Doom: The Dark Ages marks several firsts for the beloved franchise, making this installment an exciting change of pace for the series. With each new sequel that a game spawns, changes are bound to happen, but some decisions prove to be huge risks for the franchise as a whole. That's one of the main aspects that made Doom: The Dark Ages so fascinating once it was announced, because the game offers several features that are major changes for the series.
From more exploration-based maps to a heavier focus on melee, Doom: The Dark Ages elevates the series in interesting ways. While certain changes to the formula are bound to face criticism from some players, Doom: The Dark Ages has done a solid job at showcasing just how many changes can be brought forth in a new game while still maintaining the heart of the series. Developer id Software took a major leap of faith with Doom: The Dark Ages, and it appears as though this franchise shake-up is paying off quite well.
Why Doom: The Dark Ages’ Low Steam Player Count Isn’t Cause for Concern
Although Doom: The Dark Ages isn't setting Steam's sales charts on fire like its predecessor did, this may not be cause for concern.
Doom: The Dark Ages is a Strong Demonstration of How Taking Risks Can Make a Successful Series Even Stronger
Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal
Granted, Doom Eternal made plenty of changes to the formula introduced by Doom (2016) With Doom Eternal, combat became far more complex and less ammo required a more methodical approach amid the onslaught of chaotic encounters. Not every Doom fan was happy with this change, which is understandable. Taste is subjective, of course, but Doom Eternal paved the way for a deeper gameplay experience overall that Doom: The Dark Ages takes even further.
Doom: The Dark Ages features 24 collectible toys that can be found within the game.
Developer id Software took a major leap of faith with Doom: The Dark Ages.
Doom: The Dark Ages' Biggest Changes
- A brand-new medieval setting on the planet Argent D'nur.
- New weapons
- A rideable dragon named Serrat
- A mech suit called the Atlan
- More open level maps
- A parry system
- Glory Kill changes
While certain changes, like the new Glory Kills system, can be divisive, other additions like Serrat and the Atlan have received a lot of positive feedback from players. The list of changes made in Doom: The Dark Ages is not insignificant, but thanks to the well-balanced nature of these tweaks, id Software has brought gamers a showcase of how beneficial big risks can be.
Such bold differences may have actually helped bring further success to Doom: The Dark Ages. So far, Doom: The Dark Ages' first week has brought gamers a parry-filled fight against Hell that also introduces more player freedom within each level. The medieval-inspired setting could have been enough of a change to draw players in, but the gameplay variety that Doom: The Dark Ages boasts helps set it apart while also staying true to the franchise's legacy.
Despite all of these new features, Doom: The Dark Ages still feels very much like a Doom game. Aiming for something fresh that still honors the series is no easy task, and id Software has skillfully pulled it off. Doom Eternal demonstrated that the developer isn't afraid to switch things up, and Doom: The Dark Ages turns up the dial on this method.
This time around, Glory Kills are usually reserved for higher-level enemies and bosses. However, there are Glory Strikes that still give demons a solid beating.
After Doom: The Dark Ages, id Sofware Has High Expectations to Meet
If anything has defined the modern Doom franchise, it's innovation. Doom (2016) set the stage, and Doom Eternal and Doom: The Dark Ages have used that stage as a springboard to further the series. On the one hand, id Software now has the difficult job of one-upping its innovation in the future, but the developer has proven that it has what it takes to subvert expectations in a thrilling way.
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
