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. Instead of building upon Eternal's platforming elements, this prequel focuses on intense, close-quarters combat, emphasizing powerful melee weapons and strategic movement.

While the signature arsenal returns – including the skull-crushing new weapon showcased in the reveal trailer – The Dark Ages significantly enhances the melee experience. Players wield an electrified gauntlet, a flail, and the highly anticipated Shield Saw, each offering unique offensive and defensive capabilities. Game director Hugo Martin emphasizes a shift towards grounded, power-focused combat: "You're gonna stand and fight."

The game's design draws inspiration from the original Doom, Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, and Zack Snyder's 300. This influence is evident in the intense, large-scale combat encounters, reminiscent of the iconic battles in 300. The Glory Kill system has been reimagined, allowing for dynamic finishing moves from any angle, adapting to the constant swarms of enemies. Level design prioritizes freedom, allowing players to tackle objectives in any order and explore at their own pace, with levels adjusted to maintain an approximate one-hour playtime.

Addressing player feedback regarding Doom Eternal's Codex-based storytelling, The Dark Ages integrates the narrative through cutscenes, promising a compelling story that expands the Doom universe. The narrative is described as a "summer blockbuster event," focusing on the Slayer's power and the threats it attracts.

Simplified controls are a key focus, aiming for intuitive gameplay under pressure. Melee weapons are equipped individually, streamlining combat. The game features a simplified economy with a single currency (gold), and secrets reward tangible gameplay improvements rather than lore details. Difficulty is customizable via sliders, allowing players to fine-tune aspects like game speed and enemy aggression.

Showcased in the reveal trailer, the giant Atlan mech and cybernetic dragonback riding sequences are not isolated events, but offer unique abilities and mini-boss encounters. Importantly, The Dark Ages will not feature a multiplayer mode, allowing the developers to concentrate on delivering a refined single-player experience.

Martin highlights a deliberate shift from Doom Eternal's direction, aiming for a return to the core principles of the original Doom: "It's just gotta be different...Especially if I loved the game. [If] I wanna play a Doom game, I wanna feel strong, but I'm OK with changing what that power fantasy is, especially if that change brings it closer to classic Doom." This commitment to a classic Doom feel has generated significant anticipation for the game's May 15th release.