'Doom: The Dark Ages', the brutal reinvention of a legendary video game saga

The saga Doom It is living history of video games. The id Software studio published Doom in 1993 and defined the foundations of the first-person shooter (FPS) genre while popularizing computer video games. Doom It wasn't the only innovative proposal, as the team was also responsible for sagas such as Wolfenstein and Quake. With a few more installments along the way but many years later, and already under the seal of the publisher Bethesda Softworks, the studio restarts the franchise with Doom (2016) and revives the passion for the saga, now modernized.

Doom (2016) recaptured the essence of the original title, with its brutal, action-packed combat, but id Software wanted to innovate with each new installment. Here's how Doom Eternal (2020) became a much more technical, agile and vertical game, giving the protagonist a lot of mobility. The Dark Ages, which was released on May 15, aims to reinvent the saga once again, maintaining the frenetic pace and brutality of the combat but with more horizontal action (at ground level) than its predecessor. The new Doom: The Dark Ages It's still a lot Doom, and looks to classic installments to reinterpret old ideas, but also bet on introducing completely new mechanics.

Medieval setting and heavy metal

As for the story, The Dark Ages It works as a prequel, as it explains the origins of the Doom Slayer, the protagonist and player avatar, before the events of Doom (2016). The plot is not the most fundamental element of the title and falls into constant clichés, but it provides continuity to the campaign and contributes to expanding the Slayer myth within its universe. For those unfamiliar with the most basic premise of the Doom, the player has the particular mission of annihilating the legions of demons coming from hell and The Dark Ages is no exception. But this time, despite maintaining science fiction elements, the installment opts for a medieval and gothic aesthetic, with darker environments reminiscent of the fantasy genre.

This setting is not only visual, but also introduces new tools and mechanics to aid the protagonist's war against the demonic horde. Aside from the new skin layer he sports, the most defining element in The Dark Ages is the inclusion of the chainsaw shield. The new shield turns the avatar into an impenetrable fortress and makes the blocking mechanic (popularly known as parry) a vital element of gameplay. Aside from navigating a sea of projectiles in larger combat zones than ever before, successfully blocking specific attacks will also be key to success. The chainsaw shield will also be important for navigating the environments and uncovering the many secrets hidden within the levels. The distinctive shield, in fact, also has its offensive uses, such as pulverizing Hell's infantry with a throw or stunning the strongest demons. However, it's not the only weapon available to take on the demons.

Twisted Weapons and Powerful Allies

As it could not be otherwise in a saga that has defined the FPS, The Dark Ages includes a good arsenal of firearms. The grotesque setting also influences the conception of these tools of destruction, and the game features twisted weapons such as a machine gun that crushes skulls as ammunition or a rifle that fires large beams. For close-quarters combat, the new installment also adds three new, very medieval weapons: the spiked glove, the scourge, and the mass. Utilizing the entire available arsenal will be important to survive the most challenging battles. The Dark Ages It offers many options to customize the difficulty and turn the experience into a walk in the park or a hellish challenge beyond everyone's reach.

To round out the experience and break up the rhythm between levels, the game includes two powerful and new allies. The first is a cybernetic dragon equipped with firearms, and the second is the Atlan, a huge bipedal war machine capable of matching the antagonistic titans. The campaign has sections that give the whole thing a certain variety – and epicness – thanks to the distinct gameplay of the dragon and the Atlan. The main story offers around twenty hours of content and, although they are very flexible depending on the experience of each player, make it the Doom longest to date. Doom: The Dark Ages is now available on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series, as well as Game Pass.

We've already played!

We liked it...

• The medieval setting and how it affects the entire universe.
• The new gameplay and capabilities that the chainsaw shield brings to combat. The mechanics of the parry It is always rewarding, and is well implemented and intertwined with the rest of the elements.
• The new double-barreled shotgun. What power!

We didn't like it...

• The soundtrack has lost some of the heartbreaking energy and presence of the previous installments. Perhaps it's because composer Mick Gordon is no longer involved...
• The progression is tied to exploration and the design of some levels is too open. It breaks the frenetic pace of the story, and too often the action is lost to uncover a poorly hidden secret.

It's for you if...

• Do you like the saga? DoomThe executions aren't as violent and graphic as in previous installments, but the combat is still brutal, and the demon dismemberments look better than ever.
• You're drawn to first-person games, but not to historical or more realistic ones. This is especially true if you're into fast-paced action, which requires you to be aggressive and take the initiative to avoid being killed in combat.

It's not for you if...

• What you liked most about Doom Eternal It was its most agile movement and the platform sections. The Dark Ages He touches more feet on the ground, although he is not lacking in speed.
• You're looking for a serious game and a story that moves you. The new Doom remains self-aware that it roots itself in a classic video game and offers a very Arcadian, which puts gameplay above all else.

[Code provided by Bethesda Softworks and tested on PS5]