In every whip of the flail, each shotgun discharge, every slash of the Saw Shield against a demon’s visage, there is one thought that echoes strongly within me: Assurance. This is the term that encapsulates my impression of DOOM: The Dark Ages, as I experienced it during a preview event prior to the Xbox Developer_Direct showcase on Thursday.
Based on my observations, it appears that the development team has aimed to revitalize the traditional elements that define a DOOM game, yet they’ve managed to maintain the brutal action and excitement that fans have grown to cherish.
Diving into a medieval war
In the new version of Bethesda Softworks and id Software’s demon-slaying first-person shooter series, there are significant differences compared to its previous version, a deliberate choice by the developers. Game director Hugo Martin mentions that they are proud of what was achieved in DOOM Eternal, but there were no more stunts left to perform when it came to enhancing the Slayer’s abilities.
In DOOM: The Dark Ages, instead of the agile platforming and swift jumps characteristic of DOOM Eternal, players will experience a more substantial and slow-moving Slayer, resembling an iron giant relentlessly crushing through expansive battlefields. Executive producer Marty Stratton refers to this game as id Software’s “most ambitious project yet,” and the war-torn arenas filled with colossal spires certainly reinforce that sentiment.
In the Dark Ages setting of this game, most of the Slayer’s weapons are brand new, deliberately introduced by the development team to create a fresh feel. These weapons draw inspiration from gruesome torture devices and brutal medieval weaponry, with the Skull Crusher standing out as it splinters skulls into fireballs aimed at enemies, a spectacle that would catch the attention of even the Warhammer universe.
You have three distinct melee weapons at your disposal to customize your gameplay: a flail, a mace, and an electrified glove. Each weapon offers unique benefits and drawbacks that may be advantageous in various scenarios.
In DOOM Eternal, players aren’t limited to fighting on the ground against towering demonic adversaries; instead, they can also jump into colossal Atlan mechs, firing machine guns and punching demons with armored fists. For aerial enemies, the Slayer soars through the skies on a cybernetic dragon, apparently exploring a sprawling golden city. According to the developers, these mechanical and dragon mounts will be utilized specifically against certain mini-bosses.
To alleviate any concerns for first-time players finding the game too challenging, id Software has incorporated various difficulty settings. These settings allow players to accelerate or decelerate the game pace, widen parry windows, and make other adjustments as needed for a more comfortable gaming experience.
The entire scenario unfolds to the rhythm of a heavy metal soundtrack, which aligns perfectly with the series’ existing tone and atmosphere. The music for DOOM: The Dark Ages is being crafted by Finishing Move, a group that has previously contributed to several projects such as Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo Wars 2, and The Callisto Protocol.
As an observer, I find it noteworthy that DOOM: The Dark Ages is a solo journey, a choice Stratton mentioned was made “from the start” to allow the developers to concentrate their efforts effectively. Martin further explains that the team has previously dabbled in multiplayer, but ultimately, they had to decide between cooperative play or incorporating the mech and dragon elements – and they chose the latter.
A hellishly good time awaits
Since the very first trailer for this game unveiled at the Xbox Games Showcase 2024, I’ve been absolutely thrilled about it and couldn’t shake off that excitement. This sneak peek only served to strengthen my anticipation for the gameplay and how impressive everything the developers have created appears.
I’m keen on discovering more details about id Tech 8, particularly the game modes console players can look forward to. However, I assume we’ll receive that information soon enough. As it stands, DOOM: The Dark Ages is undoubtedly the game I’m most eagerly awaiting this year, and I can hardly contain my excitement to play it.
Best of all, I won’t be waiting until the end of the year to get my hands on it.
I’m absolutely thrilled to share that at the Developer_Direct event, we officially announced the release date for DOOM: The Dark Ages! Mark your calendars for May 15, 2025, because this action-packed game will be available on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PlayStation 5. If you preorder the Deluxe edition, you’ll gain early access to the game two days before everyone else! To add to the excitement, DOOM: The Dark Ages will be included in day one on both Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Can’t wait to jump into the fray with you all!
Read More
- GBP EUR PREDICTION
- Rumoured The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remake Dev is Working on an “Unannounced Unreal Engine 5 Remake”
- CRV PREDICTION. CRV cryptocurrency
- CNY RUB PREDICTION
- ICP PREDICTION. ICP cryptocurrency
- HBAR PREDICTION. HBAR cryptocurrency
- Wise Guy: David Chase Revisits The Sopranos in HBO Documentary Trailer
- CNY JPY PREDICTION
- Scott Disick Reveals “Hook Up” Advice He Gave Son Mason Disick
- Creature Commandos: Did James Gunn Reveal the DCU’s First Big Baddie?
2025-01-23 22:09