{"id":1374,"date":"2025-07-25T15:19:42","date_gmt":"2025-07-25T15:19:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gamers-outlet.net\/blog\/?p=1374"},"modified":"2025-08-17T16:16:41","modified_gmt":"2025-08-17T16:16:41","slug":"doom-the-dark-ages-a-brief-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gamers-outlet.net\/blog\/doom-the-dark-ages-a-brief-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Doom: The Dark Ages &#8211; A Brief Review"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The DOOM franchise has always been about excess. Too much speed, too much metal, too much gore; and fans wouldn\u2019t have it any other way. The entire reason for playing any game in the &#8220;Doom&#8221; 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&#8217;t just go around shooting around people and things you don&#8217;t like IRL. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With DOOM: The Dark Ages, id Software takes a sharp left turn from the hyper-parkour chaos of <em>DOOM Eternal<\/em> 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\u2019s origins in a world where swords, shields, and dragons are as deadly as any BFG.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">From Eternal Speed to Medieval Weight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Doom: The Dark Ages - Official Launch Trailer\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/WDGJHtV_r-Y?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Where <em>DOOM Eternal<\/em> 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&#8217;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)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Shield Saw is the biggest addition to the arsenal &#8211; a hybrid tool that blocks attacks, parries projectiles, and can be hurled like a chainsaw frisbee into an unlucky demon\u2019s face. Mastering its timing makes the combat loop feel fresh while still recognizably DOOM.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Slayer also gets new medieval-inspired weapons &#8211; think flails, a skull-crushing hammer, and retrofitted crossbows alongside reimagined classics like the shotgun.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>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, <em>The Dark Ages<\/em> is Slayer-as-legendary-warrior.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Story That Digs Into the Slayer\u2019s Past<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Doom The Dark Ages - Opening Cutscene (4K)\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/2e_lAtT_lbg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most intriguing aspects of <strong>DOOM: The Dark Ages<\/strong> is its story. Acting as a direct prequel to <em>DOOM (2016)<\/em>, 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&#8217;re legit on roids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019re not a lone wolf &#8211; you\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First Impressions \u2013 What Critics and Fans Are Saying<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"DOOM THE DARK AGES Gameplay Walkthrough FULL GAME [4K 60FPS PC ULTRA] - No Commentary\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/OnXVV0pdifE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>So, how\u2019s the reception? Let\u2019s break it down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Review roundups paint a strong picture:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>On <strong>OpenCritic<\/strong>, the game sits around <strong>85 average<\/strong>, with nearly all critics recommending it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Metacritic<\/strong> echoes that with an <strong>86 score<\/strong>, pointing to widespread praise.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Critics highlight the <strong>visceral combat loop<\/strong>, the weighty parry mechanics, and the sheer scale of the campaign. The <strong>shield saw<\/strong> in particular is being called a \u201cgame-changer\u201d for how it shakes up fights. Boss encounters are described as some of the best in the franchise, with cinematic flair meeting raw difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But as everything in life, it isn&#8217;t perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Some reviewers note the pacing can dip in the larger, more sprawling levels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Others argue that while the dragon and mech sequences are flashy, they sometimes feel like filler rather than core gameplay.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And of course, DOOM\u2019s story has never been Shakespeare &#8211; a few critics found it thin despite the new focus on cutscenes. But tbf I don&#8217;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&#8217;t want that deep of a story if I&#8217;m playing something as violent as DOOM. Like, after a hard day at work I&#8217;d rather beat random demons than my wife (I am joking, I am not married)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>On Reddit and forums, though, the vibe is overwhelmingly positive. Fans love that it\u2019s \u201cdifferent without losing the soul of DOOM.\u201d The slower, tank-like combat loop is dividing some players used to Eternal\u2019s speed, but many say the shift adds weight and novelty to the formula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Sets The Dark Ages Apart<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The big difference is tone and tempo. This is not DOOM Eternal 2. Instead of lightning-fast movement shooters, <em>The Dark Ages<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The world design also deserves a mention. Instead of futuristic labs and hellscapes, you\u2019ll explore sprawling medieval castles, battlefields, and ruined citadels. Dynamic events &#8211; like massive sandstorms, collapsing siege towers, or armies clashing in the distance &#8211; make the game feel bigger and more cinematic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why It\u2019s Worth Playing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Doom: The Dark Ages Review\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/MZJI-axisl8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>So, why should you pick up DOOM: The Dark Ages? A few reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It reinvents without losing DOOM\u2019s DNA. You\u2019re still ripping and tearing demons, but the slower, medieval twist keeps things fresh.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It\u2019s cinematic and massive. Between the cutscenes, huge bosses, and larger levels, it feels more like a blockbuster than ever.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It\u2019s challenging, but rewarding. The shield parry system adds depth, and boss fights require skill rather than just firepower. But yk that you&#8217;re still gonna beat their asses. I guess it&#8217;s better to have SOME challenge&#8230;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It adds variety. Dragon rides, mechs, and fighting alongside allies break up the core combat without dragging it down. There&#8217;s actually new stuff to look forward to. Fr.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If DOOM 2016 was about resurrection and Eternal was about escalation, The Dark Ages is about foundation &#8211; showing how the Slayer became the legend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>DOOM: The Dark Ages isn\u2019t just another sequel &#8211; it\u2019s 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\u2019s some of the most satisfying demon-slaying the series has ever delivered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve been waiting for a shooter that feels both familiar and fresh, this is the one to dive into. And if you\u2019re planning to pick it up, make sure to grab your copy from <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gamers-outlet.net\">Gamers-Outlet.net<\/a><\/strong> &#8211; the best spot for discounted CD keys, expansions, and more. Rip, tear, and save while you\u2019re at it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The DOOM franchise has always been about excess. Too much speed, too much metal, too much gore; and fans wouldn\u2019t have it any other way. The entire reason for playing any game in the &#8220;Doom&#8221; franchise is to let loose and&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1254,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[323],"tags":[73,23,123,164,9],"class_list":["post-1374","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-doom-the-dark-ages","tag-gameplay","tag-gaming","tag-release","tag-review","tag-update"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gamers-outlet.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1374","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gamers-outlet.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gamers-outlet.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gamers-outlet.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gamers-outlet.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1374"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.gamers-outlet.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1374\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1380,"href":"https:\/\/www.gamers-outlet.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1374\/revisions\/1380"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gamers-outlet.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1254"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gamers-outlet.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1374"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gamers-outlet.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1374"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gamers-outlet.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1374"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}