What is it: The latest first-person shooter (FPS) from the renowned creators of Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein.
Release Date: May 15, 2025
Expect to Pay: /£60
Developer: id Software
Publisher: Microsoft
Reviewed on: RTX 2080 Super, Intel Core i9 9900KS, 32GB RAM
Multiplayer: No
Steam Deck: Untested
Link: Official site
Doom: The Dark Ages marks a bold departure in the franchise, transforming the Slayer from a nimble fighter jet into a formidable tank, charging headfirst into the chaos of Hell. The game has been tested across a variety of systems, revealing commendable performance regardless of hardware specifications. This versatility is a testament to id Software’s commitment to accessibility.
The introduction of the Shield Saw has been a standout feature, allowing players to deflect attacks and engage with enemies in a more aggressive manner from the outset. This new mechanic encourages players to confront larger threats directly rather than retreating. An early upgrade transforms the shield into a chainsaw-like weapon, which can be thrown to either stun or slice through foes, seamlessly integrating into the game’s fast-paced combat.
Civilized Age
However, while the shield adds a fresh layer to gameplay, the arsenal of firearms has seen a notable reduction in complexity. The decision to relinquish the right-click function for blocking means that guns no longer possess dedicated secondary fire modes. Instead, upgrades now focus on passive enhancements such as reload speed and damage output. Although there are a few highlights, like the Shredder upgrade that allows for ricochet shots off the thrown shield, the overall lack of variety in weapon evolution can lead to a sense of stagnation throughout the campaign.
Bland guns are a symptom of The Dark Ages’ larger streamlining problems.
As players progress, the anticipation of discovering new upgrades can often lead to disappointment. The Shield Runes, which promise to enhance shield capabilities, ultimately serve as mere damage boosts triggered by successful parries. This shift diminishes the excitement of evolving gameplay strategies, as players find themselves relying on the same tactics throughout their journey.
Blunt Trauma
The simplification of weapon mechanics reflects a broader trend within The Dark Ages, where the distinct roles of individual guns become blurred. With most demons vulnerable to nearly all weapons, the need for strategic decision-making is diminished. Boss encounters and formidable enemies are designed around the shield’s parrying mechanics, shifting the focus from a diverse arsenal to a singular approach: block, shoot, and repeat.
This change is further compounded by the removal of the chainsaw, leading to an endless supply of ammunition simply by defeating enemies with melee attacks. Glory kills have also been streamlined, reducing the variety of executions and replacing them with basic health pickups. The intricate resource economy that defined previous titles has largely evaporated, leaving players with a more straightforward, albeit less engaging, experience.
The last two Dooms set the bar absurdly high, and being in their shadows still makes The Dark Ages one of the best singleplayer FPSes around.
Flattened
The Dark Ages appears to prioritize accessibility, aiming to cater to a broader audience. While this approach may make the game more approachable, it also sacrifices some of the complexity that fans have come to expect. The customizable difficulty settings allow players to adjust various parameters, enhancing the experience for those seeking a more challenging gameplay style.
Yet, despite these adjustments, the levels themselves feel simplistic compared to the intricate designs of previous installments. The expansive, flat maps lack the hazards and complexities that characterized earlier titles, leading to moments of aimless navigation. Although secrets remain scattered throughout, their obvious placements often detract from the thrill of discovery.
While the game introduces exciting moments, such as piloting mechs and engaging in aerial dogfights, these sequences are brief and feel disconnected from the core gameplay. The Dark Ages offers a different kind of fun, but its peaks are notably lower than those of its predecessors. After completing the campaign, many players may find themselves returning to earlier entries in the series, drawn back to the bold innovations that defined Doom’s legacy.
