Doom: The Dark Ages

As a lifelong Doom fan, I knew I was going to try this one out. And I found myself instantly drawn in by the new techno-medieval setting and the Doomslayers new get-up with the fur cape, studded armor, and shield saw looked awesome.

I loved the brutal new medieval styled weapons, like the Skullcrusher/Pulverizer that fires bone fragments at enemies, the Chain shot launching and retracting a ball and chain, and the Impaler that fires bolts. Adding melee weapons like the Power Gauntlet and Dreadmace turns the game into an intense first-person shooter/hack and slash hybrid gore-fest! The more medieval level and enemy designs/revamps were cool looking and introduced a new and engrossing setting for Doom.

Thanks to the Doomslayers bulkier build, the new combat system is slower and more focused on tactics to defeat your enemies, performing melee attacks and combos, and defensive action mixed with parrying enemy attacks with your trusty new shield instead of more the more intense, fleet-footed combat in the prequels. It's a surprising but interesting change of pace I found more challenging and enticing than the last two games, especially with the new difficulty sliders that let you adjust certain gameplay elements to just the right setting you want. Plus, you get to ride a dragon and engage giant demon with fisticuffs while piloting a giant mech! It was all types of awesome!

The level layouts are larger than before, giving the player the opportunity to explore and discover secret collectibles, like toys and skins; those kind of sandbox game elements have always appealed to me. Plus, the story is deeper and sheds more light on the Doomslayers origins and his experiences fighting alongside the Knight Sentinels of Argent D'Nur before moving on to Mars and Earth; it really ties the modern Doom trilogy together.

And, of course, it wouldn't be a true Doom game without an awesome and banging soundtrack. Finishing Move knocks it out of the park with another hardcore metal soundtrack that keeps you constantly pumped and eager for battle.

Any true Doom fan must try this, and I definitely recommend it to FPS fans in general.

Took me 12 hours to beat the main story compared to the 14-16 it took to beat Eternal. When there are games coming out like E33 with a 30+ hour main story for under $50, buying games like this for $70+ makes absolutely no sense. Can't help but feel ripped off for spending that much money on a single player only game that can be beat in a few sittings. Surely there are a few more hours to be spent on side quests or the Doom equivalent, but its such a shame these games are taking longer to develop, costing more money, and yet providing far less in what you can actually do in the game. Very disappointing.

Doom: The Dark Ages does what the prior two games in the series does best; giving a think thrilling experience with new innovative combat, exclusive iconic weaponry and a fresh new game flow that absolutely destroys, desecrates and empowers the player like it's no one's business. This is the power trip of all power trips, and the most weighty Doom game to date. I've never played a video game that carries across such power and immense control over any and all scenarios that befall me, i was not locked in with demons, the demons were locked in with ME. This is an absolutely legendary new addition to the masterclass series that is new generation Doom, i couldn't ask for more, its brilliant Hugo Martin, you killed it once again.

Doom the dark ages is a new and amazing addition to the doom franchise. Its dark, its gory, its fun!

The map designs are amazing and detailed. The gun designs are even cooler than in eternal and look like there from the DARK AGEE😜😜 I know some people dont like this game because its a lot slower paced then eternal and 2016 but that does not stop it from making you feel like a unstoppable force of nature. You feel like a walking tank in this game, you can hear and feel every single step you take.

I think I spent at least 30 min just flying around on the dragon.

There is one thing that I missed though. Glory kills. Sadly they have been removed but this game is still amazing.

Doom: The Dark Ages is a bold, cinematic reimagining that does the impossible - it makes Doom feel fresh again. It's unapologetically violent, artistically fearless, and soaked in atmosphere. For fans of epic dark fantasy, pulse-pounding action, and metal-as-hell storytelling, this is a must-play experience. If the original Doom was a shotgun blast to the face, The Dark Ages is a warhammer through the skull - slower, heavier, and just as satisfying. The game is amazing from the beginning to the end and if you're new to this type of game give it a try you won't regret it! Favorite game of 2025 so far.