As one of the most iconic protagonists in gaming, the Slayer returns once more in Doom: The Dark Ages. Fighting hordes of demonic enemies and protecting the planet of Argent D'Nur, the Slayer gets an all-new arsenal of weapons that make Doom: The Dark Ages a unique change of pace. However, his weaponry isn't the only thing that's changed.
The Slayer has gotten a big makeover in Doom: The Dark Ages, and not just his armor. His face is shown later in the game's story, and for those who have been following the rebooted series, he clearly looks a lot different. Doom (2016) hid his features for the most part, but Doom Eternal gave players a full-blown face reveal. However, in Doom: The Dark Ages, developer id Software has made some tweaks that actually give the character a lot more depth.
Doom: The Dark Ages Pays Great Respect to the Franchise's Melee Weapon History
Doom: The Dark Ages offers many ways that players can take on the armies of Hell, and it does not shy away from taking melee combat to the next level.
The Slayer's Appearance in Doom: The Dark Ages Illustrates Just How Much the Character Has Been Through
The Events Before Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal
Doom: The Dark Ages serves as a prequel to the rest of this newer era of Doom, so it makes sense that the Slayer looks younger compared to his Doom Eternal counterpart. While he still looks hardened by battle, his features and expressions aren't as intense. In Doom Eternal, his scowl is almost comical with how exaggerated it is, but after years and years of fighting off the forces of Hell, it only makes sense for him to have such a drastic frown.
What makes his changed appearance in Doom: The Dark Ages so effective, though, is that it really shows the toll fighting has had on the Slayer as he continues to take on Hell. Doom: The Dark Ages makes a lot of changes to the established formula, and the difference in the Slayer's face ultimately makes his appearance in Doom Eternal hold a deeper meaning.
Doom: The Dark Ages features six difficulty presets; Aspiring Slayer, Hurt Me Plenty, Ultra-Violence, Nightmare, Pandemonium, and Ultra-Nightmare.
The Doom franchise can be seen by some as a shallow series of games that are simply about shooting and slashing through Hell spawns. Of course, that's partially true, but there is actually far more to the story, and the difference between Doom: The Dark Ages and Doom Eternal helps demonstrate that. By the time the story of Doom Eternal takes place, the Slayer has literally been through Hell, and it's transformed him over time. He's been at war with other-worldly beings, so seeing a fresh-faced version of the character in Doom: The Dark Ages adds an unexpected dose of emotional weight to him.
Doom: The Dark Ages' new weapons include the Shield Saw, Pulverizer, Shredder, Impaler, Cycler, Flail, and Chainshot.
By the time the story of Doom Eternal takes place, the Slayer has literally been through Hell.
Doom: The Dark Ages Leaves the Franchise With a Compelling Opportunity
Between the backstory given and the fresh ideas introduced, like the Atlan mech and rideable dragon, Doom: The Dark Ages puts the future of the franchise in a tricky, but exciting, situation. The doors have been thrown wide open for even more experimental risk-taking, so it will be interesting to see where id Software chooses to go next with another chapter.
Since Doom: The Dark Ages is a prequel, the next chapter may take place after Doom Eternal, but this is purely speculation. However, if that's the case, it will be fascinating to see just how much the Slayer's appearance has changed after the events of Doom Eternal. While Khan Maykr mentioned the Slayer's apparent immortality in Doom Eternal, the difference between his appearance in that story and Doom: The Dark Ages shows that he can still become physically hardened through the challenge of war.
DOOM: The Dark Ages
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 86 /100 Critics Rec: 95%
- Released
- May 15, 2025
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence
- Developer(s)
- id Software
- Publisher(s)
- Bethesda Softworks
WHERE TO PLAY
BECOME THE SLAYER IN A MEDIEVAL WAR AGAINST HELL
DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells an epic cinematic story worthy of the DOOM Slayer’s legend. In this third installment of the modern DOOM series, players will step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer, in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is a dark fantasy/sci-fi single-player experience that delivers the searing combat and over-the-top visuals of the incomparable DOOM franchise, powered by the latest idTech engine.
REIGN IN HELL
As the super weapon of gods and kings, shred enemies with devastating favorites like the Super Shotgun while also wielding a variety of new bone-chewing weapons, including the versatile Shield Saw. Players will stand and fight on the demon-infested battlefields in the vicious, grounded combat the original DOOM is famous for.
STAND AND FIGHT
Experience an epic story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage in this cinematic and action-packed story. Bound to serve as the super weapon of gods and kings, the DOOM Slayer fends off demon hordes as their leader seeks to destroy the Slayer and become the only one that is feared. Witness the creation of a legend as the Slayer takes on all of Hell and turns the tide of the war.
DISCOVER UNKNOWN REALMS
In his quest to crush the legions of Hell, the Slayer must take the fight to never-before-seen realms. Mystery, challenges, and rewards lurk in every shadow of ruined castles, epic battlefields, dark forests, ancient hellscapes, and worlds beyond. Armed with the viciously powerful Shield Saw, cut through a dark world of menace and secrets in id's largest and most expansive levels to date.
- Engine
- id Tech
- Genre(s)
- FPS, Action, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
