Doom; The Dark Ages - A Medieval Twist on the Iconic Franchise

2025-01-24

Doom: The Dark Ages is the latest installment in the iconic Doom franchise, developed by id Software and set to release on May 15, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. The game will also be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one. Here’s a summary of the key details:

Overview

Setting: A prequel to Doom (2016), the game takes place in a medieval fantasy world, exploring the origins of the Doom Slayer as a “superweapon of gods and kings” during a war against Hell.
Gameplay: The game shifts from the fast-paced, acrobatic combat of Doom Eternal to a more grounded, tank-like experience. Players will engage in brutal melee combat with new weapons like a Shield Saw, iron flail, and spiked mace, alongside traditional firearms. The Shield Saw is a versatile tool that can block, parry, throw, and deflect enemy attacks.
Exploration: The game features larger, more open levels with sandbox-style environments, encouraging exploration and discovery of secrets tied to power progression.
New Features: Players can control a 30-story-tall Atlan mech and ride a cybernetic dragon, both of which come with unique abilities and boss battles.

Editions and Preorder Bonuses

Standard Edition: Includes the base game and the Void Slayer skin as a preorder bonus.
Premium Edition: Adds 2-day early access (starting May 13), a Divinity Skin Pack, and access to post-launch DLC.
Collector’s Bundle: Includes the Premium Edition content, a 12-inch Doom Slayer statue, a replica key card, and a steelbook case.

Accessibility and Difficulty

The game introduces customizable difficulty sliders, allowing players to adjust parameters like game speed, enemy aggression, parry windows, and damage values. This makes the game more accessible while still offering a challenge for hardcore players.

Narrative and Design

The story is more prominent, with cutscenes replacing the codex entries of previous games. The developers aim to deliver a cinematic, blockbuster-style experience.
The game draws inspiration from Frank Miller’s works (Batman: Year One, 300) and classic Doom titles, blending medieval and sci-fi aesthetics.

Multiplayer

Unlike previous entries, Doom: The Dark Ages will not include multiplayer. The developers focused entirely on the single-player campaign to deliver a more expansive and polished experience.

Reception and Expectations

id Software has described this as the biggest and best game they’ve ever made, with a focus on innovation while staying true to the franchise’s roots. The game’s slower, more deliberate combat and emphasis on exploration mark a significant departure from Doom Eternal, aiming to appeal to both newcomers and long-time fans.

In summary, Doom: The Dark Ages promises a fresh take on the franchise, blending medieval themes with the series’ signature demon-slaying action, while introducing new mechanics and a deeper narrative.