DOOM: The Dark Ages – 15 New Things We’ve Learned

In 2016 and 2019 respectively, DOOM and DOOM Eternal were standout games in their years, setting the bar high for the upcoming game DOOM: The Dark Ages. Judging by what we’ve seen so far, it appears to be shaping up as another exceptional installment in this action-packed first-person shooter series.

Just got an exclusive peek at an upcoming first-person shooter during a private presentation (later featured in Microsoft’s Xbox Developer_Direct show). Afterwards, I had the opportunity to chat with director Hugo Martin and executive producer Marty Stratton during a Q&A session. Here’s what I learned about this highly anticipated game, covering its narrative, firefights, innovative weapons, refined mechanics, expansive levels, and much more.

STORY DETAILS

For some time now, it’s been revealed that the game titled “DOOM: The Dark Ages” functions as a prequel to the 2016 version of DOOM. In this continuation, players will don the role of the iconic Doom Slayer, a super-soldier embroiled in a medieval conflict against the infernal forces of hell. As stated by id Software, this game offers an ideal starting point for newcomers due to its setting before the latest DOOM titles. The narrative, however, will seamlessly transition into the events of DOOM (2016), ensuring that seasoned fans have much to look forward to as well.

What does the story’s initial structure entail? The details are scant, but it’s been made clear that the game commences with the Doom Slayer being incarcerated. His powers are desired by his adversaries yet withheld from his supporters. Use your imagination to fill in the gaps.

NEW APPROACH TO STORYTELLING

DOOM traditionally doesn’t emphasize storytelling much, often leaving narrative details in the background despite having rich lore. However, with The Dark Ages, the series is adopting a different approach. According to Director Hugo Martin, the game’s story is now more accessible because it has been moved from the codex to cutscenes, featuring new characters, old allies, and formidable new villains. Martin also referred to the story as “grand” and a “summer blockbuster event with everything at stake”. In a recent interview, developers also hinted that the game would have more cutscenes than its previous installments, though exact numbers were not disclosed.

STAND AND FIGHT

In essence, let’s dive right into the core topic since we’re talking about DOOM. So, how does the fight sequence play out in this game? Well, it’s quite intense, as one might expect from the series, but with a twist. According to id Software, the original DOOM (2016) was all about running and gunning, whereas DOOM Eternal flipped that on its head by introducing jumping and shooting. Now, in DOOM: The Dark Ages, the combat style is shifting towards “stand and fight”. Id Software compares this game’s Doom Slayer to an iron tank, and Martin describes it as a more grounded combat system with a focus on power rather than the acrobatics seen in DOOM Eternal.

SHIELD SAW

In DOOM: The Dark Ages, combat is set to revolve around several fresh tools and techniques, with the Shield Saw being the key element. Gamers will have the ability to block, counter, and divert incoming assaults. Moreover, this shield can be hurled as a weapon, slicing distant adversaries with its surrounding saw blades. All actions involving the Shield Saw are performed using a single button, and these actions adapt based on the situation. This simplification is part of a larger strategy by the developers to streamline some of the complex input and control aspects that were present in DOOM: Eternal.

MELEE OPTIONS

In this game, the Shield Saw primarily serves as a defensive instrument. However, given the game’s combative essence, players are encouraged not just to defend but also to engage in combat using various new close-combat weapons. Among these fresh melee choices, players can choose from an iron flail, an electric gauntlet, and a spiked mace. Just like with the shield, there will be one specific button that triggers all melee actions, with the actions varying based on the situation.

WEAPONS

In any DOOM game, it’s clear that weapons are always considered very important VIPs. The same is true for The Dark Ages; it won’t be breaking tradition in this regard at all. Alongside new melee choices and the Shield Saw, id Software has announced that the game will also include some of their most over-the-top powerful weapons ever created. Hugo Martin, director of The Dark Ages, describes the arsenal as packed with “ferocious” and “ancient” instruments of destruction designed to mutilate, skewer, and tear apart the minions of hell mercilessly.

In a unique fashion, only within DOOM, is where these unprecedented, exhilaratingly enjoyable instruments of chaos were crafted, according to him.

