Does the Slayer’s Medieval Mayhem Deliver a Righteous Rampage, or a Royal Rumble?

(Thanks to Bethesda for the gifted copy of DOOM: The Dark Ages used for this review.)

For decades, the name DOOM has been synonymous with fast-paced, visceral demon-slaying. From the pixelated corridors of its humble beginnings to the frenetic ballet of destruction in DOOM Eternal, the series has consistently pushed the boundaries of first-person shooter action. Now, id Software invites us to step back in time, to a period long before the UAC and the Argenta, to witness the unholy origins of the legendary Doom Slayer in DOOM: The Dark Ages. This prequel promises a brutal, cinematic tale of medieval warfare against the legions of Hell, complete with colossal mechs and even dragon mounts (yes, seriously). But can this shift in setting and focus truly elevate the DOOM formula, or does it risk diluting the very essence of what makes the Slayer so compelling? Read on to find out!

The Ancestral War

DOOM: The Dark Ages plunges players into a never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell, casting them as the Doom Slayer himself, before his awakening in a sarcophagus from DOOM (2016). This cinematic story explores the origins of the Slayer’s infamous rage and his rise from a kingdom’s last hope to Hell’s greatest fear.

The narrative delves into the Night Sentinels’ world-hopping war against demonic forces, taking place on various locations of importance during the Argenta Unholy Wars. DOOM: The Dark Ages aims to provide an epic story worthy of the Doom Slayer’s legend, expanding the DOOM universe with rich lore that is now woven directly into cutscenes, making it a perfect jumping-on point for newcomers to the franchise. Players will witness the creation of a legend as the Slayer takes on all of Hell in the most literal sense, bound to serve as the super weapon of gods and kings, and ultimately turn the tide of the war against a demon leader seeking to become the only one feared.

The story progresses swiftly with each chapter, building on the ones before it via several truly awesome cutscenes. One of the most memorable, and badass lines in the early game for me, was simply, “Launch the Slayer,” whereupon the Doom Slayer was indeed launched down to the planet surface, in order to cause total and utter carnage among the hellish denizens!

Tools of Annihilation

While retaining the searing combat and over-the-top visuals synonymous with the DOOM series, DOOM: The Dark Ages introduces significant shifts to the gameplay loop. Where DOOM Eternal leaned into speed and aerial acrobatics, almost verging on parkour, this prequel emphasises a more grounded, heavy-hitting combat experience reminiscent of the original 1993 title, with a greater focus on strafing and defence. The Slayer now wields an all-new Shield Saw, a versatile tool that can be used for blocking, parrying, deflecting projectiles, and even charging through enemies with a mighty Shield Bash.

Hands down, The Shield Saw is one of the single best weapons to have ever been included in a FPS game period. The Shield Saw isn’t merely a good weapon; it’s arguably one of the most ingeniously designed and versatile armaments ever introduced in a first-person shooter. Its brilliance lies in its unparalleled versatility, a quality that elevates it far above typical FPS armaments. This weapon doesn’t just offer two functions; it seamlessly fuses the distinct demands of both protection and offense into a singular, cohesive, and incredibly effective tool.

What sets the Shield Saw apart is its perfect balance. It manages to be both a robust defensive barrier and a deadly offensive instrument without compromising either role. Many games introduce weapons with secondary fire modes, but these often feel like an afterthought or a situational gimmick. The Shield Saw, however, feels inherently designed to excel at both. When you need to push forward under heavy fire or create space, it functions as a formidable shield, absorbing incoming projectiles and keeping you safe. Yet, in the very next instant, with a satisfying whir, it transforms into a devastating, close-quarters saw, capable of shredding enemies.

It’s this simultaneous capability that makes it truly revolutionary. You’re never forced to choose between carrying a dedicated shield or a powerful melee weapon; the Shield Saw is both, constantly adaptable to the chaotic ebb and flow of combat. It never feels like “more of one than the other”; instead, it exists in a state of perfect equilibrium, an embodiment of both a protective and destructive force. This intelligent design allows players to fluidly transition between defensive posturing and aggressive assaults, making it an indispensable asset in any engagement and a testament to truly innovative weapon design.

As a weapon, the Shield Saw can be tossed, returning to the Slayer while mowing down lesser demons or embedding itself into larger ones and drilling into their bodies for a few seconds before returning to you boomerang-style. In addition to that, it also allows you to traverse vast distances in a very short space of time by targeting an enemy and then propelling you towards them, slamming into their bodies with a sickening impact.

