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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: 1.3k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Very Positive(86%)
shield and parry
fast-paced action
visuals
satisfying combat
unique medieval setting
soundtrack
game length
customization
performance issues
weaker story
predictable parries
filler content
The Dark Ages offers a fresh take on DOOM's classic action with its revised mechanics, such as the shield and parry system. While the art and atmosphere are consistently praised, the game's story and character development leave much to be desired. Despite being a graphically demanding game, the enforced ray tracing limits its accessibility on older hardware, frustrating some players. The soundtrack, while fitting, fails to live up to the legendary status of Mick Gordon's previous works. Overall, fans find enjoyment in the hectic demon-slaying, but the game's initial price and length cast a shadow over its release.

Positive Points

  • Gameplay is praised for its new mechanics, particularly the shield and parry system, which add an extra layer of strategy and satisfaction to combat.
  • The visual and artistic direction, along with the medieval setting, is highly appreciated for being unique and beautifully crafted.
  • Sound design and soundtrack, although not as celebrated as previous titles, still provide a fitting accompaniment to the gameplay, enhancing the overall atmosphere.
  • The game maintains the fast-paced, chaotic action that fans love, with a good balance between familiar and new elements.

    • Negative Points

  • The forced use of ray tracing without a fallback option is criticized for causing performance issues on older hardware, limiting accessibility.
  • Some players find the game to be too easy, with many enemies serving as mere fodder and the parry system making combat predictable.
  • The story and character development are deemed weak and somewhat disjointed, impacting immersion for some players.
  • Certain sections, such as dragon riding and mech gameplay, are viewed as less engaging and more like filler content.

    • Mixed Points

  • The soundtrack receives mixed reviews; while it fits the game's atmosphere, it doesn't reach the same iconic status as previous DOOM games composed by Mick Gordon.
  • The game's length and price point are debated, with some feeling it offers good value for money, while others think it's too short for the price.

    • Common Themes

  • The shift in gameplay pace from previous DOOM games is a frequent topic, with many applauding the new approach while others miss the frenetic action of DOOM Eternal.
  • Customization options for gameplay difficulty are appreciated for allowing players to tailor the experience, though some feel the default settings are not challenging enough.
  • Despite its flaws, many reviews reflect a sentiment that the game is still fundamentally fun to play, especially for fans of the series.
    • Updated 12/26/2025, 12:01:15 AM UTC
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