CHANGED GLORY KILLS

Absolutely, it appears that Glory Kills will make a comeback in DOOM: The Dark Ages. However, they’re going to have a fresh twist this time around. id Software seems to be prioritizing faster-paced action in this game, and the new, unsynchronized Glory Kills reflect that. Unlike before where each kill had an unskippable animation interrupting the flow of the gameplay, The Dark Ages will offer smooth, continuous Glory Kills. These can be activated from any angle, enabling you to string several together if the situation calls for it.

ATLAN MECH AND CYBERNETIC DRAGON SECTIONS

In the trailer for DOOM: The Dark Ages revealed last year, viewers caught a glimpse of the Doom Slayer commanding a cybernetic dragon during gameplay. New information has been shared about this aspect, revealing that players will not only be able to control a fire-spitting, gatling gun-wielding cybernetic dragon but also towering Atlan mechs. Unlike brief, isolated sequences, these elements are fully integrated into the gameplay, as confirmed by Hugo Martin. According to him, “Both the cybernetic dragon and the Atlan mechs won’t be just one-time features. They possess a full range of abilities, even minibosses. The spectacle is grand, the power fantasy is unprecedented in our id Software creations, and the combat systems supporting these features are intricate and incredibly enjoyable.

EXPLORATION

In “DOOM: The Dark Ages,” there’s a significant focus on exploration. Although it remains level-based (Marty Stratton, the executive producer, confirmed during Q&A that it’s not open world), it still offers a more expansive experience than typical level-based games. Essentially, it’s a semi-open world game, implying larger levels with various areas to explore and optional content to interact with. As the director Hugo Martin puts it, “This is the largest play space ever in a DOOM game. You’ll discover hidden caves and mine-like dungeons in your quest for essential resources. The game gives you control over its pace – where you go, whom you fight, and the objectives you choose to pursue. It’s essentially a DOOM sandbox filled with war and wealth.

PROGRESSION

In DOOM: The Dark Ages, delving into exploration will uncover a wealth of collectibles and playthings, with toys making a comeback. However, Martin clarified in a Q&A that the rewards for exploration are now linked more closely to game progression and enhancements. While details about the progression mechanics are sparse, id Software has hinted that through exploration, players will consistently unlock new abilities and powers. The latest presentation also hinted at skill trees where players can improve their tools by spending Runes, such as the Shield Saw and likely melee weapons.

LOCATIONS

In the upcoming game “DOOM: The Dark Ages,” the specific locations players will traverse haven’t been fully disclosed yet. However, tidbits of intriguing hints have been shared by the developers. According to them, players will journey to various corners of the DOOM universe, encountering enigmatic worlds from the Slayer’s past, dark forests, dungeons, ancient battlefields, and even realms beyond these familiar landscapes.

id SOFTWARE’S LARGEST GAME YET

Since this semi-open world game is touted as id Software’s most ambitious project yet, it’s reasonable to expect that it will be their longest game as well, surpassing the 15-25 hour experience of DOOM Eternal. The exact length compared to DOOM Eternal hasn’t been revealed, but it’s anticipated to be significantly longer. During a Q&A session, executive producer Marty Stratton commented, “The length depends on how you play, as with any game. However, it’s our largest campaign ever made by quite a margin. If you explore the levels thoroughly, there’s simply a lot to discover.

NEW DIFFICULTY OPTIONS

For those who found DOOM Eternal challenging, id Software aims to make their upcoming game, The Dark Ages, more approachable by incorporating new features. Alongside multiple difficulty settings, players will now have the ability to tailor their gaming experience to their preferences. This includes adjusting various aspects of the game via difficulty sliders such as damage output, enemy aggression levels, game speed, resource availability, parry timing windows, and more.

MUSIC

In the upcoming game “The Dark Ages,” the intense metal tunes of DOOM have played a significant role, but since Mick Gordon and id Software have reportedly parted ways, there’s a change in the musical landscape. Id Software has disclosed that the game’s soundtrack will now be created by Finishing Move, a renowned video game music production company, known for their work on games like “Borderlands 3,” “The Callisto Protocol,” “Halo Wars 2,” “Grounded,” and others.

LAUNCH DETAILS

When does the release of “DOOM: The Dark Ages” occur? It’s not too long from now. This first-person shooter game is set to debut on May 15th. You can access it simultaneously for Xbox Series X/S, PC, and PS5. As with other first-party Microsoft titles, it will also be accessible through Game Pass at launch.

2025-01-31 07:12

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