Doom: The Dark Agesis an exciting new chapter in the long-runningDoomfranchise, but there are also great ways that the game keeps some traditions intact. Whether it be through sweat-inducing fights against powerful demons or the HUD’s avatar serving as a callback to the originalDoom,Doom: The Dark Agesis a fun blend of classic and new.
Once a reboot of the franchise was announced withDoom(2016), the series got to have a new lease on life, andDoom: The Dark Agesbrings forth a thrilling third installmentto this modern era. Despite being a prequel,Doom: The Dark Agesevolves a variety of features from its two predecessors, with one of the most fun being the continuation of toy collectibles. Even more intriguing, though, is that this feature showcases a softer layer to the Slayer.
Doom: The Dark Ages' Toy Collection Animations Continue to Show the Slayer’s Fun Side
Since he has to constantly take on the forces of Hell, the Slayer is understandably portrayed in a very serious light. With his life being a series of demonic encounters that require him to punch, slash, and shoot his way to victory, the Slayer doesn’t exactly get a lot of downtime.Doom: The Dark Agesbrings exploration to a new level, and within the game’s maps lie plenty of hidden gems, and the adorable toys found throughout the story allow the Slayer to have a little bit of fun.
Some Toy Collectibles Feature Special Animations
For the most part, when players find a new collectible, the animation is usually the same, and frankly, pretty uneventful. However, there are also special animations that players can come across, depending on the toy that’s found. For example, if players come across the toy version of Serrat, the game’s rideable dragon, the Slayer takes a short break to move the toy around as if it’s flying. There’s also atoy version of the Slayerthat even has its own small Shield Saw equipped. Once the Slayer picks the toy up, he spins the plastic Shield Saw around, which makes for a pretty cute moment in a game that’s known for its over-the-top violence.
Doom(2016) andDoom Eternalhave their own takes on these animations, too. InDoom(2016), the Slayer gives the tiny plastic version of himself a fist bump.Doom Eternalhas a similar approach toDoom: The Dark Ages' animation, but instead ofshowing off the Shield Saw, it’s the Doomblade.
InDoom: The Dark Ages, players can customize the Slayer’s HUD avatar. The options are None, Normal and Classic.
It’s a really charming layer unveiled about the Slayer. Over the years, the Slayer has become the archetype of what a strong hardcore action hero is supposed to be, and for good reason. However, it’s refreshing to see what he can be like when not busy blasting through demons. It’s a subtle addition totheDoomfranchisethat gives him more of a personality instead of seeming like a mindless killing machine.
The Serrat toy can be found in Chapter 5, while the Slayer collectible is found in Chapter 6.
The Doom Reboot Now Has Three Solid Entries Under Its Belt
Since its launch,Doom: The Dark Ageshas received praise from both critics and players, giving developer id Software another successful launch.Doom: The Dark Ageshas raised the barin terms of creativity and experimentation, and as the years pass, it will be interesting to see how this game influences both its own franchise and other games down the road. Features like special collectible animations may seem like small details, but they can help bring even more personality to a game’s overall world.
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.
