Doom: The Dark Ages is getting mixed reviews all over the gaming community. Some praise its new direction; on the other hand, many criticize key changes. In this article, you will learn about why Doom: The Dark Ages is getting hate, covering everything from gameplay mechanics and visual style to narrative choices and technical performance. By the end of the article, you will have a clear idea whether the game is worth playing or not.
Table of Contents
Overview Of ‘Doom: The Dark Ages’
Doom: The Dark Ages is a successor of DOOM (2016), which has recently updated its franchise with new updates. The game was developed by id Software and was published by Bethesda Softworks. To summarize the game story, it is the origin story of the DOOM Slayers. The VFX used in the game is a medieval-inspired world, which seems brutal. This updated version is set in an ancient realm plagued by demonic forces.
In the game, you play as a DOOM Slayer, aka a Demon Slayer, who is a legendary warrior and is destined to confront and destroy the Demons of Hell. The game explores how a demon slayer became humanity’s ultimate weapon.
What’s New In ‘Doom: The Dark Ages?’
Gameplay & Mechanics
Compared to its previous versions, the Dark Ages offers a more grounded experience.
Some Of The Key Features Include:
A Shield Saw is an all-rounder weapon to block, parry, and attack. A New Arsenal, which is a collector of military equipment, includes weapons like the skull-crusher, a firearm, and melee tools such as gauntlets, maces, and flails. And for the first time, the developers introduced a vehicle combat, in which players can pilot a cybernetic dragon and a towering 30-story mech named Atlan.
Weapons & Progression
The game represents a diverse collection of weapons. Clearly, the weapons that were usually found in the pods dropped from the sky were unlocked through the campaign. A unique weapon is also introduced, which was unlocked by solving a puzzle in chapter 6.
Puzzles & Exploration
The game also has challenging and well-defined puzzles, the first of which is the Rotating Water Room Puzzle. It is located in the Kar’Thul marshes. Rewards are given after successfully completing the game. The second one is Hebeth’s Fire Door Puzzle, in which you need to find a hidden valve and fight off a Hell Knight to reach the hidden loot.
DOOM 2025 Vs DOOM 2016 & 2020
| Feature / Game Element | DOOM (2016) | DOOM Eternal (2020) | DOOM: The Dark Ages (2025) |
| Story Focus | Minimal, fast-paced action | Expanded lore and world-building | Origin story of the DOOM Slayer |
| Main Character | DOOM Slayer | DOOM Slayer | Younger DOOM Slayer (origin story) |
| Combat Style | Fast, fluid gunplay | Faster, more vertical, and aggressive | Heavier, grounded “tank-like” combat |
| New Weapons | Super Shotgun, Rocket Launcher | Meat Hook, Ballista | Shield Saw, Skull Crusher, Flail, Atlan’s Arsenal |
| Graphics & Performance | High-quality, 60 FPS | Enhanced visuals, 120 FPS support | Ray Tracing, DLSS 4, Multi-Frame Generation |
| Editions Available | PC, PS4, Xbox One | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox, Stadia, Switch | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X |
| Estimated Game Length | 11–13 hours (main story) | 14–16 hours (main story) | 15–18 hours (main story, depending on difficulty) |
Why Is ‘Doom: The Dark Ages’ Getting Hate?
Many players and gamers are complaining about the slower movement, and the gameplay is less agile compared to DOOM Eternal. The lack of fast-paced mechanics makes it less exciting. Moving to the next thing, players have also noted that in weapons like the shotgun, the sound effect is not impactful enough. Also, the sound during fights or enemy kills doesn’t feel as loud as it did in previous DOOM games. Being the sequel of DOOM Eternal, which was fast and dynamic, players had expected a similar gameplay, but the change in style from sci-fi to the medieval period disappointed fans who were expecting continuity. However, there is a new learning outcome in the puzzles and mechanics, but some players didn’t enjoy it.
DOOM: The Dark Ages Editions
Premium Edition
- Get access to the game two days before the release date.
- You can explore concept art and enjoy the game’s music.
- You get the Divinity skin pack, i.e., exclusive skins for DOOM Slayer, dragon, and the Atlan mech.
- Available on platforms like Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and also on PC (Steam, Battle.net )
Collector’s Edition
- Get all the Premium features and more exclusive items.
- It has a 12” DOOM Slayer Statue, a figure showcasing the detachable Super Shotgun, flail, Shield Saw, and a faux fur cape.
- It has a Metal Red Key Card Replica of in-game key cards.
- This bundle is available for Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Doom: The Dark Ages Reviews 2025
Positive Reviews
- The Slayer feels incredibly powerful, like a “tank” or an unstoppable force.
- Long-term players report that the game offers high replayability and satisfaction with the campaign.
- The game is visually impressive and offers a fresh, unique identity that sets it apart from previous versions.
- One standout feature is the ability to leap into enemies using the shield, creating powerful and satisfying combat moments that enhance the overall gameplay experience.
Negative Reviews
- The lack of jump-dashing and advanced platforming is identified as a drawback.
- The sound design and mixing are lacking; the shotguns do not produce a powerful sound, and the executions feel impactless.
- Some players feel the Slayer is too slow and less agile compared to previous games.
- There is a learning curve associated with new mechanics, and it takes time to adjust to them.
Final Verdict
DOOM: The Dark Ages offers a bold new interpretation of the franchise by blending intense medieval combat with enhanced storytelling and next-gen graphics. While some longtime fans may miss the speed and agility of previous entries, many others appreciate the powerful combat and unique gameplay experience. This game promises a thrilling adventure for both newcomers and longtime fans alike. Whether you’re drawn to the updated visuals, the new puzzle elements, or the immersive features, *The Dark Ages* presents a fresh take on the series. Ultimately, it is a must-play for anyone seeking a new adventure in the DOOM universe.
