballad began around the destruction and chaos you were responsible for. Unfortunately, the sound mixing here doesn’t quite live up to that legacy. The music often feels out of sync with the action, and there are moments when the soundtrack completely drops out, leaving an awkward silence that detracts from the intensity of the gameplay.

This absence is felt most during combat, where the lack of a driving, intense soundtrack leaves you with a sense of disconnect. The music is underwhelming, failing to deliver the energy needed to match the chaos unfolding on screen. It’s a disappointing oversight in what is otherwise an adrenaline-pumping experience.

Accessibility and Quality of Life Improvements

This entry does offer several welcome qualities of life improvements, particularly in its accessibility options. On offer are customisable input sliders, colour-blind modes, and expanded parry windows to ensure that as many players as possible can enjoy the experience. This focus on inclusivity is commendable and shows the developers’ commitment to making the game more accessible to everyone, regardless of physical or sensory limitations.

A Brutal, Yet Imperfect Return to Glory

In the end, Doom: The Dark Ages is a strong, if imperfect, addition to the series. The medieval themes and brutal combat mechanics offer a fresh take on the series, while the new gameplay features keep the action engaging. The game remains a thrilling ride for long-time fans of the series and newcomers alike, offering a satisfying blend of old and new.