Forget what you thought you knew about Doom. Forget the sleek sci-fi corridors and the lightning-fast dashes. Doom: The Dark Ages throws you headfirst into a visceral, blood-soaked medieval nightmare, and after hours of battling demonic hordes, we can definitively say: this is a Doom unlike any other. We recently had the chance to go hands-on with an extensive preview build of the game, and the experience left us breathless, battered, and begging for more.
Developed by the masters of mayhem at id Software and set to launch on May 13, 2025, Doom: The Dark Ages serves as a prequel to the critically acclaimed Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal. This isn’t just a reskin with swords, though. The team has masterfully woven the core tenets of Doom – relentless action, brutal combat, and a heavy metal soundtrack that pumps adrenaline straight into your veins – into a dark fantasy setting that feels both fresh and terrifyingly familiar.
From the moment we stepped into the blood-stained boots of the Doom Slayer, we knew this wasn’t going to be a walk in the park. The environments are grim and foreboding: ruined castles, eerie forests, and hellish battlefields stretching as far as the eye can see. The shift to a medieval aesthetic is more than just cosmetic. It fundamentally changes the feel of combat, introducing a weightier, more grounded approach compared to the acrobatic dances of destruction in previous entries.
One of the biggest changes is the Slayer’s movement. Gone are the constant air dashes and grapple hooks. In their place, we have a more deliberate, powerful stride. This might sound like a downgrade on paper, but trust us, it’s an evolution. The Slayer still possesses immense strength and speed, but now it’s channeled into brutal shield charges that send enemies flying and impactful melee attacks that leave a satisfying crunch.
Speaking of new tools of destruction, the Shield Saw is an absolute game-changer. This isn’t just a defensive tool; it’s a versatile weapon that can be used to parry incoming attacks (indicated by a clear green flash – block at the right moment to stagger foes), deflect projectiles, and, of course, tear demons limb from limb. We found ourselves constantly switching between using it as a makeshift frisbee to sever demon flesh at a distance and then charging in for a close-quarters kill. The tactical layer this adds to combat is significant. It encourages a more thoughtful approach to engagements, forcing you to read enemy attacks and react accordingly.
The combat loop in Doom: The Dark Ages feels incredibly satisfying. It’s a brutal ballet of bullets, blades, and bone-shattering impacts. The classic Doom weapons like the Super Shotgun make a glorious return, feeling as powerful and impactful as ever. But the new additions, like the Skull Crusher (a massive mace that delivers devastating blows) and the gauntlet (perfect for up-close and personal finishers after a successful parry), add a welcome layer of variety. Glory Kills are back and gorier than ever, with new animations that fit the medieval setting perfectly. Think impaled demons, crushed skulls, and a whole lot of blood.
id Software has emphasized a “stand and fight” philosophy for The Dark Ages, and it shows. While previous Doom games encouraged constant movement and dodging, this installment focuses more on aggressive, face-to-face confrontations. Parrying and countering become essential skills for survival. Successfully parrying an attack not only staggers your opponent but also grants melee charges, allowing you to unleash devastating close-range attacks. We quickly learned to identify the green-tinted attacks that could be parried and the orange ones that needed to be blocked or dodged. This color-coding adds a visual cue that helps in the heat of battle.
We had the opportunity to play through several distinct levels, each showcasing the game’s impressive scale and environmental variety. From claustrophobic castle corridors teeming with Imps to vast, open battlefields swarming with demonic Knights, the level design feels expansive and intricate, with plenty of secrets to uncover for those willing to explore. The Auto Map makes a welcome return, aiding in the hunt for collectibles and hidden pathways.
Beyond the ground-based combat, Doom: The Dark Ages throws in some truly epic twists. We got a taste of piloting the Atlan, a colossal, building-sized mech capable of delivering earth-shattering punches to massive demons. This shift in scale was exhilarating, making us feel like an unstoppable force of nature. We also soared through the skies on the back of a cybernetic, fire-breathing dragon, engaging in aerial combat against winged monstrosities. These sequences provide a fantastic change of pace and highlight the sheer ambition of id Software with this installment.
The narrative in Doom: The Dark Ages appears to be more prominent than in previous entries. While the core focus remains on the relentless action, the game aims to tell an epic cinematic story worthy of the Doom Slayer’s legend. We got glimpses of a dark and sinister medieval war against Hell, where the Slayer is portrayed as a super weapon of gods and kings. This prequel setting allows the developers to explore the origins of the Slayer’s legend and delve deeper into the lore of the Doom universe.
Throughout our hands-on session, the heavy metal soundtrack was, as expected, absolutely phenomenal. It perfectly complemented the brutal action, driving the intensity and making every demon kill feel even more satisfying. The sound design, in general, is top-notch, from the guttural roars of the demons to the visceral crunch of melee attacks.
Doom: The Dark Ages isn’t just a step back in time for the franchise; it’s a bold evolution. By grounding the combat and introducing new mechanics like the Shield Saw and a greater emphasis on parrying, id Software has crafted a Doom experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly different. The shift to a medieval setting is executed flawlessly, creating a dark and brutal world that is a joy to tear through. If our hands-on experience is anything to go by, Doom: The Dark Ages is shaping up to be one of the most intense and unforgettable entries in the series. Prepare to stand and fight – Hell is coming.
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