Doom: The Dark Ages (PC) review: 10 reasons why you should play it

Doom has always been synonymous with frenetic, relentless action, setting the bar high for first-person shooters with its blend of adrenaline-pumping combat and demonic carnage. Bethesda's latest title by id Software in the series, Doom: The Dark Ages, doesn't just uphold this tradition – it boldly evolves it. Venturing deep into an earlier era of the Doom universe, this title brings a heavier, darker aesthetic and introduces what I thought are really innovative mechanics that fundamentally alter how the game feels and plays. Initially, some of us felt conflicted about these changes during an early experience with a preview build. The weightier movement, absence of classic mobility options, and sheer chaos felt overwhelming and at odds with what some of us expected from Doom. However, after playing through the full version, my own experience has left me genuinely impressed and thoroughly satisfied. From story to gameplay and everything in between, Doom: The Dark Ages ultimately redefined my expectations of the series’ latest. Whether you're a veteran Doomslayer or new to the franchise, here are 10 compelling reasons this game deserves a spot in your PC or consoles (it’s also available on Xbox and PlayStation) collection, along with a look at some areas where it falls short.

1. Epic storytelling that actually matters:

Unlike past Doom games, where storytelling typically takes a backseat to relentless action, The Dark Ages delivers a narrative worth your attention. Set long before the events of Doom (2016), the game explores the origins of the Doomslayer as well as humanity's endless conflict against demonic forces. You're no longer a lone warrior; this time you're fighting alongside human companions, making the battles feel epic and genuinely meaningful.

2. Shield mechanics brilliantly change the game

Forget bunny-hopping your way out of danger. Doom: The Dark Ages introduces the Slayer’s Shield, significantly altering gameplay dynamics. It lets you block or deflect incoming attacks, turn enemy blows back against them, and close gaps swiftly with a charging bash. This new mechanic transform Doom’s combat into one that feels refreshingly tactical yet satisfyingly visceral.

3. Stunning visual design

The designers at id Software impresses with atmospheric settings ranging from twisted medieval fortresses to Lovecraftian cosmic realms. Each environment feels distinct, offering both eerie beauty and chaotic battlefields that vividly portray an all-out war against hellish hordes. From the tight corridors of the Sentinals’ fortress to the Abyssal Forest, each location is crafted with an attention to detail that makes exploration a genuine pleasure, even amidst the relentless battles.

4. Combat variety keeps things fresh

The Dark Ages smartly avoids weapon fatigue by offering dual-function weaponry – each gun comes with a sister weapon using the same ammo, switchable on-the-fly. One minute you're launching rockets, the next you're lobbing grenades. This keeps combat dynamic and strategic, and encourages experimentation and rewards creativity in your demon-slaying strategies.

5.Frenetic battles at a massive scale

Combat scenarios are colossal. Literally. There are hundreds of enemies swarming you simultaneously at key parts of the game, with these transforming skirmishes into enormous, chaotic battles. Initially overwhelming, these epic confrontations quickly become exhilarating once you master your shield-and-melee-and-gun and learn enemy weaknesses. The sheer spectacle of these battles is impressive and takes “gun-fu” to a whole new level.

6.Enemy design that challenges

Old foes like Imps, Hell Knights, and Cyberdemons return with new twists suited to the game's medieval fantasy backdrop. Fresh designs – such as our favourite Pinkies being transformed into mounted demon archers here – keep familiar encounters unpredictable. Each enemy demands strategic approaches, compelling you to constantly adapt your tactics on the fly, especially when different foes appear at the same time.

7. Innovative melee combat system

Say goodbye to the chainsaw (though we’ll miss its brutality). I’ve mentioned it briefly earlier, but the Dark Ages all-new melee combat system is truly fun with its quick and aggressive ammo regeneration. This up-close-and-personal brawling perfectly complements the game's aggressive combat philosophy, rewarding players who dive straight into the fray.

8. Interesting pacing of abilities and upgrades:

The Dark Ages doesn’t throw all its gifts at you at once. Throughout the roughly 20-hour campaign, new abilities, weapons, and upgrades arrive at carefully calibrated intervals. Each addition meaningfully enhances your combat options, preventing gameplay from becoming repetitive or stale. Each new weapon makes combat at every level feels oddly rewarding and fresh, by continually pushing me to refine my skills and approach.

9. That soundtrack

If Doom's music gets your adrenaline pumping, you're in for a treat. The Dark Ages serves up another electrifying heavy metal soundtrack that perfectly underscores every demon-slaying moment. Composed by Finishing Move, the same music production team behind Borderlands 3 and Halo Wars 2, Doom’s heavy metal tracks are worth listening to even on its own (in this case it’s worth getting the Collector’s Edition).

10. Dragon riding and mecha / kaiju combat

Yes, the Doom Slayer now gets to ride a cybernetic dragon too – and controls giant mechas. Though these segments are less intricate than regular combat, they make for great palate cleansers providing spectacular set-pieces that enhance the overall cinematic feel of the game. Short, intense, and visually spectacular, these sequences never overstay their welcome.

However, no game is without its flaws and Doom: The Dark Ages is no exception. The massive battles, while exhilarating, sometimes border on excessive, particularly in the early game stages. Unexpected enemy spawns can feel frustrating, especially from behind as they occasionally disrupt the otherwise seamless gameplay flow.

Moreover, the dragon-riding and mecha versus kaiju battle segments, while visually stunning, tend to be overly simplistic and lack meaningful strategic depth. The game only requires to punch, evade, punch…and repeat. They primarily serve as cinematic spectacles rather than any true gameplay enhancements. I’m left with craving for more interaction and complexity during these segments. For a game so committed to deep, engaging combat mechanics, the dragon-riding and mecha combat felt somewhat superficial.

Veteran Doom players may also miss classic mobility mechanics like double-jumping and air-dashing. Although the new shield mechanics somewhat mitigate those features, the reduced agility does take some adjusting and might disappoint purists hoping for traditional Doom gameplay. The developers were clear from the onset that The Dark Ages was meant to be a different Doom, but this clear design choice might alienate long-time fans accustomed to more fluid movement systems.

Despite these minor drawbacks, Doom: The Dark Ages proves id Software hasn't run out of steam and more importantly, the courage to constantly get out of its comfort zone, this revered franchise. By combining thrilling combat innovation, meaningful narrative improvements, and relentless action on a large scale, The Dark Ages is not just another Doom – it’s a great showcase of how the franchise has evolved so differently over the past two rebooted titles and in a good way. In short, The Dark Ages comes highly recommended.

Doom: The Dark Ages will be available on 15 May on PC, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation

Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.