It is clear thatDoom: The Dark Agestakes some very ambitious steps to switch-up the series' core gameplay experience, with the recently released game doing some big things to establish a distinct identity. The prequel setting ofThe Dark Ageswas a great way to introduce fresh mechanics to the franchise, and one feature in particular really stands out: rideable dragons.
ThroughoutDoom: The Dark Ages, players will have several opportunities to take to the skies of Argent D’Nur on the back of a dragon, with these aerial sequences coming with their own unique combat and exploration capabilities and lending themselves well to more varied level design. Aside from these fresh gameplay qualities, the story of the dragon and its bond to the Doom Slayer is fascinating, belonging to a wider section of lore that really adds some depth toThe Dark Ages' narrative.
Doom: The Dark Ages' Dragon Really Lets the Game’s Setting Shine
Alongside things likegiant mech fights against colossal Titans, the dragon-flight sequences ofDoom: The Dark Agesare some of the game’s most memorable, with a lot of pre-release hype for the game being centered around the beast’s gameplay potential. While the control that the Doom Slayer has over the beast may seem natural at first glance, the story that the two figures share is one of mutual might and respect.
Dragons play an important role in the warrior society ofArgent D’Nur, the planet on which most ofDoom: The Dark Agestakes place. Among the Night Sentinel soldiers of Argent D’Nur, only the most decorated and highly-skilled can gain the honor of a dragon mount, with these select few elite Night Sentinels then belonging to a group known as the Order of Aerum. Chosen Night Sentinels have to make an arduous and challenging pilgrimage to the Drakhelm of Cantoth, where they may be accepted by a dragon and form a deeply-tied bond.
The dragon that the Slayer rides into combat throughoutThe Dark Agesis known as Serrat, being one of the largest and most ferocious dragons in Argent D’Nur’s raging war against the demonic invaders of Hell.Doom: The Dark Agesexpands the lore of Hell’s armies to make aerial combat more engaging, with Hell Ships and Hell Carriers littering the skies of each battlefield, offering a direct threat to airborneNight Sentinelsand their loyal dragon mounts.
Other new demon enemies inDoom: The Dark Agesinclude the likes of Imp Stalkers, Pinky Riders, Cyclops Titans, and the reptilian Komodo.
A Rare Act of Compassion Led to the Doom Slayer and Serrat’s Unbreakable Bond
The sheer size and power of Serrat made the dragon unpredictable and stubborn in terms of bonding to a Sentinel, with the dragon facing near-mortal wounds during a battle known as Black Pyres early on in the demonic invasion of Argent D’Nur. Serrat’s life was only spared bythe timely intervention of the Doom Slayeragainst the dragon’s attackers, with Serrat ultimately deeming the Slayer worthy of alpha status as a result of this.
Like most of the weapons at the Slayer’s disposal, Serrat was quickly outfitted with the most advanced Sentinel technological upgrades, making the dragon’s capabilities on-par with the Slayer’s daring escapades while counteracting the serious wounds that it had suffered prior to the Slayer saving its life. Both Serrat and the Slayer symbiotically boost each other’s presence and might on the battlefield, with their bond acting as a testament to the strength of Argent D’Nur in the war against the near-insurmountable forces of Hell.
