Doom: The Dark Ages pushes the legendary shooter franchise into bold new territory, blending its traditional gunplay with medieval-inspired melee combat. Building on the success of Doom Eternal, this entry introduces a grounded combat style that emphasizes parries, shield bashes, and brutal hand-to-hand finishers. The result is a fresh, visceral experience that retains the series’ core identity while carving a new path forward.

While some may miss Doom Eternal’s hyper-mobility, The Dark Ages replaces that with weightier, more strategic combat. It’s about domination through sheer force, not speed—and it works. This game proves that slowing things down doesn’t mean losing momentum. Instead, it trades agility for impact, and the payoff is one of the most satisfying power fantasies in recent shooter history.

Combat That Hits Hard and Deep

The heart of Doom: The Dark Ages lies in its revamped combat mechanics. The focus has shifted from relentless movement to aggressive positioning and smart timing. At the center of this system is your new shield—a permanent tool that’s both a powerful defense and a devastating weapon.

This isn’t just a piece of armor; it’s a game-changer. You can block and parry enemy attacks, bounce it between targets, or chain it with bullets to shatter armor. The shield bash replaces the familiar air dash, letting you launch directly into foes with bone-crunching impact. It’s more tactical, more physical, and wildly fun.

Balancing parries, shield slams, and timed melee attacks gives combat a satisfying rhythm. Every counter-attack slows time slightly to highlight the brutality, immersing you in a crunchy, rhythmic dance of destruction. It’s a bold shift from Eternal’s speed-first approach, but one that pays off with new layers of depth.

Physicality That Redefines the Doom Slayer

The Doom Slayer has never felt more like a juggernaut. Every stomp shakes the battlefield, turning enemies into gore with superhero-like landings. You no longer have a double jump or air dash, but this limitation enhances the tactical side of the game.

Despite the slower pace, combat remains ferocious. The difference is in how you engage. You’re encouraged to stand your ground and dominate rather than dodge and dash. It’s a refreshing change that reinforces the Slayer’s overwhelming presence and brutality.

Weapons Old and New Bring the Pain

Doom: The Dark Ages reimagines classic weapons and introduces new ones to match its medieval tone. Series staples like the Super Shotgun return, feeling more relevant than ever in close-range brawls. But it’s the new tools that shine brightest.

Favorites include:

• A chain-linked railgun that fires cannonballs and devastates armored enemies.
• A skull-shredding gatling gun that fires bone fragments at rapid speed.

These weapons feel distinct yet familiar, blending perfectly with the setting and gameplay loop. They offer a creative and satisfying twist on Doom’s trademark arsenal.

Expansive Levels and Lovecraftian Secrets

The campaign spans 22 chapters with large, open-ended hub levels. These areas encourage exploration, with optional objectives, hidden secrets, and challenge encounters. You can tackle them in any order, creating a welcome sense of freedom.

A standout addition is the Cosmic Realm, a Lovecraftian zone that introduces unique side content and deeper lore. These sections enhance the world-building and provide more variety without slowing down the action.

When the Game Strays, It Stumbles

While the core gameplay shines, not all additions land. Sections where you control a mech or ride a dragon look impressive but lack depth. Combat in these sequences is slower, and their mechanics feel disconnected from the main game.

Similarly, the story’s shift toward cinematic storytelling doesn’t quite work. While it’s easier to follow than previous entries, it lacks emotional resonance and fails to capitalize on the Slayer’s mystique. Still, a few character moments and callbacks to the 2016 reboot offer glimmers of personality fans will appreciate.

Final Thought: A Triumphant New Chapter in the Doom Legacy

Doom: The Dark Ages is a bold and rewarding evolution for the franchise. It trades speed for force, layering in melee mechanics without sacrificing what makes Doom great. When its systems click, the game delivers a cathartic power fantasy that’s hard to beat.

While a few missteps exist, they’re easy to overlook in the face of relentless, creative carnage. This is Doom at its most grounded—and possibly its most impactful yet.

⭐ Quick Review Summary

Feature	Rating (Out of 5)
Combat Mechanics	★★★★★
Weapon Design	★★★★☆
Level Exploration	★★★★☆
Storytelling	★★★☆☆
Visuals & Atmosphere	★★★★★
Overall Enjoyment	★★★★☆