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DOOM: The Dark Ages
Action
Single-player
Steam Achievements
Full controller support
Steam Trading Cards
Color Alternatives
Adjustable Difficulty
Surround Sound
Steam Cloud
HDR available
Family Sharing

DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells an epic cinematic story worthy of the DOOM Slayer’s legend. Players will step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer, in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell.

Developers: id Software
Publishers: Bethesda Softworks
Release Date: May 14, 2025
Price (USD): $69.99
Current Players: 534

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Very Positive(86%)
beautiful graphics
shield system
melee options
difficulty customization
campaign length
combat pacing
parry system
deviation from predecessors
forced ray-tracing
weak story
sound design
mech levels
frequent parrying
The general sentiment toward Doom: The Dark Ages is mixed. While the game's visuals and the implementation of new gameplay mechanics such as the shield and parry system are praise-worthy, there are significant criticisms regarding technical demands, music, and the storytelling aspect. The game attempts to revolutionize the franchise by deviating from its predecessors—both in combat style and narrative depth—which has led to polarized reviews among players, especially longtime fans of the series. Despite the critique, many still find joy in its combat systems once they adapt to the new style.

Positive Points

  • The game stands out for its beautiful graphics and stunning visual design, incorporating ray-tracing to enhance its medieval aesthetic.
  • Players have praised the new gameplay mechanics, particularly the shield and parry system, which brings a fresh dynamic to combat and allows for a more tactical approach.
  • The variety in weapons and melee options has been well-received, with particular praise for how they integrate into the medieval theme.
  • The game offers extensive customization through difficulty sliders allowing players to tailor the experience to their liking by adjusting aspects like game speed and parry window.
  • The campaign's length and level design have been praised for their complexity and depth, offering plenty of content and exploration opportunities.

    • Negative Points

  • There is significant criticism regarding forced ray-tracing, leading to performance issues, even with high-end graphics cards, and impacting overall game accessibility.
  • Several players found the story and narrative to be weak, with characters described as generic and the plot lacking depth or engagement.
  • Music and sound design without Mick Gordon have been highlighted as a weaker element, lacking the memorable impact of previous Doom titles.
  • Mech and dragon levels received mixed reviews, with many players feeling they were underdeveloped and disrupted the pacing of the game.
  • Complaints have been raised about certain game mechanics, such as frequent reliance on parrying, causing some to experience it as restrictive and repetitive.

    • Mixed Points

  • The game’s pacing and combat tempo differ from its predecessors, offering a slower, more methodical experience that some appreciate while others miss the fast-paced action of Eternal.
  • Players are divided on the necessity and impact of the parry system; it is a significant departure from classic Doom gameplay, which some find refreshing but others find disruptive.

    • Common Themes

  • A consistent theme in reviews is the comparison with Doom Eternal, often finding this game less engaging in its combat loop but appreciating its attempts at innovation.
  • There is a strong sense of nostalgia for previous Doom entries, with many players wishing for more elements of the traditional Doom gameplay style.
  • Despite mixed feelings, many players agree that the game provides a novel take on the series, attempting to evolve the franchise with new concepts and gameplay mechanics.
    • Updated 9/30/2025, 12:02:36 AM UTC
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