DOOM: The Dark Ages vs. DOOM Eternal – What is Changing?

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DOOM: The Dark Ages is slated for release on May 15th, available on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, as well as Game Pass. Ever since its unveiling in January, anticipation has been building (and then some) around this game. With each new reveal, we grow more eager to explore the Slayer’s epoch in

1. A new setting: The game takes place in a different era and location than DOOM Eternal.
2. New weapons: Expect a fresh arsenal of guns to wield against the demon hordes.
3. Improved combat mechanics: Enhanced combat system for more engaging battles.
4. Expanded movement options: More agile Slayer with new mobility abilities.
5. Enhanced AI behavior: Smarter and more challenging enemies to face off against.
6. New demon types: Prepare to battle never-before-seen creatures of the abyss.
7. A revamped campaign structure: An altered approach to the game’s main storyline.
8. Increased customization options: Tailor your Slayer and weapons to your preferred playstyle.
9. New secrets and collectibles: Explore hidden areas for bonus items.
10. Dynamic level design: Levels that adapt and change during gameplay.
11. A new narrative focus: The story takes a different direction from DOOM Eternal.
12. Multiplayer improvements: Enhancements to the multiplayer experience.
13. New game modes: Try out fresh, innovative ways to play DOOM.
14. Improved graphics and visual effects: Expect a visually stunning game world.
15. Better accessibility options: Gameplay adjustments for a more inclusive experience.

Prequel vs. Sequel

For clarity, let me rephrase that for you: The game titled “DOOM: The Dark Ages” takes place earlier in the timeline than “DOOM (2016)“. Following “DOOM (2016)“, we have “DOOM Eternal“, which finds the Slayer back on Earth, fighting off a demonic invasion. Conversely, “The Dark Ages” delves into the Slayer’s time with the Night Sentinels, his rise to become the legendary Slayer, and his ongoing battles against Hell.

id Tech Engine improvements

In a fresh take, The Dark Ages maintains the eerie and metallic aesthetics from past games, but infuses it with a touch of medieval fantasy. It’s also striving for greater realism by incorporating ray-traced global illumination, which aligns well with its physics-based objects, and ray-traced reflections, as showcased in Eternal. Additionally, the expansive landscapes, levels of detail, and increased enemy numbers are certainly noteworthy enhancements.

Tank vs. Fighter Jet

When you ask someone about the main difference between DOOM (2016) and Eternal, they’d likely say it’s the emphasis on mobility. The Super Shotgun’s grapple hook in DOOM (2016) allowed for a lot of aerial maneuvers, making it easier to transition swiftly from one kill to another. On the other hand, the Slayer in The Dark Ages is bulkier and moves more heavily on the ground, with each step producing a noticeable thud. However, he can still dash or charge rapidly with his Shield Saw to smash a demon’s head in. The gameplay overall feels more grounded compared to Eternal.

Parrying vs. Grappling Around

Enhancing the experience in The Dark Ages is a greater emphasis on defending against damage and counterattacking with the new Shield Saw. This is particularly noticeable when facing certain enemy projectiles. This change represents a significant departure from the acrobatic maneuvers seen in Eternal, but so far, the parrying mechanics and slamming monsters have garnered nothing but positive reviews.

Weapon Changes

In the transition from DOOM (2016) and Eternal to The Dark Ages, certain weapons such as the Shotgun, Super Shotgun, and Rocket Launcher are carried over, though the Super Shotgun’s zip-around function for grappling demons is not available. However, there are plenty of new tools to inflict pain on the forces of Hell, with additions like the Railspike and Skullcrusher. Regrettably, the Heavy Rifle did not make the transition, but some weapons have received updates. Instead of the Plasma Rifle, players will find the Accelerator, which functions more like a Submachine Gun with a faster firing rate but less range.

Piloting an Atlan Mech

In the new game, The Dark Ages, the Atlan mech, previously just a prop in other titles, can now be played by you. And here’s an exciting twist: It comes equipped with a colossal Chaingun, which appears to have its own team operating it! Simply amazing.

