Doom: The Dark Agesmarks 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 madeDoom: The Dark Agesso 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 Ageselevates the seriesin interesting ways. While certain changes to the formula are bound to face criticism from some players,Doom: The Dark Ageshas 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 withDoom: The Dark Ages, and it appears as though this franchise shake-up is paying off quite well.
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 Eternalmade plenty of changes to the formula introduced byDoom(2016) WithDoom Eternal, combat became far more complex and less ammo required a more methodical approach amid the onslaught of chaotic encounters. Not everyDoomfan was happy with this change, which is understandable. Taste is subjective, of course, butDoom Eternalpaved the wayfor a deeper gameplay experience overall thatDoom: The Dark Agestakes even further.
Doom: The Dark Agesfeatures 24 collectible toys that can be found within the game.
Developer id Software took a major leap of faith withDoom: The Dark Ages.
Doom: The Dark Ages' Biggest 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 inDoom: The Dark Agesis 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 toDoom: The Dark Ages. So far,Doom: The Dark Ages' first weekhas 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 thatDoom: The Dark Agesboasts helps set it apart while also staying true to the franchise’s legacy.
Despite all of these new features,Doom: The Dark Agesstill feels very much like aDoomgame. Aiming for something fresh that still honors the series is no easy task, and id Software has skillfully pulled it off.Doom Eternaldemonstrated that the developer isn’t afraid to switch things up, andDoom: The Dark Agesturns 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 definedthe modernDoomfranchise, it’s innovation.Doom(2016) set the stage, andDoom EternalandDoom: The Dark Ageshave 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.
WHERE TO PLAY
BECOME THE SLAYER IN A MEDIEVAL WAR AGAINST HELLDOOM: 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 HELLAs 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 FIGHTExperience 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 REALMSIn 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.
