Doom: The Dark Ages Unveils New Gameplay Features

In an enlightening interview with EDGE magazine, the developers behind Doom: The Dark Ages unveiled exciting new details about the game's gameplay mechanics and narrative approach. This installment promises to shift focus towards a more immersive story, set against the backdrop of expansive levels that are the largest in the series to date, providing players with a sandbox-like experience.

Game director Hugo Martin and studio head Marty Stratton shared key insights from their discussion. Unlike previous Doom titles where much of the backstory was tucked away in text logs, The Dark Ages will embrace a more direct storytelling method. The game's atmosphere will lean into a medieval aesthetic, dialing back on futuristic elements. Even the iconic weapons will undergo a design transformation to align with the new setting.

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Similar to its predecessors, Doom: The Dark Ages will feature distinct levels, but these will be the most expansive yet, blending elements of dungeon crawling with open-world exploration. The game is divided into "acts," beginning in tight dungeons before opening up into vast areas. Players will have the unique opportunity to control both a dragon and a mech, adding diverse gameplay experiences.

A novel addition to the Slayer's arsenal is a shield that also functions as a chainsaw. This versatile tool can be hurled at enemies and reacts uniquely based on the material it strikes—be it flesh, armor, energy shields, or other substances. The shield also facilitates a dash attack, enabling players to swiftly close the gap with their foes. With the absence of double jumps and roars from earlier games, this shield mechanic becomes essential for battlefield mobility. Moreover, the shield supports parrying, with customizable difficulty settings and precise timing requirements.

Parrying serves as a "reload" mechanism for melee attacks, while melee combat replenishes ammunition for primary weapons, reminiscent of the chainsaw mechanic in DOOM Eternal. Melee options include a swift gauntlet, a balanced shield, and a slower but powerful mace, catering to different combat styles and strategies.