New Enemies

In the game Eternal, you may recall an elite enemy known as the Marauder. Yes, indeed! This formidable foe stirred quite a debate among players, with some finding it excessively challenging and others appreciating the level of difficulty it presented. In The Dark Ages, a character similar to the Marauder appears, going by the name Agadon Hunter. Equipped with a double-bladed staff and shield, he demands precise parrying moves, much like Sekiro’s mechanics. Additionally, players will encounter other threats such as the Titans, who although they were present in earlier games, this is the first time players will engage them while they are piloting the Atlan mech.

Shield Saw vs. Chainsaw

Unfortunately, the chainsaw isn’t available in this setting; instead, it has been upgraded to the Shield Saw. Although the old one was effective for gathering ammo from slain adversaries, the new Shield Saw boasts a broader range of capabilities, such as rebounding off multiple enemies. If you hurl it at a heavier opponent, the Shield Saw will penetrate and momentarily stun them for increased damage.

New Melee Options

In DOOM Eternal, there were several melee options such as the Chainsaw, Crucible, and Blood Punch (excluding the Sentinel Hammer from the DLC). The Dark Ages doesn’t fall short – in addition to the Shield, you can smash enemies with a mace, flail, or gauntlet, each serving its unique purpose. However, to replenish their uses, you must successfully block enemy attacks (parry). This is similar to the resource gathering loop in DOOM Eternal, but with slightly different steps.

Glory Kill Changes

In the series, Glory Kills continue to be one of the more exciting features – there’s no comparable thrill than ruthlessly slaying a weakened foe in gruesome manners, not to mention the temporary invincibility period that follows. However, in the game “The Dark Ages“, Glory Kills have been made unsynchronized and no longer force you into an animation sequence, enabling a unique kind of seamless gameplay.

More Open Levels

In contrast to previous DOOM titles, DOOM: The Dark Ages features expansive levels that are significantly larger in size. One illustration of this is Siege, which has been showcased in previews, taking place on a sprawling battlefield with multiple objectives and enemy camps. Although DOOM Eternal includes numerous secrets, the time spent on each level in The Dark Ages can stretch beyond an hour if you’re meticulously searching for collectibles, upgrades, and additional items.

Multiplayer vs. No Multiplayer

In previous DOOM games, multiplayer was approached differently, sometimes with varying success. Eternal initially intended to use Invasion-style gameplay, but ultimately opted for a BattleMode where two players controlled demons while one played as the Slayer. Contrastingly, The Dark Ages concentrates solely on its campaign and has introduced mechanics such as the Atlan mech and mount rides, abandoning multiplayer features.

Customizable Difficulty

As a gamer diving into the world of DOOM (2016) and Eternal, I’ve come to appreciate the exhilarating mix that makes up its difficulty spectrum: Too Young to Die, Hurt Me Plenty, Ultra-Violence, and Nightmare. But with The Dark Ages, id Software is taking things to a whole new level. They’re not just offering presets this time; they’ve given us the power to tinker with the very essence of the game mechanics.

You can now adjust the amount of damage I take and dish out, control enemy aggression levels, fine-tune targeting assistance, set the parry window, and even tweak the overall speed of the game and the resources dropped. It’s a welcome change to have such granular control over these aspects, making every playthrough feel unique and tailored to my preferences.

More Cutscenes

As a gamer, I can say that Eternal had its moments with cutscenes, but Doom: The Dark Ages is significantly beefing up its storytelling and cinematic elements. It’s fascinating to see id Software taking the narrative into the cutscenes, as director Hugo Martin explains, which could potentially help clarify the complex lore of the Doom timeline that often leaves players like me scratching our heads. So, buckle up! It seems we’re in for quite a ride.

Campaign Length

Based on HowLongToBeat estimates, it typically takes around 14.5 hours to finish the main story in DOOM Eternal. For those who want to explore every nook and cranny, it can take up to 28.5 hours. The additional DLC could tack on approximately 13 more hours if you’re aiming for completion. Although id Software hasn’t officially disclosed the playtime for The Dark Ages, it’s being touted as the longest campaign in the series so far. With a stronger focus on storytelling, this FPS campaign could be one for the history books.

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2025-05-05 23:43