Doom: The Dark Ages – A Brief Review

The DOOM franchise has always been about excess. Too much speed, too much metal, too much gore; and fans wouldn’t have it any other way. The entire reason for playing any game in the “Doom” franchise is to let loose and reaffirm faith in the fact that YOU are the demon and the opponents are your victims. That feels so fucking badass and real, because you can’t just go around shooting around people and things you don’t like IRL.

With DOOM: The Dark Ages, id Software takes a sharp left turn from the hyper-parkour chaos of DOOM Eternal into something heavier, slower, and surprisingly medieval. Released on May 15, 2025 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S (with Game Pass players getting day-one access), this prequel reimagines the Doom Slayer’s origins in a world where swords, shields, and dragons are as deadly as any BFG.

From Eternal Speed to Medieval Weight

Where DOOM Eternal asked you to dash, double-jump, and juggle weapons like a caffeinated retard with down syndrome, The Dark Ages grounds you in the grit of medieval warfare. The Slayer feels less like a ninja and more like a hulking tank in armor, cutting down demons with weapons that carry bone-shattering weight. Here’s my favorite things about the game! (Please note that this review is being written after a short gameplay while being high on THC from the southernmost tip of France with limited internet)

The Shield Saw is the biggest addition to the arsenal – a hybrid tool that blocks attacks, parries projectiles, and can be hurled like a chainsaw frisbee into an unlucky demon’s face. Mastering its timing makes the combat loop feel fresh while still recognizably DOOM.
The Slayer also gets new medieval-inspired weapons – think flails, a skull-crushing hammer, and retrofitted crossbows alongside reimagined classics like the shotgun.
You get to ride a goddamn cybernetic dragon into battle and pilot mechs against towering hellspawn. If DOOM 2016 was Slayer-as-super-soldier and Eternal was Slayer-as-parkour-god, The Dark Ages is Slayer-as-legendary-warrior.

A Story That Digs Into the Slayer’s Past

One of the most intriguing aspects of DOOM: The Dark Ages is its story. Acting as a direct prequel to DOOM (2016), the game explores how the Slayer first became the mythic figure we know. Unlike the earlier games where lore was buried in codex entries, this time id Software leans into cinematic cutscenes and more direct storytelling. The first 10 minutes of the game including the intro pump you up so much that you feel you’re legit on roids.

Without spoiling too much: the game puts you in the middle of an epic war between humanity and the legions of Hell. For the first time, you’re not a lone wolf – you’ll actually fight alongside human armies, a stark contrast to the solitary bloodbaths of earlier entries. The world is grim, bloody, and soaked in that heavy-metal aesthetic, but it also feels surprisingly alive thanks to allied NPCs and war-torn castles that act as hubs.

First Impressions – What Critics and Fans Are Saying

So, how’s the reception? Let’s break it down.

Review roundups paint a strong picture:

On OpenCritic, the game sits around 85 average, with nearly all critics recommending it.
Metacritic echoes that with an 86 score, pointing to widespread praise.

Critics highlight the visceral combat loop, the weighty parry mechanics, and the sheer scale of the campaign. The shield saw in particular is being called a “game-changer” for how it shakes up fights. Boss encounters are described as some of the best in the franchise, with cinematic flair meeting raw difficulty.

But as everything in life, it isn’t perfect.

Some reviewers note the pacing can dip in the larger, more sprawling levels.
Others argue that while the dragon and mech sequences are flashy, they sometimes feel like filler rather than core gameplay.
And of course, DOOM’s story has never been Shakespeare – a few critics found it thin despite the new focus on cutscenes. But tbf I don’t really give a shit, the whole idea of DOOM is to destroy, rip, tear, slash and fuck around. Yeah sure, the story obviously helps but I don’t want that deep of a story if I’m playing something as violent as DOOM. Like, after a hard day at work I’d rather beat random demons than my wife (I am joking, I am not married)

On Reddit and forums, though, the vibe is overwhelmingly positive. Fans love that it’s “different without losing the soul of DOOM.” The slower, tank-like combat loop is dividing some players used to Eternal’s speed, but many say the shift adds weight and novelty to the formula.

What Sets The Dark Ages Apart

The big difference is tone and tempo. This is not DOOM Eternal 2. Instead of lightning-fast movement shooters, The Dark Ages plays more like a brutal rhythm of parries, shield throws, and calculated carnage. The combat is still frantic, but it forces you to think a step ahead rather than spamming dashes.

The world design also deserves a mention. Instead of futuristic labs and hellscapes, you’ll explore sprawling medieval castles, battlefields, and ruined citadels. Dynamic events – like massive sandstorms, collapsing siege towers, or armies clashing in the distance – make the game feel bigger and more cinematic.

And yes, the soundtrack slaps. Mick Gordon might not be at the helm this time, but the new team leans hard into guttural choirs, pounding drums, and distorted guitars that feel ripped straight out of a heavy metal album. I still do miss Mick though, and BFG Division remains one of my favorite tracks even now. It goes so hard.

Why It’s Worth Playing

So, why should you pick up DOOM: The Dark Ages? A few reasons:

It reinvents without losing DOOM’s DNA. You’re still ripping and tearing demons, but the slower, medieval twist keeps things fresh.
It’s cinematic and massive. Between the cutscenes, huge bosses, and larger levels, it feels more like a blockbuster than ever.
It’s challenging, but rewarding. The shield parry system adds depth, and boss fights require skill rather than just firepower. But yk that you’re still gonna beat their asses. I guess it’s better to have SOME challenge…
It adds variety. Dragon rides, mechs, and fighting alongside allies break up the core combat without dragging it down. There’s actually new stuff to look forward to. Fr.

If DOOM 2016 was about resurrection and Eternal was about escalation, The Dark Ages is about foundation – showing how the Slayer became the legend.

Final Thoughts

DOOM: The Dark Ages isn’t just another sequel – it’s a bold reimagining of what makes DOOM, well, DOOM. It dials down the hyperactive speed and leans into cinematic spectacle and medieval grit. Not every experiment lands, but when it does, it’s some of the most satisfying demon-slaying the series has ever delivered.

If you’ve been waiting for a shooter that feels both familiar and fresh, this is the one to dive into. And if you’re planning to pick it up, make sure to grab your copy from Gamers-Outlet.net – the best spot for discounted CD keys, expansions, and more. Rip, tear, and save while you’re at it.