New Gameplay Details Revealed for Doom: The Dark Ages

Doom: The Dark Ages – A Medieval Twist on Classic Gameplay

EDGE magazine recently featured an interview with the developers of Doom: The Dark Ages, revealing exciting gameplay details. This iteration prioritizes narrative, boasting the largest levels in the franchise's history, creating a more sandbox-like experience.

Game director Hugo Martin and studio head Marty Stratton highlighted key aspects:

Unlike previous Doom games where lore was primarily delivered through text logs, The Dark Ages will feature a more direct storytelling approach. The game's atmosphere shifts to a medieval setting, minimizing futuristic elements. Even iconic weapons undergo a design revamp to maintain thematic consistency.

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While retaining the series' signature distinct levels, Doom: The Dark Ages introduces the largest levels yet, seamlessly blending dungeon crawling with open-world exploration. The game's structure is divided into "acts," progressing from confined dungeons to expansive areas. A unique element is the ability to control both a dragon and a mech, significantly enhancing gameplay diversity.

The Slayer's arsenal gains a novel addition: a shield that functions as a chainsaw. This versatile tool can be thrown at enemies, exhibiting varied effects based on the target (flesh, armor, energy shields, etc.). The shield also facilitates a dash attack for rapid closing of distances, compensating for the absence of double jumps and roars from previous installments. Parrying capabilities are included, with adjustable difficulty settings and precise timing requirements.

Parrying acts as a melee attack "reload," while melee combat replenishes primary weapon ammunition, mirroring the chainsaw mechanic in DOOM Eternal. Melee combat options include a fast gauntlet, a balanced shield, and a slower mace.