DOOM: Dark Ages Release Window
Although the exact release date for DOOM: The Dark Ages is yet unknown, the Xbox reveal teaser from the 2024 Xbox Games Showcase locks in a 2025 window for the debut. Five years will have gone by by then, and its advent is much awaited without being terribly late since the release of DOOM: Eternal. Any worries about it being an Xbox exclusive after Microsoft's purchase of id Software owner ZeniMax Media may be firmly placed to rest because the game is launching on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Though with any luck it could end up falling inside the first half of the year, it is too early to precisely restrict the 2025 window with any assurance. The games haven't been slanted for Christmas releases since DOOM debuted in May 2016 and DOOM Eternal published in March 2020. DOOM: Day one of the Dark Ages will also be accessible on Game Pass for Xbox and PC users that pay for the subscription.
DOOM: Dark Ages Story and Setting
Though it does have some story components, DOOM: The Dark Ages is exploring a new area of the lore and often more connected with its first-person shooter action and gorgeous atmosphere than with thorough stories. Emphasizing a period before his image as a hero was entrenched, the video notes this portrayal of the Doom Slayer as "the super weapon of gods and kings." It seems to take place in Argent D'Nur, a location first mentioned in the 2016 DOOM that got additional background in DOOM Eternal and the Ancient Gods DLC.
Having been betrayed by an ancient civilization known as the Maykrs who voluntarily gave it over to the powers of Hell, Argent D'Nur has the kind of sad past that might make a DOOM game tick. Though it's not yet clear exactly where exactly DOOM: The Dark Ages fits into the history of Argent D'Nur, it's clearly at a period when the Doom Slayer is helping to hold the realm against invaders from Hell, apparently within the Unholy Wars when demons started appearing through dimensional rifts and relentlessly attacking. Since most of the information regarding Argent D'Nur's past comes from codices discovered within DOOM 2016 and DOOM Eternal, it's simple to play both games and find limited background on its history. Seeing it come to pass will serve to greatly highlight the Doom Slayer's legacy and demonstrate a part of how his reputation was finally created. It will also help to fill things out rather a bit.
DOOM: Gameplay from The Dark Ages
DOOM: The Dark Ages seems to have plenty of fast-paced action gameplay, generally matching the mechanics and style from DOOM Eternal as is usual for the franchise. Guns are still in use despite the medieval background, hence the basic FPS idea is not going out the door. A large bit of the gameplay footage shows the Doom Slayer blasting through groups of enemies in rather open venues with strikes that can deliver wide-ranging damage, occasionally giving way to more personal showdowns with specialized foes.
Though the main modification comes in the form of a shield loaded with buzzboards, the Medieval taste does clearly alter some fundamental gameplay aspects. This can be employed for general protection, aggressive dashing tear-through adversaries, and even parry to throw demons off their guard. Though it might not be required to break past levels, mastering this added element of timing could provide still another layer of skill and strategic depth. Additionally used at many times is a spiked flail, which provides another close-range alternative pointing toward a more melee concentration. The Doom Slayer is shown avoiding projectile strikes on the back of a dragon towards the end of the reveal trailer, therefore putting a fresh twist on flying gameplay into the mix. once riding a dragonic beast in DOOM Eternal's The Ancient Gods DLC, the Doom Slayer fulfilled a concept id Software once had for Quake before the game's design was fundamentally changed. Combining DOOM's sci-fi norms with medieval features returns to the original Quake in more ways than one, and it's likely further Quake ideas would surface in DOOM: The Dark Ages.
Another DOOM.
DOOM: The Dark Ages could be a fantastic method to revitalize the venerable FPS franchise since it will give the DOOM series an other taste. Inspired by the 2016 DOOM reboot and its follow-up DOOM: Eternal, The Dark Ages seems to offer all the graphic violence expected of the games. Nothing is straying too far from the main aspects since there is also great rapid movement and a diversity of distinctively demonic adversary designs.
The variation comes from the medieval flavor added to DOOM's emphasis on weaponry and sci-fi components to produce something fresh. Entering the past of the Doom Slayer, DOOM: The Dark Ages gives him armor clearly on-brand yet unusually archaic, complete with a shield capable of rip and tear in addition to its protective powers. Though the settings in DOOM: The Dark Ages seem as varied as always, fanciful fortresses and dark forests provide a rich, far more classical vibe.
Originally meant to be wielding a big hammer as well, the Quake protagonist most certainly seems like a good choice for the Doom Slayer's next trip.
Though it could be some time before new gameplay or story content ends up being displayed, there should absolutely be a lot more to see in DOOM: The Dark Ages than what has thus far been presented. Right now, the game is already on wishlists on digital stores and the reveal teaser offers enough information for poring over. DOOM: The Dark Ages is a wonderful return for a classic franchise and might be the ideal mix of old brilliance and fresh ideas.
Source: Xbox
