DOOM: The Dark Ages – Here’s What Has Us Buzzing (and Worried)

As a gamer, I can hardly contain my excitement as OOM: The Dark Ages is just around the corner, approximately six weeks away! The anticipation for its brutal combat and gripping storyline has been building up for quite a while now. Mark your calendars for May 13th, as that’s when it will be released for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. Luckily, some media outlets got early access to a preview build and shared some fresh details about the game.

This encompasses fresh weaponry, a sprawling, sandbox-style environment, thoughts on the Atlantis mech and dragon ride segments, and plenty of other intriguing aspects. Among these, we considered six elements that have us eager and four that seem somewhat troubling (along with solutions to some of them). Let’s dive right in without any more delay.

The Feel of Combat

As a devoted fan, I must say that my initial experiences with DOOM: The Dark Ages have been nothing short of exhilarating! Compared to the acrobatic chaos of DOOM Eternal, the Slayer’s heaviness in this game offers a refreshing change of pace, although it may require some getting used to. However, the tools provided in

The Shield Saw is now your trusted ally, enabling you to block attacks and repel incoming projectiles (based on the color of the enemy projectile). But it also empowers you to dive into battle across intimidating gaps and knock an opponent sideways. When hurled, it ricochets off enemies, much like Captain America’s shield, tearing them apart in the process. However, this is just a taste of its destructive potential. Paired with the electric gauntlet and flail, id has perfectly captured the sensation of being an indomitable, nearly unstoppable force, all while maintaining a user-friendly control scheme.

Multiple Glory Kills on Tougher Enemies

The primary concern, yet not about the specific mechanism of Glory Kills, has been raised earlier. As established before, Glory Kills are asynchronous and don’t force you into a set animation. A routine melee attack can trigger a Glory Kill and offer the same advantages. However, id Software has added tougher adversaries that won’t succumb to just one Glory Kill and may require multiple attempts before they perish. I hope these encounters resemble grand WWE matches, where a single finisher wouldn’t suffice to vanquish an opponent, but repeated use could become tiresome.

Reaver Chainshot

The weapon selections so far have been impressive, ranging from the Skull Crusher with its explosive, shrapnel-like bullets ideal for close combat to the Rail Spike Gun that instantly impales and pins enemies against walls. This positive trend persists with the recently unveiled Reaver Chainshot. Essentially, it’s a gun that fires a ball and chain, but instead of a traditional ball and chain, it hurtles straight towards an enemy following a quick charge.

What’s particularly noteworthy is that it can unintentionally eliminate surrounding foes due to its indirect effect. However, this impact might differ based on their overall vitality. Nevertheless, when combined with the other weapons, it offers a distinct touch that aligns well with the DOOM universe and seamlessly blends into The Dark Ages setting.

Weapons Lacking Accuracy

Indeed, while these weapons appear impressive, a point of contention was raised about their precision. PCGamesN’s preview mentioned that they didn’t seem very precise even when fired at supposedly “medium” ranges. This wouldn’t typically be a problem in more enclosed areas, but it could cause difficulties in expansive outdoor environments.

Additionally, your adversaries aren’t limited by the same constraints and can attack from a distance. It seems that id Software is emphasizing close-quarters combat in the game design, often positioning you against large groups which you must disperse. However, they could also ensure a balanced array of weapons to prevent players from being confined to a single playstyle.

Large Conflicts, Larger Levels

One thing I’m really looking forward to with DOOM: The Dark Ages is that id Software might recreate the sensation of being right in the thick of a massive, epic battle. You see, the conflicts where the Slayer fought off demons attacking Argent D’Nur are what truly made their legend.

Fortunately, it’s widely accepted that these aspects are implemented quite effectively, particularly in maps such as Siege, which are rich in encounters and mini-bosses (that you must defeat their minions before you can harm them). Although these are a shift from the more linear levels – which The Dark Ages still includes – these open-world sections have been flagged as optional. At this point, how frequently they appear is yet to be determined.

Secrets and Discoveries Off the Beaten Path

If you’re someone who delights in exploring every corner of levels from past DOOM games for secrets, collectibles and the like, then The Dark Ages might offer an even denser experience. What makes it even more captivating is that certain areas within the sandbox levels involve solving puzzles, such as using the Shield Saw to navigate different sections.

In IGN’s review, they mentioned a “monster tentacle rising from the ground in a swamp” that could indicate an optional boss fight. Although there are concerns about the game’s pacing and potential bloat, it seems like The Dark Ages will offer content for various types of players – those seeking an immersive single-player experience and those who enjoy exploring every hidden corner.

Atlan Mech and Dragon Mount Hype

As a devoted admirer, I appreciate how id Software decided to pour their efforts predominantly into the campaign rather than multiplayer. This strategic choice led to innovative gameplay additions such as the Atlan Mech and the dragon mount, which significantly amplify the scale of conflict. The sensation of standing tall above adversaries, laying waste with your colossal gatling gun, is nothing short of exhilarating. Engaging in earth-splitting blows against a Titan is an experience that leaves you breathless. Similarly, riding the dragon offers a unique perspective, as you soar above the vast battlefield and feel the sheer magnitude of the combat unfolding beneath you.

Atlan Worries

Initial enthusiasm for Atlan, fueled by special moves such as stomps and finishers, is undeniable. However, over time, some previews found the combat less engaging compared to ground-based battles, which are a continuous, intense experience. Video Game Chronicle described Atlan battles as moments of respite, while Eurogamer felt that the game didn’t present enough innovative elements to maintain fun factor for an extended period.

Dragon Along

Nevertheless, the response to the dragon mount sequences has been quite varied. Initially, it seemed reminiscent of Panzer Dragoon, allowing for flight maneuvers to attack colossal ships. In truth, you’re targeting turrets and firing, skillfully dodging at opportune moments to increase your damage output. The excitement builds when you disembark a ship and engage the threats on foot, especially when the ship is destroyed and you fall from the sky before finally landing back on the dragon.

If you’re hoping for combat similar to what’s found in Crimson Skies, I must clarify that the dragon mount doesn’t deliver that experience. But here’s some good news: Bethesda mentioned to PC Gamer that they will put a lot of effort into refining these sections before launch. So, there’s a possibility it may become less dependent on dodging and smoother in general.

Abundance of Cutscenes

To wrap things up, I’m thrilled about the numerous story-advancing cutscenes in this game instead of them being scattered here and there. As a gamer eagerly anticipating my Slayer’s journey through Argent D’Nur, I can’t wait to experience this epic narrative unfold. Of course, I’ll need to see how the overall storytelling holds up or how deeply it permeates the campaign, but given the rich lore, it promises an exhilarating ride!

2025-04-03 17:20

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