Doom: The Dark Ages – A Review

id Software has once again dragged us into the fiery depths with Doom: The Dark Ages, a
prequel that boldly redefines what a Doom game can be while retaining the series’ signature
blend of furious action and heavy metal mayhem. Released on May 15, 2025, for PC,
PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, The Dark Ages delivers a fresh, weighty combat
experience that is both familiar and strikingly new.

Moving away from the hyper-speed, acrobatic combat of Doom Eternal, The Dark Ages takes us
back to the roots of the Doom Slayer’s rage, portraying him as a more grounded, “iron tank” of a
warrior. This shift in pacing isn’t a downgrade, but rather a strategic evolution that emphasizes
tactical aggression and impactful, bone-shattering melee.

The biggest game-changer is the Shield Saw. This versatile new tool isn’t just for defense; it’s a
dynamic instrument of destruction. You’ll be blocking, parrying, and deflecting enemy attacks,
but also launching it to mow down lesser demons, shatter armor, and even impale larger foes.

Beyond the Shield Saw, the Slayer’s arsenal has a distinctly medieval, yet unmistakably Doom,
feel. We’re talking a deadly flail, a spiked mace, and an electrified gauntlet, all designed for
close-quarters combat. And fear not – the firearms are still here, but with a more brutal, “ranged
medieval torture device” aesthetic, like the bone-fragment-firing Skullcrusher. This revamped
toolkit demands a more deliberate, rhythmic approach to combat, where parrying and strategic
melee attacks fuel your gunplay and create satisfying opportunities for devastating finishers.

While Doom: The Dark Ages may shift the rhythm from the lightning-fast dance of Eternal to a
more methodical, tank-like onslaught, it remains undeniably Doom at its core. The satisfyingly
weighty combat, the brilliantly implemented Shield Saw, the expanded level design, and the
sheer epic scale of mech and dragon combat make for a constantly thrilling and deeply
rewarding experience. Of course, the game is intense just like the others, but it’s worth playing if
you’re in the mood for an adrenaline rush and new tactics.

Some purists might initially miss the extreme mobility of Eternal, and a few boss fights could be
better spaced, but these are minor quibbles in an otherwise exceptional package. The Dark
Ages solidifies the Doom Slayer’s legend, providing a brutal prequel that proves id Software is
not afraid to experiment and innovate. For fans of the series and newcomers alike, Doom: The
Dark Ages is a must-play; a visceral, strategic, and utterly metal odyssey that solidifies its place
as a contender for one of the best Doom games yet.