DOOM: The Dark Ages was officially announced by Bethesda Softworks during Microsoft’s Xbox Games Showcase event last June. Developed by id Software, this upcoming prequel follows the Doom Slayer as he defends a medieval-techno-stylized kingdom against an endless hoard of hellish creatures.
After having a deeper look at the game before today’s Xbox Developer Direct, I’m pleased to say that DOOM: The Dark Ages kicks major ass and is an absolute must-play for fans of the series. Here are more thoughts on the hotly anticipated first-person shooter and why now is the perfect time to revisit hell.

Stand And Fight
DOOM: The Dark Ages is a single-player first-person shooter and the third installment in the modern series. Following in the footsteps of DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal (2020), this entry is described as a prequel that takes our bloodthirsty protagonist on a journey filled with chaos and carnage. Set within a medieval fantasy world, The Doom Slayer is the perfect superweapon ready to eradicate the forces of hell.
As confirmed by id Software, this is a uniquely crafted single-player-only experience with no plans to incorporate multiplayer modes or features. This decision makes sense because it allowed the team to put all their blood, sweat, and tears into creating the best campaign possible. Knowing what they did with the last two games, I’m eager to see how The Dark Ages turns out when it drops.

What separates DOOM: The Dark Ages from its predecessors lies in how the playstyle has evolved. Doom Slayer is now an unstoppable iron tank that can use heavy attacks while moving quickly. This tank playstyle is similar to how Ubisoft plans to treat Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows but with nuanced differences. This greater emphasis on power reinforces the idea that the Doom Slayer can go toe-to-toe with any creature and deliver a satisfyingly brutal kill every time.
In addition to the new playstyle, the new Shield Saw is an instant game changer. Today’s gameplay presentation confirmed that you can block, throw, parry, and deflect attacks. We also saw 3 melee weapons and a few powerful guns designed to match our hero’s dominance. This wide assortment of combat options makes the game more immersive and players will have endless hours of fun decimating enemies left and right.

Dragons and Mechs Oh My!
When DOOM: The Dark Ages was first revealed we got a very brief look at an Atlan Mech and Dragon. Today’s presentation confirmed that you can pilot a Mech and participate in larger-than-life battles. This ambitious idea of adding Mech combat to the game makes it even more unique and offers players another way to experience the insane world of DOOM.
This same rule applies to the Cybernetic Dragon which lets players fly and attack airborne enemies and obstacles head-on. While we didn’t get too many details on how these gameplay mechanics will work, using these new toys in your arsenal is a badass concept. It also opens up the possibility of fighting even bigger more agile creatures throughout the campaign.

Exploration and Story
Rounding out the list of things to look forward to with DOOM: The Dark Ages is a greater focus on exploration and storytelling. id Software has promised its most expansive world ever with larger sandboxes. While this isn’t an open-world experience, it is large enough to explore and uncover secrets at every corner.
From a narrative standpoint, there will be questions about Doom Slayer’s origins and how he grew to become the badass he is in the previous titles. Players can expect answers to some of these questions and more. I’m also hoping we get a deep dive into why he has found himself in this unique setting and how the events lead directly into DOOM 2016.
DOOM: The Dark Ages launches on May 15th for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Game Pass, and PC. Are any of you planning on picking it up? Let us know in the comments section below.