Doom: The Dark Ages – The First Preview

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, shifting away from the platforming elements of its predecessor and focusing on a more grounded, power-driven combat experience reminiscent of the original Doom.

While the signature arsenal returns, including the new skull-crushing weapon showcased in the reveal trailer, The Dark Ages significantly emphasizes melee combat. Players will wield three melee weapons: an electrified gauntlet, a flail, and the Shield Saw, offering diverse combat options. Game director Hugo Martin emphasizes a "stand and fight" philosophy.

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 where the player is surrounded by enemies, similar to the iconic battles depicted in 300. The Glory Kill system has been enhanced, allowing for dynamic finishing moves from any angle. Level design prioritizes freedom, allowing players to tackle objectives in any order, with levels adjusted to maintain a roughly one-hour playtime.

Addressing criticism of Doom Eternal's Codex-based storytelling, The Dark Ages utilizes cutscenes to deliver a narrative that expands the Doom universe. The story is described as a "summer blockbuster event." The control scheme has been simplified for intuitive gameplay, and the in-game economy streamlined to a single currency (gold). Secrets now focus on rewarding skill progression with tangible gameplay benefits.

Customizable difficulty sliders allow players to tailor the challenge to their preference, adjusting parameters like game speed and enemy aggression. The giant Atlan mech and cybernetic dragonback riding sequences, showcased in the reveal trailer, are not isolated events but offer unique abilities and mini-boss encounters. Importantly, The Dark Ages will not feature a multiplayer mode, allowing the team to fully concentrate on delivering a compelling single-player experience.

Martin highlights the deliberate shift away from Doom Eternal's direction, aiming for a more classic Doom experience. The goal is to deliver a powerful and satisfying gameplay loop, drawing inspiration from the original game while offering a fresh take on the established formula. The game's May 15th release date is highly anticipated.