DOOM: The Dark Ages Reviews
DOOM The Dark Ages is an extraordinary game, a title that, as already mentioned, forcefully positions itself as one of the best of the year. It's DOOM to the nth degree, succeeding in evolving the formula without betraying its spirit; in fact, in some ways, it even returns to the saga's roots. It could definitively win the hearts of long-time fans, captivated by its level design and its more "grounded" feeling. It might appeal slightly less, but still immensely, to those who idolized the aerial frenzy of Eternal, yet they will still find themselves facing a deep, satisfying, and technically flawless gaming experience. It is, in my opinion, the most complete and narratively well-crafted DOOM of the modern trilogy, and that's why I was prompted to give it our Editor's Choice. We are looking at a title of exceptional caliber, a must-buy for every shooter enthusiast and another gem in the already rich Xbox Game Pass catalog. Prepare to unleash hell. Again.
Review in Italian | Read full review
DOOM: The Dark Ages masterfully balances nostalgic boomer shooter vibes with fresh gameplay ideas, delivering a visceral, addictive combat loop. While some forced innovations dilute the pace and highlight level design flaws, it’s still a thrilling ride for FPS fans and a worthy evolution of the series.
Review in Italian | Read full review
DOOM: The Dark Ages is perhaps the toughest DOOM title to date. The new weapons, especially the Shield Saw, are great. The story and the Slayer mythology are told in a cool way. The combination of brutal combat, immersive atmosphere and impressive level design make this one of the best single-player shooters of the year. Where other games stick to safe formulas, this game dares to do something really new, without losing that raw, tough DOOM feeling.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
DOOM: The Dark Ages is a fantastic next step for the franchise and a nice return to its roots. The horizontal-movement focus is easier to wrap my head around, and with a great assortment of weapons and the new shield, there were so many chaotic and destructive moments that I always found myself having a great time in the beautiful world. There were some moments when the shield would disrupt the flow of my movement, and there wasn't much to do outside of completing the campaign and collecting the secrets, but it's hard not to recommend the game just based on its addictive and refined gunplay.
I liked Doom: The Dark Ages, which is a bit more innovative, may not be liked by old fans but has a game system that can attract new players, and also comes with official Turkish language support, and I even had more fun playing it than Doom Eternal.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
The best way to summarize DOOM: The Dark Ages is that it lets you live out the ultimate fantasy of a testosterone-fueled, steroid-pumped gym bro who goes to space and slaughters demons—and nothing can stop him. There’s truly nothing else like it on the market right now, especially in today’s overly sanitized, pussy ass snowflake-infested gaming landscape. So thank you, Bethesda, for delivering the ultimate male power fantasy we all deserve.
Doom: The Dark Ages proves that there's no need to fear change, as long as it's done with purpose, respect, and solid design. It’s a tribute to what Doom once was, an evolution of what it is today, and perhaps a glimpse of where it’s headed in the future. If you're a fan of intense, demanding shooters with a strong personality, this game won't disappoint you. And if you're looking for something fresh within the genre, this might be exactly what you needed.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
DOOM: The Dark Ages is a remarkable addition to the DOOM franchise, showcasing an impressive evolution in gameplay and storytelling.
As someone who wants story in my single player games, Doom: The Dark Ages delivered in a way previous Doom games never did while keeping the core fans happy with the crisp, varied gun play. Doom: The Dark Ages is a must play for fans and is a great place to start for newcomers.
Doom: The Dark Ages is a brutal, strategic, and satisfying shooter that dares to try something new without abandoning what fans love. It’s another classic in the making, and a clear sign that the series has a lot of room to grow.
Doom: The Dark Ages marks a definite and conscious turning point for the franchise, offering a more mature, visceral and atmospheric dark fantasy/fantasy single-player experience. Abandoning the ultratechnical frenzy of Doom Eternal, the game draws on dark, Lovecraftian medieval imagery, resulting in a slower, but no less brutal or satisfying shooter. The introduction of new parry mechanics (thanks to the incredible shield saw), melee weapons, new and devastating mouths of fire, and sections aboard mechs and dragons makes the gameplay surprisingly varied and consistent with the setting. Despite some risk of repetitiveness and the absence of a multiplayer segment, The Dark Ages succeeds in revamping the formula without betraying the identity of the Doom Slayer and making it-thanks to the many accessibility features-accessible to any player. It is a different Doom and, for that very reason, damn fascinating!
Review in Italian | Read full review
All the new additions id Software introduced in Doom: The Dark Ages are welcome changes to keep a franchise that's been around for more than three decades feeling fresh. I still can't shake the feeling that something's missing, though. It just doesn't have the same pull as the last two Doom games.
In lesser hands, The Dark Ages would be fun but forgettable. In Id’s hands, this is a deep action experience solely focused on a relentless, but brilliantly controlled flow state. It’s a game that takes the simplest, yet coolest ideas and commits completely to them with peerless execution, making sure above else, it’s sick as hell.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is far more than just another chapter in the legendary shooter saga. It is an uncompromisingly staged action experience that shows the courage to innovate without denying its roots. id Software has succeeded in reinterpreting DOOM and at the same time creating an intense, dark world that is radically different from its predecessor while capturing the charm of the classics. DOOM: The Dark Ages is a true masterpiece of the modern action shooter
Review in German | Read full review
In all the ways that matter, Doom: The Dark Ages is a pure power fantasy, loading you up with outlandish weaponry and lethal powers and unleashing you on the horde.
Doom: The Dark Ages is another standout release from id Software. It showcases a bold departure from Doom Eternal’s gameplay foundations while innovating on the tried-and-true FPS formula. While the action remains fast-paced and visceral, this installment embraces a more grounded approach, delivering impactful and satisfying combat with every strike. Doom: The Dark Ages is a hellishly spectacular experience and possibly worthy of Game of the Year nods. While Doom Eternal purists may find its more deliberate combat style a departure from previous entries, the game stands confidently alongside its predecessors as a must-play for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is id Software firing on all cylinders. This game fixes everything I didn’t like about DOOM Eternal, and enhances everything I loved about DOOM (2016). It’s a first-person shooter that smartly incorporates timing and challenge in a whole new way, with lots of replayability. A customizable parry window ensures The Dark Ages can be for anyone, regardless of skill level. DOOM: The Dark Ages finds refinement upon excellence to be a bright spot in the dark ages for this third and hopefully not final entry for the venerable first-person shooter.
DOOM: The Dark Ages does the impossible and raises the bar of an already outstanding franchise. It brings top-notch gunplay, satisfying story, stunning visuals, and worthwhile exploration, all in a gorgeous, hellish package.
DOOM The Dark Ages is aggressive as hell, loud, fast, and all the fun you want. Sometimes you just need to pick up a shotgun, a flail, and a saw-bladed shield and rip through baddies. To put it simply, DOOM The Dark Ages is rewarding. The gameplay matters and ultimately makes up for any weaknesses in the story.