Doom: The Dark Ages – The First Preview

Doom: The Dark Ages – A Return to Brutal Roots

Following the critically acclaimed Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal (2020), id Software is shifting gears with Doom: The Dark Ages, a prequel that prioritizes intense, close-quarters combat reminiscent of the original game. While the signature arsenal returns, including the skull-crushing new weapon showcased in the reveal trailer, the focus shifts to powerful melee combat. Three melee weapons – an electrified gauntlet, a flail, and the Shield Saw – take center stage, offering strategic options for engaging hordes of enemies. Game director Hugo Martin emphasizes a "stand and fight" approach.

Inspiration for The Dark Ages draws from the original Doom, Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, and Zack Snyder's 300. This influence is evident in the game's design, featuring large-scale combat encounters where the player is constantly surrounded by enemies, similar to the iconic battles depicted in 300. The Glory Kill system has been revamped, allowing for dynamic finishing moves from any angle. Level design allows for non-linear progression, with shorter levels (approximately one hour each) and the freedom to tackle objectives in any order.

Addressing player feedback on Doom Eternal, the narrative in The Dark Ages unfolds through cutscenes rather than the in-game Codex. The story promises a large-scale narrative, described as a "summer blockbuster event," focusing on the Slayer's power and the threats it attracts. Gameplay has been streamlined, simplifying the control scheme for a more intuitive experience. Melee weapons are equipped individually, and the game features a simplified economy with a single currency (gold). Secrets and treasures offer tangible gameplay rewards, enhancing player progression.

Difficulty is highly customizable via sliders, allowing players to fine-tune various aspects, including game speed and enemy aggression.

Showcased sequences featuring a giant demon mech (the Atlan) and cybernetic dragonback riding are not one-off events but offer unique abilities and mini-boss encounters. Importantly, The Dark Ages will not include a multiplayer mode, allowing the developers to fully concentrate on creating a compelling single-player experience.

Martin highlights a deliberate departure from Doom Eternal's direction, aiming for a return to the core principles of the original Doom. This focus on a more classic Doom experience, while maintaining a powerful and engaging gameplay loop, is what has generated significant excitement for the game's May 15th release.