Doom: The Dark Ages – The Review
The Doom franchise is back, and it’s more brutal, medieval, and metal than ever. Doom: The Dark Ages hurls players into a blood-soaked fantasy realm, ditching the futuristic tech of Mars for bone-crushing combat in a world of castles, cathedrals, and chaos. But does this time-travelling twist on the iconic shooter franchise hit the mark? Let’s dive into Doom: The Dark Ages – The Review and find out.
A Medieval Makeover for the Doom Slayer
Gone are the sleek space stations and hellspawned cyber-demons of Mars. Instead, The Dark Ages sets its stage in a gritty, gothic nightmare pulled straight from the pages of dark fantasy. Think heavy stone fortresses, cursed villages, and skies choked with ash. It’s a setting that screams brutality and atmosphere.
The developers at id Software have done an outstanding job reimagining Doom’s world. Every environment drips with dread, blending classic fantasy horror with the series’ signature adrenaline-pumping energy. It’s a bold shift in tone, but one that works surprisingly well.
Gameplay That Still Rips and Tears
Despite the aesthetic overhaul, the core of Doom is still intact – fast, fluid, and ferocious combat. In Doom: The Dark Ages, the pace remains relentless. Enemies pour in from all angles, and you’ll need to keep moving, dodging, and dismembering with precision.
What’s new? For starters, your arsenal now includes brutal medieval weaponry alongside familiar favourites. The standout? A massive flail that turns demons into mulch. There’s also a shield that doubles as a buzzsaw, slicing through flesh with every satisfying throw.
Combat feels more grounded but no less savage. Movement is slightly weightier compared to Doom Eternal, but it’s a deliberate choice that complements the setting. Battles feel like brutal skirmishes instead of chaotic parkour sprints – and that’s a good thing.
Meet Your New (and Old) Foes
The enemy roster is a twisted blend of medieval monstrosities and demonic horrors. From plague-ridden knights to mutated griffons, the variety is fantastic. Many creatures borrow from dark folklore, adding to the nightmarish atmosphere.
However, familiar enemies make a return too – but with a medieval twist. Imps in ragged robes, Barons of Hell with chainmail – it’s fan service wrapped in fresh skin.
Boss fights deserve a special mention. They’re massive, menacing, and packed with spectacle. One early highlight pits you against a fire-spewing warlock atop a hellbound wyvern. It’s epic, it’s intense, and it sets the tone for what’s to come.
A World Worth Exploring
While Doom Eternal leaned heavily on linear missions, The Dark Ages embraces exploration. Levels are vast, layered, and filled with secrets. There’s a clear push toward world-building here. Lore is scattered throughout scrolls and murals. Side paths reward those who stray from the main trail.
It’s not quite open world – and that’s fine. Instead, each area feels like a detailed arena, giving players room to breathe between battles without sacrificing intensity.
And yes, there are still classic Doom-style secrets to uncover. Hidden rooms, power-ups, and even a few cheeky nods to the series’ past await those bold enough to dig deeper.
Sound and Fury: The Audio Experience
No Doom game is complete without an earth-shaking soundtrack, and The Dark Ages delivers in spades. Composer Mick Gordon may be gone, but the new score still slaps. Expect medieval choir chants layered with crunchy metal riffs. It’s atmospheric, relentless, and perfectly paired with the game’s tone.
Sound design is just as impactful. Every weapon has weight. Every demon shriek is spine-tingling. Even your footsteps on cobblestone echo with menace.
Voice work is minimal – the Doom Slayer, as always, lets his actions do the talking. But environmental audio tells stories of its own. The creak of ancient wood, the howls in the distance, the crackle of cursed flames – it all pulls you deeper into the darkness.
Visuals: A Dark Delight
Visually, Doom: The Dark Ages is a beast. Built on the id Tech 8 engine, it runs like a dream on current-gen hardware. The environments are breathtaking – towering castles, molten caves, twisted forests. Every frame could be a painting from a heavy metal album cover.
Lighting plays a big role. Shadows dance across dungeon walls. Fire flickers in torch-lit corridors. It’s a masterclass in environmental mood.
Performance is rock solid, with smooth 60fps on consoles and even more fluid on PC. No matter where you play, it looks and feels premium.
Customisation and Upgrades
The Slayer’s gear can be upgraded through a new rune system, offering deeper build variety than before. Want to focus on crowd control with shockwave strikes? Or prefer a bloodthirsty berserker build that thrives on close combat? It’s all possible.
Weapons can be modded too, bringing back the flexibility fans loved in previous games. Upgrades feel meaningful and encourage experimentation.
Cosmetic unlocks are also here, from alternative armour sets to hilarious easter egg skins (yes, there’s a unicorn helm again). It’s not intrusive – just another layer of fun.
Accessibility and Difficulty Options
Doom: The Dark Ages continues id Software’s strong commitment to accessibility. Custom difficulty sliders, visual aid options, and remappable controls make the game welcoming for all players.
Whether you’re a casual demon-slayer or a masochist chasing Ultra-Nightmare, there’s a challenge level that suits you. And with permadeath mode returning, hardcore fans will find plenty to test their skills.
Final Thoughts – Is Doom: The Dark Ages Worth It?
Absolutely. Doom: The Dark Ages isn’t just a new coat of paint on an old demon – it’s a reinvention that respects its roots while charging into bold, brutal territory.
It’s everything you want from a Doom game – fast, gory, stylish – but with a dark fantasy twist that feels fresh and fierce. The setting is hauntingly beautiful. The combat is razor-sharp. And the atmosphere? Utterly unmatched.
If you’re a longtime fan, this is a must-play. If you’re new to Doom, there’s no better time to pick up a shotgun and start ripping.
Welcome to hell – medieval style.
Ready to slay demons in style? Grab your copy of Doom: The Dark Ages now for Xbox or PlayStation and dive into the chaos!
