Introduction
Yo, Doom fans! Doom: The Dark Ages crashed onto the scene on May 15, 2025, and it’s a wild trip. id Software and Bethesda Softworks toss the Doom Slayer into a medieval hellscape, swinging axes and the slick Shield Saw to shred demons. Out now on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox Game Pass, it mixes dark fantasy with Doom’s signature carnage.
We’re diving into the story, gameplay, and visuals to see if this prequel lives up to the Doom legacy. Whether you’re a longtime Slayer or just curious, this review will help you decide if it’s your next gaming fix.
A Medieval Doom Quest
Imagine the Doom Slayer storming castles, dodging dragons, and slicing through demon hordes in a swampy, medieval world. Doom: The Dark Ages sets up shop before Doom (2016), delivering a 22-level campaign packed with dark fantasy and sci-fi grit. The visuals are straight-up gorgeous.
But there’s a snag: the maps feel kinda empty. Secrets are too easy to find, and puzzles won’t make you think twice. If you loved hunting for hidden stuff in Doom Eternal, this might leave you wanting more.
Combat That Hits Hard (Mostly)
The action’s where Doom: The Dark Ages flexes. It keeps that bloody, in-your-face Doom vibe but dials back the speed for more melee focus. The Shield Saw steals the spotlight—you can block, parry, or fling it at demons like a deadly frisbee. You’ll also hop on dragons and pilot mechs for some epic moments.
On the flip side, the game simplifies things. Ammo’s no worry, so you’re never desperate. The chainsaw, a Doom staple, is MIA, and fans aren’t happy. The guns? Kinda meh, missing the punch of Doom Eternal’s arsenal. Critics call it the easiest Doom yet, which is awesome for newbies but might bore veterans. AI pals, called Sentinels, tag along, but they don’t add much.
Still, the 20+ hour campaign keeps you glued with non-stop demon-slaying. It’s a good time, even if it doesn’t push you like Doom Eternal did.
Visuals That Pop and Performance That Rocks
Doom: The Dark Ages is a visual feast. Think detailed castles, gnarly demons, and moody lighting that sets the tone. The idTech engine delivers crisp graphics without tanking your system.
On PC, it runs smooth as butter. Ray tracing’s always on but doesn’t demand a monster rig. The heavy metal soundtrack absolutely slaps, and slick cutscenes make the story feel like a movie. No complaints here.
Comparison Table: Doom Trilogy
| Feature | Doom (2016) | Doom Eternal (2020) | Doom: The Dark Ages (2025) |
| Vibe | Sci-fi slaughter | High-speed chaos | Medieval mayhem |
| Difficulty | Tough but fair | Brutally intense | Easiest of the bunch |
| Standout Weapon | Chainsaw, BFG | Chainsaw, Crucible | Shield Saw (no chainsaw) |
| Level Design | Maze-like, rewarding | Tricky secrets | Sparse, obvious secrets |
| Ammo Management | Keep an eye on it | Plan carefully | Barely matters |
| Replay Value | Tons of fun | Addictive | A bit limited |
What the Experts Say
Critics are torn. Some praise the shift from Doom Eternal’s parkour-heavy chaos, calling it a “bloody blast.” Others dig its chill, grounded vibe, like a fun reimagining of Doom. But many agree it plays it safe, scoring around 80/100 for fun gameplay but weaker depth.
Dr. John Smith, a game design scholar, noted in 2024 that tweaking a franchise’s formula can draw new fans but risks losing the core crowd. That sums up Doom: The Dark Ages—it’s approachable but doesn’t hit as hard as veterans might hope.
FAQs
- When did Doom: The Dark Ages drop?
It launched May 15, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. - Is it on Xbox Game Pass?
Yep, you can play it on Game Pass from day one. - Does it have multiplayer?
Nope, it’s a solo campaign focused on story and action. - What’s new with weapons?
The Shield Saw rocks for melee and ranged attacks, but there’s no chainsaw, which bums out some fans. - How tough is it compared to other Doom games?
It’s the easiest in the modern trilogy, great for new players but maybe too light for pros.
Common Rookie Mistakes
- Ignoring the Shield Saw: It’s your MVP—use it to block, bash, and throw.
- Expecting Doom Eternal 2.0: This one’s slower, so don’t bank on the same frantic pace.
- Skipping Exploration: Secrets are obvious, but blowing past them means missing cool extras.
Wrapping It Up
Doom: The Dark Ages is a bold swing for the Doom series. Its medieval flair, killer visuals, and fun combat make it a great romp, especially for newbies or fans craving something different. But emptier levels, weaker guns, and no chainsaw keep it from topping Doom (2016) or Doom Eternal. With a beefy 20+ hour campaign and Game Pass access, it’s worth a go for FPS fans, even if it won’t keep you hooked forever.
