Doom: The Dark Ages Unveils New Gameplay Details

In a recent interview with EDGE magazine, the developers behind Doom: The Dark Ages unveiled exciting new details about the game's gameplay. This installment promises to place a stronger emphasis on storytelling, with levels that are the largest in the series' history, offering players a sandbox-like experience.

Game director Hugo Martin and studio head Marty Stratton shared key insights during the discussion. Unlike previous Doom titles where much of the backstory was tucked away in text logs, The Dark Ages will adopt a more direct storytelling approach. The game's atmosphere will embrace a medieval theme, dialing back on futuristic elements. Even the iconic weapons will undergo a design overhaul to seamlessly fit into this new setting.

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Similar to its predecessors, Doom: The Dark Ages will feature distinct levels, but these will be the most expansive yet, blending dungeon crawling with open-world exploration. The game is structured into "acts," beginning with narrow dungeons and transitioning into vast, open areas. Players will have the unique opportunity to control both a dragon and a mech, adding a fresh layer of variety to the gameplay.

A notable addition to the Slayer's arsenal is a versatile shield that also functions as a chainsaw. This shield can be thrown at enemies and reacts differently based on the material it strikes—whether it's flesh, armor, energy shields, or other substances. The shield also facilitates a dash attack, enabling players to swiftly close the distance to their foes. With the absence of double jumps and roars from earlier games, this shield mechanic will be pivotal for battlefield mobility. Additionally, the shield supports parrying, with adjustable difficulty settings and precise timing windows.

Parrying in The Dark Ages serves as a "reload" for melee attacks, while engaging in melee combat replenishes ammunition for primary weapons—echoing the chainsaw mechanic from DOOM Eternal. Players will have a range of melee options at their disposal, including a fast-paced gauntlet, a balanced shield, and a slower but powerful mace.