Doom: The Dark Ages – The First Preview

Doom: The Dark Ages – A Return to Roots, Amplified

Following the phenomenal success of 2016's Doom and its sequel, Doom Eternal, id Software's latest installment, Doom: The Dark Ages, takes a different approach. Instead of building upon Eternal's platforming elements, this prequel grounds the combat in intense, strafe-heavy action with a powerful melee focus.

While the iconic arsenal returns – including the skull-crushing new weapon showcased in the reveal trailer – The Dark Ages significantly emphasizes three melee weapons: the charged gauntlet, the flail, and the versatile Shield Saw (throwable, blockable, parryable). Game director Hugo Martin emphasizes a "stand and fight" philosophy.

The game's inspiration draws heavily from the original Doom, Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, and Zack Snyder's 300. This influence is evident in the combat, featuring massive enemy encounters reminiscent of 300's battle scenes and the original Doom's arena-style fights. The Glory Kill system has been overhauled for improved fluidity, allowing for kills from any angle. Level design allows for non-linear progression, with shorter, more focused levels (approximately one hour each).

Addressing criticism of Doom Eternal's codex-heavy narrative, The Dark Ages delivers its story through cutscenes, promising a grand, cinematic experience that expands the Doom universe. The narrative focuses on the Slayer's power and the threats vying for control.

The control scheme has been simplified for improved intuitiveness, with melee weapons equipped individually. The game features a streamlined economy with a single currency (gold), and secrets reward tangible gameplay enhancements rather than lore. Difficulty is customizable via sliders, allowing players to adjust various parameters like game speed and enemy aggression.

Showcased sequences, like the giant Atlan mech and cybernetic dragon riding, are not isolated events but offer unique abilities and mini-boss encounters. Notably, The Dark Ages omits multiplayer, focusing all development resources on the single-player campaign.

Martin highlights the deliberate shift away from Doom Eternal's direction, emphasizing a return to the core principles of the original Doom. This focus on a powerful, classic Doom experience has generated significant excitement, with anticipation building for the May 15th release.