DOOM: The Dark Ages

I never grew up with DOOM. I’ve played the older games, and each time it feels like my brain is getting a mild aneurysm. They’re not bad games, but there’s something about old school shooters like DOOM, Wolfenstein and Quake that just can’t keep me interested. Maybe my young adult brain simply can’t comprehend the art, or maybe they’re just very niche. But it doesn’t really matter, because this isn’t about old school DOOM. This is about The Dark Ages.

I’ve played all the recent DOOM games, and each time I’ve been struck by the exact same routine of thoughts and emotions; “Do I want to play this game?”, “Damn, this game is pretty cool!”, “I’m just gonna get all the collectibles, it’s easy!”, “Man, I’m really looking forward to the next one!” – and then it repeats. The games are very similar, although there are certain changes, mainly to the environments and pacing of combat. The loop of completing levels, finding secrets and kicking demon butt will always be the same, but different enough to satisfy that question of “Do I want to play this game?”.

I picked up The Dark Ages on Gamepass. There were really no reasons for me to say “no”, since I didn’t really have to buy the game. Immediately I was struck by the new art direction the game had compared to the other games. A dark, medieval grittyness combined with blood and rust. Dragons, flails, crossbows – everything with a blend of sci-fi. It got me hyped, but the blend of medieval fantasy and sci-fi was a bit jarring. It’s not bad, but it’s a blend that I personally have a hard time getting behind.

The combat is probably the best it’s ever been. The introduction of a shield is mildly put; fucking insane. You can parry, throw it, decapitate zombies with it, and the weapons themselves are super satisfying to use. They nailed the nail with the hammer on the head with this. I even caught myself restarting battles from the checkpoints because I found it so fun, which is not something I’ve done in previous game. A testament to how good it is.

On top of the great combat, and cool shield, there’s A DAMN DRAGON YOU RIDE ON AND A GUNDAM! Some people seem to think that the dragon sections are weak, I respectfully decline that opinion. The dragon and gundam sections are cool as heck. They’re strong, they’re not too long, they don’t interrupt the gameplay. If anything they help break up the pacing in a positive way, while also letting you feel like the incarnation of the word “badass”.

When it comes to story and music, it’s safe to say that it’s not the highlight of the game – or any of the games. There are some moments where you feel truly badass, and the music can feel pretty epic too, but none of them really caught me in any meaningful way. They’re okay. For me. Maybe great for others. It’s a very stereotypical “Evil guy steals treasure, you gotta kill him” story with a soundtrack that doesn’t really tickle my fancy. I won’t listen to the soundtrack on Spotify, but I’m sure there’s some Norwegian metal head out there that will. I also won’t look up “epic DOOM moments” on Youtube, but equally there’s probably someone that will…

Overall I think this is a great game. Not a masterpiece, not something that will inspire you to do great things (maybe), but all in all a fun and cool experience. Perfect length, fun side content (could’ve been a bit harder though) and simply great demon slaughtering. 8/10!