Doom Divulges Darkness: Preview Unleashed

Doom: The Dark Ages – A Return to Brutal, Classic Roots

Following the critically acclaimed Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal (2020), id Software is shifting gears with Doom: The Dark Ages, a prequel that harkens back to the franchise's origins. Instead of the platforming elements of Eternal, The Dark Ages emphasizes intense, close-quarters combat with a focus on powerful melee weapons.

While the iconic arsenal returns – including the skull-crushing new weapon showcased in the reveal trailer – the three melee options take center stage: an electrified gauntlet, a flail, and the Shield Saw. Game director Hugo Martin describes the combat as "stand and fight," emphasizing strategic positioning and skillful use of these tools.

Martin cites inspiration from the original Doom, Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, and Zack Snyder's 300 as key influences. This is reflected in the game's design, featuring large-scale combat encounters reminiscent of 300's battle scenes, and a streamlined, more intuitive control scheme compared to Doom Eternal. The Glory Kill system has been reimagined, allowing for dynamic finishing moves from any angle.

Addressing previous criticisms, the narrative will unfold through cutscenes rather than the in-game Codex. The story promises a grand, cinematic experience, expanding the Doom universe and focusing on the Slayer's power. Gameplay improvements include a simplified economy (single gold currency), more hidden secrets offering tangible rewards, and customizable difficulty sliders allowing players to fine-tune their experience.

The giant Atlan mech and cybernetic dragon mounts, featured in the trailer, are not one-off encounters but offer unique abilities and mini-boss battles. Importantly, The Dark Ages will feature a single-player campaign, foregoing the multiplayer mode of Doom Eternal to fully concentrate development resources.

Martin highlights the deliberate shift away from Doom Eternal's style, aiming for a return to the core principles of the original Doom. The goal is to deliver a powerful, yet classic Doom experience. The game's release date is set for May 15th.