DOOM: The Dark Ages Review – Kicking Medieval Ass

Okay people. It’s time to throw up the horns and jump into one of the most METAL games you will ever play.

When DOOM: The Dark Ages was announced last year, and that teaser was shown, I (along with everyone at The Koalition) was instantly hyped.

DOOM: The Dark Ages is a prequel to DOOM 2016. The DOOM slayer has been summoned to help fight against the forces of evil in a medieval setting known as the Cosmic Realm. Is there a deeper story? Yes. Does it matter? No! For I am the DOOM slayer and only care about dismembering the hordes of demons that infest this realm while fist pumping guitar riffs blast into my eardrums.

The developers at id Software had talked about the major change to the gameplay style, especially compared to DOOM Eternal, which relied heavily on jumping, climbing, and constant movement to clear areas. This is not the case in DOOM: The Dark Ages. While you can still jump and climb, the gameplay is focused on frantic, in-your-face combat. The shield is your BFF and is needed not just for defense but also to parry various forms of short- and long-range attacks. Some might find this a bit odd, considering DOOM: The Dark Ages is still technically a shooter, but it all feels natural and fluid. Shield in one hand, badass gun in the other, like peanut butter & jelly.

Another major difference is the level design. There are 22 levels in total. DOOM Eternal and DOOM 2016 had 13 levels each. In addition to the visual designs, the levels also vary in size.

Some are wide open areas with plenty of paths for exploration. While others are smaller and may focus on a particular objective. One thing is for certain: each level has its own unique feel, with some including their own new hideous demons to slay.

Executions are back, and performing them still provides health for the DOOM slayer. You will also find health, ammo, and armor boost pick-ups, plus some weapon upgrades with a health regeneration perk. While the gameplay has changed, the thrill of the kill has not.

The DOOM slayer has an expansive arsenal of weapons that will put a Kool-Aid smile on your face when using them. I’m avoiding spoilers since some weapons are obtained during key moments, but I do want to talk about two of my favorites.

The Shield Saw is an upgrade you will obtain early on, and it’s amazing. This adds a chained edge around your shield. So you press the left trigger to block with the shield, but then LB to send it flying toward your enemies, and like Kratos’ shield, it will come back after it has made contact. It will also be used to open doors and enter new locations.

Another devastating new weapon is the Reaver Chainshot, which has 2 forms of attack. A light pull of the right trigger will do a quick short-range attack, while a long pull will unleash a chained mace that is great for long-range attacks. The DOOM slayer’s trusty shotgun and plasma rifle are still here and function as expected, but have a new skin design to go along with the other new weapons.

Now it’s also important to point out that DOOM: The Dark Ages is a strictly solo affair. There is NO multiplayer mode. Id Software explained this was a development choice as they wanted to focus 100% on the campaign and include some rideables such as the mech and dragon (not a spoiler as they were shown in trailers).

Honestly, I’m cool with this decision. While I do love my MP in games like COD, I am perfectly fine with not having one if the game in question has a strong single-player experience, which thankfully DOOM: The Dark Ages has.

DOOM: The Dark Ages upped the gore to OVER MAX with some weapons dishing up some unthinkable damage. The new gameplay style blends well with the level designs. The soundtrack is fitting for the combat taking place on your screen. The crazier the battle, the more vicious the soundtrack, which is produced by Finishing Moves Inc. and gives off a very heavy vibe of the band Meshuggah.

I can ramble on and on about DOOM: The Dark Ages, but the point of my review is to focus on key features that make the game worth your time and money. This game is worth both, and if you have Game Pass, it’s a no-brainer. DOOM: The Dark Ages is the new gold standard for modern over-the-top shooters, and as of right now, my choice for game of the year.

This written review was based on a digital review copy of DOOM: The Dark Ages for Xbox Series X provided by Bethesda Softworks.