Doom: The Dark Ages, a prequel to id Software’s 2016 revival of the iconic franchise, introduces a fresh gameplay experience that contrasts significantly with its predecessors while still maintaining a familiar essence. Unlike Doom Eternal, which focused on speed and quick evasion, The Dark Ages emphasizes a strategy of holding ground and overpowering enemies en masse. Instead of picking off demons in a frantic pace, players now engage in relentless assaults, utilizing brute force to defeat multiple foes simultaneously.
The new combat mechanics harken back to the original 1993 Doom, integrating slow-moving projectiles from enemies like imps and cacodemons, while also allowing most adversaries to launch these attacks. As players navigate these chaotic battlegrounds, they’re required to control a more robust version of the Doom Slayer, whose landings produce seismic impacts. The character’s primary defense system includes a shield that blocks incoming projectiles and can reflect certain attacks to stun enemies, paving the way for finishing “glory kills.” These executions maintain their intense vibe, albeit presented in a more straightforward manner than before.
The game also introduces innovative weaponry to confront waves of demons, such as a rail-spike launcher designed for impaling foes and a weapon that disperses enemies with skull fragments. This re-imagining of the classic combat dynamics is engaging and fun, although the slower pace and less complex arsenal may not incite the same exhilarating rush that Eternal delivers.
Doom: The Dark Ages features an expansive structure with 22 extensive levels, many encouraging players to explore freely and tackle challenges in varying orders. However, while the large-scale environments are visually impressive, the traversal can become exhaustive, and it sometimes seems the combat doesn’t fully utilize the expansive space.
To invigorate gameplay, id Software introduces experimental elements, such as piloting a massive mech, dubbed Atlan, that delivers slow-motion destruction to colossal enemies, as well as riding a dragon for aerial combat. While these segments provide novelty, they feel less impactful compared to the core gameplay experience and slightly echo the vehicle mechanics found in earlier shooters.
Overall, although The Dark Ages might not achieve the same innovative heights as previous installments, it still showcases id Software’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of the genre. Its design is both accomplished and clever, offering moments of visceral impact, making it a noteworthy addition to the Doom series. Gamers can look forward to the evolution of this franchise as it continues to explore new directions while honoring its roots.