Doom: The Dark Ages – A Return to Brutal Roots

Following the critically acclaimed Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal (2020), id Software is shifting gears with Doom: The Dark Ages, a prequel that prioritizes intense, close-quarters combat reminiscent of the original Doom. While the iconic arsenal returns, including the skull-crushing new weapon showcased in the reveal trailer, the focus shifts to powerful melee combat. Three melee weapons – an electrified gauntlet, a flail, and the Shield Saw – take center stage, emphasizing strategic positioning and aggressive play. Game director Hugo Martin describes the combat as "stand and fight," a departure from Eternal's platforming elements.

The Dark Ages' 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 game's intense, large-scale combat encounters, where the player is frequently surrounded by enemies. The Glory Kill system has been redesigned for increased fluidity, allowing for finishing moves from any angle. Level design is more focused, with shorter levels averaging around an hour of playtime.

Addressing criticism of Doom Eternal's Codex-heavy narrative, The Dark Ages presents its story through cutscenes, promising a "summer blockbuster event" within the Doom universe. The controls have been streamlined for improved intuitiveness, with melee weapons equipped individually. The game features a simplified economy with a single currency (gold), and secrets focus on gameplay enhancements rather than lore. Difficulty is highly customizable via in-game sliders.

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

Martin emphasizes a conscious departure from Doom Eternal's design, aiming for a more classic Doom experience. The goal is to deliver a powerful and visceral experience rooted in the core gameplay of the original, while still offering a fresh and exciting take on the franchise. The game's release on May 15th is highly anticipated.