The game offering on one hand refreshing innovation with the addition of the shield and a slightly slower pace and on the other hand pure and powerful action no less than before.
What we liked
Innovative shield mechanism
Stunning graphics and excellent performance
Impressive weapon variety and rich upgrade system
High accessibility and customization options
What we liked less
Less dynamic and dominant soundtrack
Certain parts slow down the pace
In 2016, the developer, id Software, managed to bring back the Doom series with a first-person shooter with nonstop activity, emphasizing simple fun and speed. The developer expanded the formula with Doom Eternal, which added emphasis on movement in space, so it was surprising to discover that Doom: The Dark Ages, on the surface, takes the series in a slower and more calculated direction, yet manages to reinvent it while continuing the tradition and offering nonstop activity, presenting changes that refresh the formula.
Doom: The Dark Ages is not just another chapter in the story of the Doom Slayer. Chronologically, the game takes place before Doom, released in 2016, and gives us a glimpse into events preceding the reboot trilogy. Without revealing too much from the overarching story, players learn for the first time about the rich background of Doom during a war between kingdoms of demons, aliens, and ancient gods, as the Slayer is once again called to help humanity in a world combining technology, sci-fi elements, and touches of fantasy, knights, and legendary creatures from the medieval era.
However, the story was never the main focus of Doom games. Therefore, it is important to note that the story is presented in a way that allows players to choose how much they want to engage with it. Those who prefer action can easily skip the cutscenes and remain in the heart of the battle, while curious players can dive deeper into the world’s history and learn about the fascinating backstory for the series’ events. Players who watch will enjoy over-the-top action scenes, and while previously the Slayer felt like a one-man army, now he is part of a military campaign in a much larger war.
Additionally, the cutscenes and story cannot be mentioned without acknowledging the excellent graphics and high production values.
The Shield That Changes Everything
Unlike the nonstop pace of Doom and Doom Eternal, this time it is a slightly different experience. It is slower and more calculated, but no less intense. In Doom: The Dark Ages, the Slayer is equipped with a shield, which is not only for defense but also an integral part of combat strategy. It can be used to block various attacks or repel those marked in green, which prepare different enemies for counterattacks.
This strategy can be repeated until the enemies are ready for a spectacular takedown, at which point the Slayer, well, slays them with the brutal style the series is known for.
The feeling of a perfect repulsion against a giant demon ready to attack the Slayer gives a satisfying and unusual sensation, reinforcing the game’s power fantasy.
A few words on the kills. This time the game does not dwell on long animations. Indeed, in previous games there was a sense of exaggeration, which contributed to the feeling of absurd violence. Now it is short and fast, a welcome change as it does not slow the pace. The long and detailed animations are reserved for boss fights and always bring a wicked smile when shown.
The battlefield is always crowded with enemies. Some are simple demons that can be killed with one strike, and there are bosses mentioned above. The shield adds a tactical layer that helps handle different types of enemies, as it can also be thrown like a frisbee to pin them and temporarily disable them, creating breathing room and control instead of endlessly dodging. As in previous games, the order of eliminating enemies remains a resource management meta-game, as they provide resources like ammunition, health, or shield.
The Slayer in Doom: The Dark Ages feels stronger and more powerful than ever. If in Doom Eternal the Slayer was agile, here he is a real tank every step accompanied by a sense of great weight, as if the ground shakes beneath him, and jumps and falls create shockwaves, making each action convey presence. This experience reinforces the feeling of embodying destructive and absolute power against the armies of hell. Players who want the speed of previous games can enable auto-run or even accelerate game speed in customization options.
Despite the more calculated pace, the action remains uncompromising. The battlefield is still teeming with demons, and managing resources while moving and using the environment remains essential. The addition of a wide variety of weapons, surprising almost at every stage with creative and destructive tools, prevents a sense of repetition and successfully renews the experience.
Every weapon has a secondary firing mode adding variety.
This allows adapting tactics to the situation and enemy types.
For example, there is a rifle that smashes demon skulls and spreads the debris widely, while in secondary mode it fires concentrated shots, dealing significant damage to a single enemy if needed.
The challenge is always finding the right combination of weapons and critical firing mode to efficiently clear the area.
Open Levels, Giant Mechas, and Dragons
Beyond basic combat, Doom: The Dark Ages introduces changes in level design. One notable change is the addition of more open levels.
Unlike the narrow linear corridors of Doom, there are now expansive areas encouraging exploration.
This is an interesting addition, even if it slightly affects the pace characteristic of the series, especially for obsessive players trying to find all hidden items scattered across the map.
The map clearly shows the location of these items, avoiding unnecessary searching.
Collectibles include characters presented as toys or special color designs for weapons, which are fun but not very useful.
In contrast, gold and gems are used for the weapon upgrade system.
The upgrade system adds depth to the game.
It is rich and allows players to prioritize and strengthen their favorite weapon according to playstyle.
Players can choose whether to upgrade rifles, the shield, or attack options, and the upgrades feel significant, especially when revisiting previous levels and feeling the Slayer become an even more powerful killing machine.
The game also presents dramatic pacing changes with segments involving the Mecha, a giant combat robot, and dragon flight sequences.
These break the routine and provide a stunning visual experience while adding to the epic power feel. Personally, although enjoyable, they slightly slow the usual fast-paced shooting, making the player eager to return to the core excitement of Doom, which is the heart of the experience.
Additionally, Doom: The Dark Ages is the most accessible game so far.
There are many interface and game setting customization options, and a huge selection of difficulty levels: from Easy, allowing anyone to enjoy the game, to Nightmare, challenging even experienced players, with additional fine-tuning options like shield timing and other elements, ensuring every player can find the right challenge and enjoy the full experience.
Outstanding Technical Performance
Doom: The Dark Ages is a breathtaking visual experience.
Without a doubt, it is one of the most beautiful games of 2025. The unique artistic design, combining sci-fi and dark fantasy, creates a rich world. Visual effects of shooting, explosions, blood, and slaughter, combined with dark and impressive scenery, turn every battle into an intense visual show. Technically, the game is polished.
Tested on PlayStation 5 Pro, it runs smoothly.
Over long hours of gameplay, no graphical issues, frame drops, or bugs affected the experience.
One point where the game is slightly disappointing is the soundtrack.
While previous games in the series, especially Doom (2016), excelled with a dynamic and aggressive soundtrack integral to the action, in The Dark Ages the music is less present and not as powerful.
It is not that the soundtrack is weak it still offers electrifying metal music enhancing the atmosphere, but it lacks the electric guitar riffs during showy kills that boost adrenaline in intense combat sequences.
Bottom Line
Doom: The Dark Ages is not just a worthy continuation of the series’ legacy, but also a bold step forward that refreshes and renews the familiar formula. id Software has once again created an experience that veteran Doom fans will find deep and enjoyable.
With stunning graphics, excellent technical performance, and a story adding dimension to the Slayer’s relentless war against dark forces, Doom: The Dark Ages delivers a complete package highly recommended for action fans and proves the series is still at its peak, continuing to redefine first-person shooter games in captivating and surprising ways.
