It’s been five years since the last DOOM game, and I can confidently say—I’ve been craving another one. So when the first trailer for DOOM: The Dark Ages dropped, I was instantly hyped. And I was lucky enough to get my hands on an early copy for review.
Gameplay & Story
According to the developers, DOOM: The Dark Ages was designed to feel like a modernized version of classic DOOM—and I can absolutely confirm that it delivers. It’s freaking awesome. The gameplay is an explosive blend of arcade shooter chaos, with you darting between projectiles and annihilating enemies with an arsenal of over-the-top weaponry. You feel massive and powerful, yet your movement across the map is buttery smooth. Every step feels like a stomp of authority, and I’ve never felt more worthy of the title “DOOM Slayer.” The shield you get adds an entirely new layer to the gameplay. Not only can you parry with it, but you can also throw it around like Captain America, turning it into a tool for combos and pure chaos. It’s a welcome addition that brings a fresh sense of depth and variety to the action.
For those who ever found past DOOM titles a bit too punishing, The Dark Ages offers a deeply customizable difficulty system. Sliders let you tweak just about everything, so you can shape the experience to match your preferred challenge level.
The early chapters ease you in with familiar run-and-gun mechanics, but it doesn't take long before you're thrown into wild sequences that feel like DOOM meets Pacific Rim, and it’s a total blast. The story hits all the beats you’d expect from a DOOM campaign: a big bad demon wants power, chaos ensues, and naturally, the only one who can stop it all is the DOOM Guy. Cue the demons realizing they’re absolutely screwed. It’s over-the-top, dramatic, and completely self-aware, you really have to experience it yourself. Put it this way, DOOM: The Dark Ages feels like a crazy combination of every beloved 80s action movie ever made, and I am 100% here for it.
Every level had me grinning from ear to ear. If you’ve ever enjoyed a DOOM game, you’re going to love The Dark Ages. Honestly, I was a little worried at first when I heard it wouldn’t be exactly like DOOM (2016) or DOOM Eternal, since I adored those games. But The Dark Ages isn’t trying to copy them—it’s trying to outdo them, and in many ways, it succeeds.
The game is also packed with hidden secrets and collectible toys, encouraging exploration and light puzzle-solving. If you're like me and love hunting down collectibles, you’ll be replaying levels just to find every last one. I definitely plan to 100% this game.
And of course, what would a DOOM game be without a killer soundtrack? The Dark Ages blends its iconic metal roots with medieval flair, creating a dramatic, headbanging audio experience that absolutely slaps. I’m devouring everything DOOM: The Dark Ages serves up—and I want seconds.
Feedback
If I had one minor gripe, it’s that the game’s difficulty sliders could use a bit more explanation. There are plenty of options to fine-tune the experience, which is great—but I found myself guessing what some of the settings actually affected. It’s definitely a small nitpick in the grand scheme of things, especially considering how much control the game gives you overall, but a little more clarity would’ve gone a long way for players who want to tailor the challenge just right.
Verdict
DOOM: The Dark Ages is, simply put, a blast. From the moment I booted it up, I was having an incredible time. Whether it was the heart-pounding combat, the smooth-as-hell movement, or the sheer joy of discovering hidden secrets, every moment felt like pure adrenaline-fueled fun.
Even if you’ve never played a DOOM game before—or don’t care much about the story—the gameplay absolutely speaks for itself. It’s accessible, endlessly entertaining, and polished to a high shine. The developers clearly poured passion into this game, and it shows in every stomp, every shotgun blast, and every soaring riff of the soundtrack.
I had an amazing time with The Dark Ages, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for an action-packed experience. Whether you're a longtime fan or a total newcomer, this game delivers.
DOOM: The Dark Ages will be available May 15th on PC via Steam, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Game Pass, and PlayStation 5.
