DOOM: The Dark Ages
Cast your mind back to 1993, a new title was on its way to Australia, surrounded in controversy but little did we know it was about to change the gaming landscape forever. Now thirty plus years later DOOM, with id Software still at the helm, returns for another installment with The Dark Ages.
Set as a prequal to 2016's DOOM and 2020's DOOM Eternal, The Dark Ages gives us an insight into the origins of the Slayer as a protector of Argent D'Nur a land that is both technologically advanced yet living in a medieval period of castles, kings and armour. Just as the city of Khalim is quickly becoming overrun with the demon army hordes, King Noviks daughter Thira calls on the Maykr to launch the Slayer. Landing with a commanding crash the Slayer emerges to take on the Horde and clear the city of Khalim and help save humanity.
Straight away this iteration of DOOM feels different. Gone is the insane movement mechanics of Eternal replaced with a more grounded combat that feels like a gritty relic of old. Focus is back on the weapons that you wield while the addition of the shield and parry system adds new dimensions to the gunplay. Glory kills thankfully make a return alongside melee strikes. Chaining all the elements together creates a beautifully gory symphony harkening back to the DOOMs of old.
The biggest change is probably the focus on the games story elements, while it has always been there, The Dark Ages leans heavily into story telling via some amazing cut scenes and slowly builds its narrative on who the Slayer is, where did he come from and do those he was created to protect fear or revel in the presence of the super weapon of the gods.
Unfortunately the story fails to fully engage you and yet at the same time does just enough to keep itself ticking along while you blindly dispatch anything that moves. Characters are memorable and match the Slayers energy well while delving deep into the dark and menacing corners of the story to be told.
The story can feel a little disjointed at times and in a few instances felt like I had completely missed a cut scene setting up what was now happening. The cut scenes themselves are beautifully animated with character models and voice acting setting a new bar for the franchise.
Playing on PC has been a visual treat. The addition of more open areas to compliment DOOM signature corridor encounters of previous titles has added new elements to the world. Encouraging you to explore and work your way through combat puzzles.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is id Software's most accessible yet with a full suite of modifiers available for you to tweak your gameplay experience based on your level of expertise with first person shooters. An easy to use interface including sliders for parry windows, damage received or given, enemy aggression or even speed of the game give you full control over your experience. Whether you want to push through and experience the story or you're a purist out for a perma-death experience you're able to change the difficulty and overall combat experience to suit your playstyle and wants.
DOOM has always been a game about the guns and thankfully The Dark Ages brings the goods. Some old favourites return like the super shotgun, but the new Skull Crusher has fast become my go to. Literally crushing a skull for ammunition within the gun it fires bone fragments out and is great for clearing a room or stunning enemies making them prime for a melee attack. Gunplay as always is tight, direct and brilliantly responsive. Your shield bash helps propel you across the map to take out a group of enemies or stagger larger ones while also giving you health and a way out of trouble.
Guns aside we now get to take control and pilot some insane machinery. Jump into the pilot seat of the colossal Atlan mech to fight your way through the enormous titans the horde have summoned to take down the city. Or climb atop a technologically enhanced cybernetic dragon and take to the skies for some fast paced dog fighting from above. One thing remains the same for all scenarios, once that music drops...... you know what to do.
Like it or not, DOOM music will forever be in the shadow of Mick Gordon. DOOM: The Dark Ages soundtrack follows in the same vein but lacks a bit of punch. That being said, once you crank it up in your headphones it is a decent back drop for the sheer carnage on screen.
Ultimately DOOM: The Dark ages is another for the fans. Easy enough to pick up and have some fun with but the story doesn't do enough to offset what can become a repetitive game play loop. With sprawling open world areas to explore there is a treasure trove for those wanting to hunt out and find every collectable while also staying true to its roots with some tight linear combat sections.
Fans of DOOM will love the next entry into the franchise while those new to ripping and tearing might struggle for longevity.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is out on PC, PS5 and Xbox May 15th with those on Gamepass able to play day one with your subscription
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