Doom: The Dark Ages brings gamers a chapter filled with adrenaline-heavy combat and a unique new setting, making it a stand-out entry in the long-running franchise. Before the launch of Doom: The Dark Ages, there were plenty of questions about what the new weapons and items would bring to the table, and these additions have not disappointed.
Whether one is slicing into demons with the Shield Saw or riding on the back of a dragon, Doom: The Dark Ages boasts a thrilling arsenal that makes the action that much more heart-pounding. However, one particular shining moment in the game is when players get to control a huge mech suit and punch gigantic demons into oblivion. It puts a great twist on the Doom formula, but Doom: The Dark Ages isn't the only game set to introduce mechs this year. Death Stranding 2 is also bringing forth its own twist on a mech, which could scratch the itch for Doom: The Dark Ages players who want more after finishing the game.
More Games Can Learn From Doom: The Dark Ages' Fight Over Flight Approach
Doom: The Dark Ages doesn't hold back on the action, and its method of rewarding aggressive players could inspire other games.
Doom: The Dark Ages and Death Stranding 2 Are Both Bringing Mech Suits Front and Center
- Death Stranding 2 is set to release for the PS5 on June 26, 2025.
On the surface, Doom: The Dark Ages and Death Stranding 2 are incredibly different games. While the former is an intense first-person shooter, the latter is far more about the story and its characters. That hasn't stopped Hideo Kojima from ramping up the action this time around, though. From the trailers alone, it's clear that there will be more action compared to its more laid-back predecessor, but one of the most intriguing additions is Kojima Productions' take on a mech suit.
At SXSW earlier this year, Kojima revealed a new trailer for Death Stranding 2 that showcased Heartman piloting a form of mech. It's a wild moment in the trailer that really demonstrates just how much bolder Kojima is going with the upcoming sequel. It's unclear how prominent these mech fights will be, but for Doom: The Dark Ages fans who thoroughly enjoyed the game's mech fights, Death Stranding 2 may now be a game that some players will want to keep an eye on.
Death Stranding 2's mech is called the Magellan Man.
Death Stranding 2's Mech Could Offer a Different Perspective
Death Stranding 2's mech is likely to play a lot differently than Doom: The Dark Ages, but that doesn't mean it won't be satisfying to handle. While Doom: The Dark Ages is a first-person experience, Death Stranding 2 is third-person, so the mech fights are more than likely going to be from different perspectives. However, depending on how this section of the game controls, it could potentially be on par with the sequences in Doom: The Dark Ages.
In an interview with Edge Magazine, Kojima revealed that the early feedback for Death Stranding 2 is more positive than its predecessor, which was quite divisive after its launch in 2019.
Doom: The Dark Ages and Death Stranding 2 Open the Door to a Mech Resurgence
With these two major games both featuring their own mech suits, it will be interesting to see if more games lean into mech gameplay in the future. There is a lot of potential in the concept, and Doom: The Dark Ages is a great example of how well it can work in first-person. Once Death Stranding 2 launches, getting to compare the two will be a lot of fun.
Only time will tell if more games bring mechs front and center, but it's intriguing that both May and June have titles that are bringing similar features to players. Death Stranding 2 may be a much different experience overall, but Doom: The Dark Ages fans could have a fun time jumping back into the driver's seat of a mech.
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
