Doom: Dark Ages Gameplay Unveiled

In a recent interview with EDGE magazine, the developers of Doom: The Dark Ages unveiled exciting new gameplay details. This iteration prioritizes narrative, boasting the largest levels in the series' history, creating a truly sandbox-like experience.

Game director Hugo Martin and studio head Marty Stratton highlighted several key aspects. Unlike previous Doom games where lore was largely relegated to text logs, The Dark Ages will feature a more direct and engaging storytelling approach. The game’s atmosphere will embrace a medieval aesthetic, minimizing futuristic elements. Even the iconic weaponry will undergo a design overhaul to seamlessly integrate with the new setting.

While retaining the series' signature distinct levels, Doom: The Dark Ages will introduce the largest environments yet, seamlessly blending dungeon crawling with expansive open-world exploration. Chapters are structured into "acts," progressing from claustrophobic dungeons to sprawling areas. Adding further variety, players will gain control of both a dragon and a mech, significantly expanding gameplay options.

A standout addition to the Slayer's arsenal is a revolutionary shield that doubles as a chainsaw. This versatile tool can be thrown at enemies, exhibiting unique reactions depending on the target (flesh, armor, energy shields, etc.). The shield also facilitates a dash attack for rapid closure, compensating for the absence of double jumps and roars from previous titles. The shield's parry mechanic adds another layer of depth, featuring adjustable difficulty settings and precise timing windows.

Parrying functions as a "reload" for melee attacks, while successful melee combat replenishes primary weapon ammunition, echoing the chainsaw mechanic in DOOM Eternal. Melee options include a fast-paced gauntlet, a balanced shield, and a slower, more powerful mace.