DOOM: The Dark Ages Simple Review; Is it good? Playable?

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 Ahead of last night’s Xbox Developer Direct 2025, Bethesda invited Wccftech and other press outlets to check out the DOOM: The Dark Ages presentation that aired during the stream . We also sat down with Executive Producer Marty Stratton and Game Director Hugo Martin for a roundtable Q&A. In this article, we’re compiling the information we’ve gathered about the game. We’ll be collecting the key questions and answers from the interview in our next installment.



Information from id Software: DOOM: The Dark Ages First Look

From the start, id Software has been very confident about their new game, claiming that players will feel like superweapons in a medieval battle against the forces of Hell. The prequel is set in the largest sci-fi/fantasy world they've ever created, and is filled with explorable locations, unlockable weapons, and conquerable enemies.

DOOM: The Dark Ages First Look - 1

The DOOM series has become a legend in the gaming world with its action-packed structure. Now, DOOM: The Dark Ages takes this tradition and brings it to the world of medieval fantasy. Developed in partnership with Bethesda Softworks and id Software, this game offers a brand new gaming experience while staying true to the series' roots.Announced at the Xbox Games Showcase event in 2023and the game, which has created great excitement, focuses on the Doom Slayer's past and his stepping into a new world.

With its medieval atmosphere, epic battles and innovative game mechanics, this game brings a new breath to the FPS genre. So, what makes DOOM: The Dark Ages so special? Let's take a closer look at the details of the game.

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Gameplay and Story

DOOM: The Dark Ages shares the same energetic structure as the previous games in the series, DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal . However, this time the atmosphere and theme take a completely different direction. The game is set in a medieval fantasy world where the Doom Slayer fights against the forces of hell. This new world is quite different from the traditional DOOM universe, but retains the elements of action and chaos.

The story focuses on the Doom Slayer's past with hell and how he became this powerful warrior. Players find themselves in the middle of an epic battle against creatures from hell as the Slayer finds himself in a medieval world. Together, we witness the Doom Slayer become a legend written in blood once again in this new and dark world.

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id Software has developed new narrative techniques to add more depth to the story. While the story remained in the background in previous games of the series, DOOM: The Dark Ages draws players into more story details this time. The origins of the Doom Slayer, his connection to hell, and how events connect to DOOM (2016) will be largely clarified in this game.

Innovative Gameplay Mechanics

Fans of the series are accustomed to the fast and fluid gameplay of DOOM. However , DOOM: The Dark Ages preserves these core elements while enriching the gameplay with new mechanics. In the game, the Doom Slayer now moves like a “tank” equipped with heavier armor. This allows players to take down enemies more strategically.

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Shieldsaw and New Weapons

The Shield Saw introduced in the game offers the ability to parry enemy attacks and counterattack. The shield's ability to change the direction of attacks offers strategic options such as using enemies against each other. In addition to melee weapons, modern versions of classic DOOM weapons also enrich the players' arsenal.

Dragons and Mech Wars

Two major innovations that bring a whole new breath to the DOOM universe are Cybernetic Dragons and Atlan Mechs. Players will be able to fly with dragons to participate in air combat and control giant mechs to deal with larger enemies. These mechanics offer a very innovative approach not only for the DOOM series but also for the FPS genre.

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Expanded Battlefields

id Software promises players larger and richer battlefields to explore. Although not completely open world, the maps will be much larger and more detailed than previous games. Offering a chance to try different strategies and use the environment more effectively, id Software plans to offer an epic game in this way.

Visual and Technical Innovations

The DOOM series is known for using the full power of the id Tech engine. DOOM: The Dark Ages is being developed with the id Tech 8 engine, and this engine offers a visual feast by using the full power of the next-generation consoles.

The medieval atmosphere comes to life with detailed environmental designs and realistic lighting. Especially the design of the hellish creatures offers players an experience that will inspire both fear and admiration. The modeling of dragons and mechs raises the bar of DOOM even higher in the gaming world.

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From a technical perspective, DOOM: The Dark Ages promises smooth gameplay with 4K resolution and 60 FPS support. In addition, lighting and shadow effects have become much more realistic thanks to RTX technology.

Exploration and Storytelling

While the DOOM series has generally focused on action, DOOM: The Dark Ages places a greater emphasis on exploration and storytelling. Players will be able to uncover secrets hidden on maps to learn more about the story. These discoveries are designed to both add depth to the game's world and reward players more.

The story sheds light on the Doom Slayer’s past while also explaining why he finds himself in this unique medieval setting. DOOM: The Dark Ages functions as a puzzle piece that completes the series by giving players more insight into the series’ origins.

The DOOM series is one of the most important productions of the FPS genre with its fast action, immersive gameplay and iconic music. DOOM: The Dark Ages takes these features and takes them in a different direction. Innovations such as the medieval atmosphere, dragons and mechs make the game exciting for both old fans and new players.

In addition, offering only a single-player experience is a great advantage in terms of focusing on story and gameplay depth. The success of id Software's previous productions creates great expectations for this game.

A New Legend in the Middle Ages with DOOM

DOOM: The Dark Ages combines the chaos of classic DOOM with a medieval theme, taking the series to a whole new level. With its innovative gameplay mechanics, strong storytelling and visual feast, this game is not just an FPS, but also a masterpiece that will offer players an unforgettable experience.

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