TheSpaceMcfly Doom: The Dark Ages Review

Doom: The Dark Ages marks a daring and thunderous new chapter for the franchise, transporting the Slayer into a medieval-inspired nightmare brimming with towering gothic cathedrals, demonic strongholds, and some of the most intense close-quarters combat the series has ever seen. Astonishingly, the gameplay may even surpass the high-octane brilliance of 2020’s Doom Eternal. From the moment you wield the weighty shield-saw or ride into battle on a dragon-like war mount (yes, that happens), it becomes clear that The Dark Ages aims for something grander, heavier, and more grounded than its breakneck-speed predecessors. The combat manages to strike an impressive balance between the relentless ferocity of Eternal and a more deliberate, rhythm-driven pace that rewards precision, mobility, and strategic execution. New weapons and enemy types challenge players to adapt, and the level design is some of the most intricate and visually stunning the series has ever produced. However, where the gameplay ascends to new heights, the narrative unfortunately struggles to keep pace. While earlier entries in the modern Doom saga built a surprisingly rich mythos around the Slayer’s eternal conflict, The Dark Ages feels like a missed opportunity in terms of storytelling. It attempts to craft a mythic origin for the Doom Slayer but ultimately delivers a tale that feels thin and somewhat detached from the emotional and thematic drive established in Doom Eternal. The story pacing is uneven, often relying too heavily on vague prophecies and exposition-heavy lore instead of impactful character development or memorable stakes. That said, the game’s art direction is breathtaking, the soundtrack remains thunderous and unforgettable, and the moment-to-moment gameplay is nothing short of top-tier. Doom: The Dark Ages is a triumphant mechanical experience that reaffirms id Software’s mastery of the genre. Still, one can't help but wonder what heights it could have reached had the narrative been given the same level of focus and craftsmanship as its combat.