Chris InglisDOOM: The Dark Ages is the latest instalment in the long running DOOM series by id Software launching on PC and consoles on May 15, 2025. The initial release of Doom in 1993 was a pivotal moment in gaming history, widely credited with popularising the first-person shooter genre. Its fast-paced action, demonic themes, and groundbreaking multiplayer modes like deathmatch captivated gamers worldwide and left a lasting mark on the gaming landscape. Fast forward over 31 years and as we approach the release of DOOM: The Dark Ages, I can tell you it is well worth the wait.
This is arguably the best DOOM game yet, surpassing DOOM 2016 and DOOM Eternal in its creativity and excitement for me. A prequel to these two modern games, DOOM: The Dark Ages tells an epic cinematic story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage. You get to step into the blood-stained boots of the slayer, in a dark and sinister medieval war against Hell. From the moment the slayer hero-slams into the ground, emerging with metal armour and a hulking shield, I knew I was in for a bloody good time. Combat feels more like the older games than the modern ones, which suited me well, and there is a heap of adjustments you can make to gameplay settings to hone into how you want it to feel.
While the familiar boomstick, rail gun and plasma rifle make satisfying appearances, it’s the medieval weaponry designs that steals the show. The introduction of the shield is a game-changer, evolving from a simple defensive tool into an offensive powerhouse when it becomes a ripper shield. Initially used to deflect projectiles – a welcome throwback to the strafing dances of the original Doom – it quickly becomes an integral part of your offensive strategy. Throwing it into larger mobs will stun them enough for you to close the gap. Shooting at shields and armour until they glow hot, then hurling the shield at them causes them to explode to devastating effect.
The up-close-and-personal combat is undeniably satisfying, and you are introduced to every new weapon with an area that teaches you how to slay hard to the heaviest metal music tracks. Heavy metal isn’t something I listen to often, but in a DOOM game, it wouldn’t be as good an experience without it. The intensity of every large-scale battle is amplified to the max with the heavy beats and bloody massacres that ensue. Every new weapon you unlock feels weighty and impactful with each blast tearing through demonic flesh with brutal efficiency. Weaken an enemy enough and it will glow purple in a stunned state, and pressing E will lay the smack down in some glorious ways.
However, when the Slayer takes control of the Atlan Mech – a metal behemoth capable of unleashing devastating attacks – the scale of the game goes nuts. Dodging is key to being able to land some heavy blows against equally large foes and then finishing them with earth-shattering slams to regain some health points. Then, just when I thought things couldn’t get better, we are introduced to the ability to pilot a dragon which opens the world in a breathtaking way, offering a sense of freedom and power unlike anything I have seen before in a DOOM game. Soaring through the skies, taking out turrets, chasing down flying mobs, and landing on areas to take out loads of hell spawn was oh so satisfying. You don’t always have access to these beasts through the missions, but when you do it’s a damn good fun time.
Beyond the adrenaline-pumping combat, DOOM: The Dark Ages rewards exploration. Each of the 22 meticulously crafted levels is packed brimming with secrets, beckoning you to stray from the beaten path. Hidden passages lead to valuable collectibles, ranging from lore-expanding scrolls to weapon skins that add a personal touch to your instruments of destruction. Currency and amulets allow you to visit upgrade stations scattered throughout the levels, where you can enhance the power and efficiency of both your ranged and melee weapons, as well as bolster the capabilities of your trusty shield. There are also mission challenges you can set to add more to your to-do list, and this rewards you with more currency to throw at upgrades. There are many reasons to repeat missions beyond them just being damn good demon-slaying enjoyment.
I was able to explore 100% of mission 1, being sure to look at the map for greyed out area that I missed, and discovering new ways to get to hidden places. This is yet another reason to love the slayer’s shield as you throw it to hit switches, knock down items or slam heavy blocks onto plates to move to the next area. I have to say that this is the best implementation of the map system of all the latest iterations in the series. You can see elevation and missed areas clearly so you can come back to collect more loot. As diligent as I was looking for secret pathways, I am no way near 100% each level which leaves plenty of game for me to return to often.
Overall, DOOM: The Dark Ages is the best DOOM game of the series, taking the core elements that made the series iconic and shield-throws them to new heights with its exhilarating combat mechanics and expansive exploration opportunities. The game successfully balances nostalgia with innovation, ensuring that both longtime fans and newcomers will find plenty to love. With its captivating story, incredible visuals, and pulse-pounding soundtrack, DOOM: The Dark Ages sets a new standard for first-person shooters. Whether you are a veteran slayer or new to the battle against Hell, this game offers an unmissable experience that proves the wait was truly worth it.
This review utilised a key provided by Bethesda ANZ and DOOM: The Dark Ages releases on May 15, 2025, on Steam, Xbox and PlayStation.
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