Id Software’s approach to Doom as of late has been nothing short of remarkable. The 2016 reboot was staggeringly cool, and continues to be a key example on how to do a reboot just right. Its follow-up, Doom Eternal, was a little more platforming heavy, but still a righteous sequel filled with demon bashing. Now, we’ve finally come full circle with the medieval Doom: The Dark Ages, which reminds us just how thrilling it is to be an unstoppable bad-ass.
This follow-up does away with the platforming segments and even the multiplayer, and instead focuses on open-world demon madness. Some may be thrown off by the changes at first, but it all culminates into a hell of a good time. Smashing up enemies still feels great, thanks to the newfound strategy with your shield and weapons. Not to mention the boss battles are epic, and you even have new vehicle sequences that, surprisingly, fit the series like a glove.
Also, the presentation is a knockout. The frame rate never loses pace, even with the game’s massive levels. And though Mick Gordon is sorely missed here (grrrr), Finishing Move Inc.’s soundtrack definitely rips on its own terms. Do yourself a favor and play it on the biggest screen possible, though. You’ll thank me later.
Some may question the lack of Gordon goodness, or why he was even dismissed in the first place. But minor quips aside, Doom: The Dark Ages delivers yet another masterful smashfest. The gameplay is deep with its newfound ways to “rip and tear,” and the presentation is amongst Id Software’s best work. Who knew that another trip through Hell would be such a good time?
Doom: The Dark Ages Lets You Reign In Hell
What’s interesting about the Doom series is how much it evolved over the years. As I mentioned above, Doom (2016) got back to “basics” with its demon killing, while Eternal involved platforming through an immaculate and dark world. But with Dark Ages, we get more of an open world than ever before. It’s a new approach and takes getting used to, but it’s awesome to see.
That’s because this new playfield opens up new strategies for killing demons. For instance, enemies with shields now become land mines with your shield throw, while you can also home in on weaker foes with a quick bash. And larger threats may take a little more time, but you can tactfully bring them down as well, ending their run with a satisfying punch to the face. Though the melee kills aren’t as brutal or creative as Eternal, they still deliver with strength here.
The shield is awesome, but the new weapons aren’t anything to scoff at. My personal favorite is a bone-chipping gun that shreds skulls to take down opponents. It’s a little weaker than most, but its effect should not be denied. Of course, your shotgun and other goodies make it a cinch to create bloody sashimi out of those that oppose you.
On top of that, Doom: The Dark Ages introduces new sequences. A Panzer Dragoon-style sequence lets you ride around on a dragon, but with much more explosive results. And, of course, being able to control a hellish mech is absolutely satisfying, if a little short-lived. What I wouldn’t give for a multiplayer mode where you go Pacific Rim on your enemies.
And I admit, I slightly miss the multiplayer. A little bit. It almost seems like some possibilities opened up with The Dark Ages that could introduce a new wrinkle or two. But the game’s focus on single player is excellent nevertheless; and we’ll see more content as time goes on. Maybe some new weapons? You never know.
The gameplay holds up beautifully within this open world, and the carnage is undeniably fun. In fact, don’t be surprised if you feel the need to go back through any of the 22 levels to get a “better run.” This is a game that continuously delivers on creativity, depending on how you go about it. I’m eager to see what some folks can do on the highest difficulty setting. Though, if you prefer, you can go for more of a cakewalk or normal or even lighter than that. I certainly won’t pick on you.
If you love Doom, The Dark Ages gives you more than enough reason to jump in. And even if you’re a newcomer, you might just welcome this bloody party with open arms.
A Bash-Worthy Presentation
I don’t think I’ve ever seen the world of Doom look as good as it does with The Dark Ages. And that’s considering how wonderful Eternal came off, especially on high-end hardware.
It just looks great throughout. Some may think the open worlds look a little “barren” at times. But when the carnage delivers, hoo boy, does it. The blood effects are savory in places (I’m not insane, promise) and the weapons are a lot of fun to watch. Not to mention the level design is absolutely stunning, and the special stages – particularly the one with the dragon – are a treat.
I haven’t seen the PC version yet, so your performance may vary depending on your set-up. But on the Xbox Series X, this thing absolutely cooks with a smooth, undeniable frame rate and hardly any loss of detail. If you’re curious, it’s on Game Pass Ultimate, and it only takes up about 2/3 of what Eternal installs at. So, yes, indulge.
As for the music…well. I was a big fan of Mick Gordon’s work, and still am. I’m not sure why he left the Doomfranchise as he did. That’s a discussion for another day. But Finishing Move Inc. has filled in flawlessly with their own soundtrack. As with Doom and Eternal, it “rips and tears” on its own accord with rock rhythms and lots of deep themes. That, combined with good voicework and meat-shredding sound effects, deliver a bold experience. Do yourself a favor and get out your gaming headset for this one. And crank the volume.
Ripping and Tearing Never Felt So Good
Though the new approach is a choice that everyone may not get into at first, Doom: The Dark Ages scores on every level. The gameplay evolves in all the right ways, and the challenge doesn’t let up on higher settings. Not to mention there are secrets galore and awesome new sub-stages that I hope return in future chapters. (More mech stuff!) Plus the presentation continues to evolve this franchise in all the right ways.
Doom: The Dark Ages might just be the best party of the summer. Make sure you have your weapons ready, because there’s going to be a lot of demon meat on the grill.
GAMERHUB RATING: 5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Big thanks to Microsoft for providing a review code! You can check the game out for Xbox, PlayStation and PC/Steam! Fingers crossed it comes to Nintendo Switch 2.
Want more adventure goodness? Check out our review of Revenge of the Savage Planet!
