Doom: The Dark Ages – A Return to Roots
Following the critically acclaimed Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal (2020), id Software's latest installment, Doom: The Dark Ages, takes a different approach. Instead of building upon Eternal's platforming elements, this prequel focuses on intense, close-quarters combat reminiscent of the original Doom.
The game retains the series' signature arsenal, introducing the Skull Crusher – a weapon that utilizes the skulls of defeated enemies as ammunition. However, The Dark Ages significantly emphasizes melee combat, featuring three distinct weapons: an electrified gauntlet, a flail, and the Shield Saw (seen in previous trailers). Game director Hugo Martin describes the combat as "stand and fight," highlighting the power-focused gameplay.
Martin cites the original Doom, Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, and Zack Snyder's 300 as key inspirations. This influence is evident in the game's design, featuring large-scale combat encounters with numerous enemies, similar to the "combat bowls" in 300 and the original Doom. The Glory Kill system has been redesigned for increased fluidity, allowing for executions from any angle. Level design allows for non-linear progression, with objectives tackled in any order and levels designed to be approximately one hour long.
Addressing criticisms of Doom Eternal, The Dark Ages presents its narrative through cutscenes rather than in-game codex entries. The story promises a large-scale adventure within the Doom universe, described as a "summer blockbuster event." Gameplay controls have been streamlined for improved intuitiveness, with melee weapons equipped individually. The in-game economy is simplified to a single currency (gold), and secrets reward skill progression with tangible gameplay benefits. Difficulty can be customized extensively through in-game sliders.
Notable gameplay elements from the reveal trailer, the Atlan (a giant demon mech) and cybernetic dragonback riding, are not one-off events but feature unique abilities and mini-bosses. Importantly, The Dark Ages will not include a multiplayer mode, allowing the developers to focus solely on the single-player campaign. Martin emphasizes the game's departure from Doom Eternal's style, aiming for a return to the core elements that defined the original Doom, creating a powerful yet classic Doom experience. The game is slated for release on May 15th.
