Doom Returns to Darkness: Exclusive Preview

Doom: The Dark Ages – A Return to Roots

Following the critically acclaimed Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, id Software is shifting gears with Doom: The Dark Ages, a prequel that emphasizes the visceral, power-focused combat of the original Doom, while streamlining the experience. Instead of the platforming elements of Eternal, The Dark Ages grounds its gameplay in intense, strafe-heavy battles.

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The iconic arsenal returns, bolstered by the new Skull Crusher, a weapon that uses pulverized enemy skulls as ammunition. Melee combat takes center stage with three devastating options: an electrified gauntlet, a flail, and the Shield Saw, offering diverse offensive and defensive capabilities. Game director Hugo Martin describes the combat as "You're gonna stand and fight."

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Inspired by the original Doom, Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, and Zack Snyder's 300, The Dark Ages features large-scale combat encounters reminiscent of those iconic works. Glory Kills are now unsynced, allowing for dynamic finishing moves from any angle. Level design allows for non-linear progression, with shorter levels designed for approximately one hour of gameplay each.

Addressing feedback from Doom Eternal, the narrative is delivered through cutscenes instead of the in-game Codex. The story promises a grand, cinematic experience that expands the Doom universe, focusing on the Slayer's power and the threats against it.

Control simplification is a key focus, aiming for intuitive gameplay even under pressure. Melee weapons are equipped individually, and the game features a simplified economy with a single currency (gold). Secrets are designed to provide tangible gameplay benefits rather than solely lore-based rewards.

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The giant Atlan mech and cybernetic dragon riding sequences from the reveal trailer are not one-off events but feature unique abilities and mini-bosses. Importantly, The Dark Ages will not include a multiplayer mode, allowing the developers to fully concentrate on the single-player campaign.

Martin highlights the deliberate shift away from Doom Eternal's direction, emphasizing a return to the core principles of the original Doom to create a distinct and powerful experience. The focus is on delivering a classic Doom feel with enhanced power fantasy. The game is set for release on May 15th.