DOOM: The Dark Ages Reviews

DOOM: The Dark Ages is ranked in the 95th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
8 / 10.0
May 9, 2025

Doom: The Dark Ages is a notable new entry in the long-running FPS series with a flavor and gameplay ideas of its own, but it can feel oddly unfocused at times, plus not every change is for the better.

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9.1 / 10.0
May 9, 2025

Doom: The Dark Ages offers a powerful and unique shooting experience, blending close-range combat mechanics more commonly seen in action games into the FPS formula. If you're looking for the same blood-pumping intensity as Doom Eternal, this game delivers it in a more grounded and deliberate, yet still thrilling way.

Review in Chinese | Read full review

Spaziogames
Top Critic
8.3 / 10.0
May 9, 2025

DOOM: The Dark Ages is a game that, while solid and captivating, doesn't quite recapture the groundbreaking impact of its predecessor. It attempts to offer a fresh take on the series, but does so a bit too conservatively, lacking the sense of novelty that defined the bold direction of DOOM Eternal. While the deliberate pacing of combat and the intricacy of the environments have their own appeal, the absence of that dynamic drive leaves a slightly bitter aftertaste. For longtime fans, it's still a journey worth taking - but it certainly doesn't represent the saga's highest point.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Impulsegamer
Top Critic
4.8 / 5.0
May 9, 2025

DOOM: The Dark Ages is a masterclass of FPS gameplay and design. It would have been very easy for id to just make 'Eternal but more' for any sequel, instead choosing to completely mix up the formula and create a totally new experience that still manages to feel like DOOM. Its combat is incredibly rewarding to master and has a layer of depth not often seen in first-person shooters, and quite possibly may have become my favourite of the three games.

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9.5 / 10.0
May 9, 2025

An amazing new array of systems reinvents DOOM once again, delivering a bombastic and brutal new way to smash demons. With awesome new cosmic threats dying to meet the serrated edge of your shield, The Dark Ages may well be the best age for any aspiring Doom Slayer.

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GameSpew
Top Critic
10 / 10.0
May 9, 2025

Put simply, there's nothing else quite like DOOM: The Dark Ages out there. It's both epic and essential.

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8.8 / 10.0
May 9, 2025

DOOM: The Dark Ages is fun, chaotic and enjoyable. the Addition of Shield saw has added a new layer of depth to combat and exploration is rather fun. That being said some issues like low demon variety is noticable. Nevertheless, it's a game that everyone should play at least once.

Review in Persian | Read full review

Saudi Gamer
Top Critic
8 / 10
May 9, 2025

Keeps all the series' strong points of slick and smooth graphics and frenetic, violent gameplay with a different twist that is more grounded. A trilogy where every entry presents a variation on the main theme is a good one.

Review in Arabic | Read full review

9.5 / 10.0
May 9, 2025

Doom: The Dark Ages does many things differently from its predecessors, but it does them well. A rich story, a great sense of power, and still memorable, brutal gameplay make it not only a great addition to the legendary action franchise, but also one of the best games of the year.

Review in Slovak | Read full review

9 / 10.0
May 9, 2025

Captain America in a world of demons? DOOM: The Dark Ages does not revolutionize the series, but it offers extremely enjoyable gameplay. Satisfaction flows in liters, as does the blood of defeated enemies. There is spectacle.

Review in Polish | Read full review

8 / 10.0
May 9, 2025

Doom: The Dark Ages is a welcome attempt to reinvent the most iconic shooter franchise of all time rather than sticking with what had previously worked. Some of the changes work, and some don't, but for the most part, the gameplay is extremely fun, even if it didn't hit the highs of Eternal. An extremely weak plot, some feeble side mechanics, and a somewhat underwhelming soundtrack drag down things a tad, but if you enjoyed Eternal and 2016, then The Dark Ages still has a lot of fun in store for you. Just be prepared to parry like you're playing Metal Gear Rising.

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Zoomg
Top Critic
9.5 / 10.0
May 9, 2025

Overall, it’s fair to say that id Software has once again succeeded in creating a game worthy of carrying the legendary DOOM name. The Dark Ages takes some risks and introduces new features, but in the end, most of these decisions and changes pay off in the final experience. The Dark Ages is an unforgettable, adrenaline-fueled festival of demon-slaying, and if you're a fan of the DOOM series—or first-person action games in general—you absolutely shouldn’t miss out on the thrill of playing it.

Review in Persian | Read full review

95 / 100
May 9, 2025

DOOM: The Dark Ages is the most badass DOOM has ever been, featuring a killer soundtrack, first-person melee combat better than it has any right to be, and the most intriguing version of The Doom Slayer we’ve ever seen.

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9 / 10.0
May 9, 2025

While offering a much freer and more exaggerated power fantasy compared to DOOM Eternal, it also does a great job of setting itself apart from it.

Review in Turkish | Read full review

90 / 100
May 9, 2025

DOOM: The Dark Ages manages to innovate in a positive way the solid gameplay of its predecessors. The shield mechanics are very good, giving the combat a new feel. The parts with Serrat (dragon) and Atlan (mecha) are quite fun, despite being few. The campaign has a reasonable story and its length is just right, but the collectibles and secrets are easier to discover in general. In the end, DOOM: The Dark Ages is worth playing, despite not offering any other content besides the campaign itself.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

9 / 10.0
May 9, 2025

DOOM: The Dark Ages easily secures my top spot for this year's best first-person shooter game. While the narrative is somewhat decent but a bit forgettable, the refined progression system and improved core mechanics just make The Dark Ages such an entertaining game to play. Rip and tear, everyone... rip and tear!

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8 / 10.0
May 9, 2025

DOOM: The Dark Ages doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it sure does kick a punch. A familiar installment in many ways, which manages to bring freshness with new mechanics and gloomy scenarios in which you will love to get lost exploring.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

8 / 10.0
May 9, 2025

Doom: The Dark Ages marks a new chapter for the series, excelling in its combat system and more open map design, though it falls short in other areas.

Review in Italian | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
May 9, 2025

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.

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9.5 / 10.0
May 9, 2025

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