The Shield Saw isn’t the only new melee weapon, however. Other new melee weapons include a deadly flail, spiked mace, and electrified gauntlet, allowing for vicious close-quarters combat. The iconic Chainsaw from DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal is absent, replaced by this enhanced melee system that also serves to restore ammo. The decision to omit the chainsaw in place of the Shield Saw feels like the right decision because a shield feels much more natural in battle than carrying a chainsaw around with you.

DOOM: The Dark Ages features the largest-ever play spaces made for a DOOM game, encouraging exploration to uncover secrets and utilise environmental techniques, such as breaking barricades with the Shield Bash. Being on the battlefield in DOOM: The Dark Ages makes you feel much more vulnerable than in previous DOOM instalments, and this is because you are out in the open with very few places to hide. In order to survive, you must think quickly (as with all DOOM games), but you also have an arsenal that is more vast than before, meaning that an element of strategy is also required. If things get too hectic, there are adjustable sliders in the options menu to tweak specific gameplay settings, from parry window timings to overall game speed, allowing for a highly customisable experience.

If that wasn’t enough, the Doom Slayer also has some new modes of transport in the form of a fierce Mecha Dragon and massive Atlan mechs, adding large-scale action elements to the already intense combat. With these, you can literally fly across the landscape as well as ram through everything in your path respectively.

Lone Wolf of the Dark Ages

DOOM: The Dark Ages is a purely single-player experience, which is a deliberate choice. Id Software made the decision early in development to focus all resources on crafting the best possible campaign, stating that adding a multiplayer component would “definitely come at the expense of” the single-player aspects. There are no cooperative or competitive multiplayer modes available, ensuring that the entire experience is centred on the Doom Slayer’s solitary crusade against Hell.

The Visage of Damnation

DOOM: The Dark Ages presents a stunning visual leap for the series. It runs natively in ray-traced mode, delivering immersive and spectacular scenes with full dynamic lighting, Ray-Traced Global Illumination (RTGI), and Ray-Traced Reflections. Textures are highly detailed and remain crisp even up close, thanks to a new level-of-detail system. Things such as markings on weapons and runes etched into metal are all clearly visible as you plough through enemies left, right and centre. The lighting and shadows are masterfully utilised to create the intended effects of a grim, medieval-inspired world besieged by demons.

DOOM: The Dark Ages The aesthetic features a wide variety of hellish landscapes, sci-fi-themed medieval castles, and even a Lovecraftian-inspired Cosmic Realm complete with puzzles.

As with all DOOM games, the audio design is flawless, with thunderous weapon sounds, guttural demon roars, and the splatter and squelch of gore raining down all around you sounding about as realistic as you could ever imagine. The quality of the voice acting is top-tier, and the soundtrack is high-energy, high-quality and complements the insane visuals absolutely perfectly.

The Slayer’s Endless Cycle

The replay value in DOOM: The Dark Ages is decent, and comes from the sheer exhilaration of its combat and the desire to master its intricate systems. While the narrative is linear, the opportunity to experiment with different weapon combinations, master the Shield Saw’s mechanics, and improve personal performance against the demonic hordes provides significant incentive for multiple playthroughs. The vast levels, filled with secrets and collectibles, also encourage exploration to uncover every hidden detail and challenge. The adjustable gameplay sliders further enhance replayability by allowing players to tailor the difficulty and pace to their preferences, fostering a desire to conquer the game on its most brutal settings. Put simply, there are plenty of reasons to return to DOOM: The Dark Ages, all of them good!

Conclusion

DOOM: The Dark Ages stands as a testament to id Software’s ability to innovate within a beloved franchise while respecting its heritage. By embracing a slightly more grounded, defensive combat style and a unique medieval setting, the game offers a fresh take on the DOOM formula without sacrificing the series’ signature brutality and intense action. The Shield Saw is a brilliant addition, fundamentally changing how players approach combat and adding a satisfying layer of strategic depth. The commitment to a single-player experience has clearly paid off, resulting in what promises to be the most expansive and epic campaign yet. While the overarching narrative follows a familiar heroic arc, it’s the detailed lore and brutal execution that truly shine, and the on-screen experience is a graphical and auditory marvel that genuinely leaves you feeling consistently exhilarated. DOOM: The Dark Ages is a must-play for both fans of the series and newcomers alike, and generally for anyone seeking a high-octane, demon-slaying adventure with a unique twist!

Grade: 9 – Outstanding