DOOM: The Dark Ages Reviews
Id Software has outdone itself with Doom: The Dark Ages. They reinvented the game to make it feel distinct, while familiar at the same time. The Shield Saw oozes satisfaction, despite the guns taking a somewhat backseat. Introducing cinematics is a breath of fresh air, even though the story is serviceable at best. The Atlan Mech and Dragon are nice ways to change the pace. But the run-and-gun gunplay remains as frenetic and brutal as ever. Truly, the legend of the Doom Slayer emerged from the Dark Ages.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is another fantastic entry in possibly the greatest FPS franchise of all time. Brutal, hardcore, and metal as hell.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is a solid prequel with expanded lore, inventive gameplay additions such as using mechs and dragons. It features great level design & good soundtrack, though it lacks Eternal's intensity and polish.
If you play DOOM: The Dark Ages, you get exactly what you would expect from a modern DOOM. There are powerful weapons, fast-paced combat against hordes of demons, a driving soundtrack with heavy guitars and plenty of blood. In Dark Ages, most of this does not take place in a sci-fi scenario, but in the middle of medieval-looking environments, which really suits the DOOM concept. The numerous enemy types, the sometimes bizarre weapons and our gigantic mech suit are also very appealing, as are the atmospheric, extremely dark levels. However, there is one thing you shouldn't expect from the new DOOM, and that is great innovation, because the series simply does what it does best - a modern interpretation of the classic first-person shooter. Graphically, The Dark Ages is certainly in the top league and scores with detailed worlds with a great atmosphere. All in all, DOOM: The Dark Ages is a successful, entertaining and sometimes really challenging series spin-off that delivers what it promises.
Review in German | Read full review
Since the combat is less kinetic compared to the past two games, it moves a bit slow, but in the best way possible. The movement feels slower than the previous two games and more in line with the original DOOM. The style and music are classic DOOM, which provides a major boost of energy to the mix. Some longtime fans might have issues with the changes to the formula, but the respect towards this franchise is still there. Even if gamers haven’t played a DOOM game, The Dark Ages is the perfect start.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is recommended for continuing to bet on a forceful combat. The incorporation of the shield-saw and the parry system suits it wonderfully, being very well implemented. In addition, the narrative is balanced with good cinematics, especially with a memorable start of the game. All this with a unique visuals and an ideal optimization on PC.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Doom: The Dark Ages is a Doom who turns out to be different as before. The game focuses on the new shield system where parry is also one of the new combat components. With new weapons and environments like never before, a lot of news awaits you. The Glory Kill system is also slightly adjusted. As a result, the Doom feeling is not fully present at all times. Nevertheless, it certainly remains a Doom game with smooth action as you know it. It may sometimes be slightly different than used to, but certainly a good game. For example, correct use of weapons has never been as important as before.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
DOOM: The Dark Ages is perhaps the best way to close the new "trilogy" that revived the classic title, and leaves a nod to even more to come.
Review in Greek | Read full review
By slightly modifying the core gameplay while preserving the gunplay and fast-paced action, id Software ensures that each new release in the Doom series remains a blood-soaked must-play, even with Doom: The Dark Ages having mixed results with the additions of the titan and dragon.
It hasn’t even been six months yet and we’ve already seen so many amazing games this year and I think Doom: The Dark Ages stands alongside them easily. The gameplay is extremely fun without being too hectic, with more open areas as Atlan and dragon sections break up the linear gameplay enough to keep it interesting. The visuals are stunning and the soundtrack with the excellent sound design keeps you pumped and wanting more. I can’t say for sure that Doom: The Dark Ages is worthy of 2025’s Game of The Year, but I definitely think it’s in the conversation and it’s a worthy addition to the franchise that pioneered the FPS genre.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is a brutal, thrilling, and visually spectacular entry in the franchise. It offers one of the best combat systems DOOM has seen, thanks largely to the Shield Saw and refined parrying. Despite a few pacing issues and some repetitive encounters in the final chapters, the game remains a worthy addition to the DOOM legacy. For fans of DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal, this is a no-brainer. It’s a rich, action-packed FPS that proves the Slayer’s fury burns just as bright in the past as it does in the future.
The Dark Ages perfects modern DOOM - keeping its signature brutality while innovating enough to feel fresh. A triumphant evolution that sets a new standard.
Review in Persian | Read full review
The Slayer feels like an agile tank: precise and brutal. Every step, every blow feels weighty and satisfying, while the game's varied combat and puzzles continually add new twists and turns. The mix of explosive action and hidden secrets makes for an overall motivating experience.
Review in German | Read full review
id Software has done it again this time. DOOM: The Dark Ages is a fun and satisfying title that succeeds in embracing a wide audience thanks to multiple accessibility options and an increased focus on the content on offer. We look forward to new content to satiate our thirst for hellish blood even more.
Review in Italian | Read full review
One of the world's most infamous mass-slayers returns to the battlefield once again to save the universe. Despite a few minor missteps, DOOM: The Dark Ages is an excellent shooter that stands firmly on its own, offering a unique package compared to its predecessors. I was genuinely surprised by how strongly it drew me in: its learning curve is well-designed, and the gameplay innovations worked extremely well for me. Adding to that, a well-made progression system with collectible treasures like the familiar satanic plushies, the experience is easy to recommend – both to longtime DOOM fans and those who may have skipped the previous entries. Demons, tremble!
Review in Finnish | Read full review
Id Software takes its best-known saga to unexpected places keeping intact the virtues that made Doom start a new chapter in the history of video games.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
id Software has delivered an exceptional game, staying true to the beloved and brutal gameplay style that DOOM fans have come to expect, while also introducing new weapons, abilities, and mechanics.
DOOM: The Dark Ages feels packed with situations that test a player and challenge them to use every element in their arsenal.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is more than a sequel. It is a re-foundation. A declaration of intent. A celebration of everything that made the saga great, but also a challenge to its own limitations. It reduces, simplifies, cleans - but in doing so, adds weight, intensity, meaning. It is the most concentrated chapter of the new trilogy, but also the one densest with ideas. It recaptures the spirit of the classics, but reworks it in a modern, coherent structure. It is no longer a Slayer against the world, but a vengeful spirit carved in iron, spanning an era that is both ancient and future. Are there imperfections? Yes. Some sections with the Atlan could have offered more variety. The difficulty should have been better calibrated by default. But these are details, creases in an armour that remains solid and menacing. As a whole, The Dark Ages is a fully aware, confident DOOM, capable of reinventing itself once again and doing so fearlessly. The Doom Slayer is back and in the Dark Ages, brighter than ever.
Review in Italian | Read full review
DOOM: THE DARK AGES feels like a reboot of its own, a sideways step back away from a lot of the changes made in DOOM Eternal. DOOM: THE DARK AGES doesn't have the same pressure on you to be absolutely perfect, the fun zone has been widened pretty dramatically and the game is much better for it. Of course if you want to ratchet it all the way up to ultra-violence difficult setting you absolutely can. The choice this time round, is completely yours.