fluid mechanics
shield and parry
beautiful environments
unique addition
high-end optimization
methodical gameplay
dragon and mech segments
story focus
novel changes
frequent crashes
performance issues
lack of glory kills
music criticism
combat depth
Overall, the general sentiment is that Doom: The Dark Ages is a unique and engaging addition to the Doom series, although not without its problems. Players appreciate the new gameplay mechanics such as the shield and parry system; however, some were disappointed in the performance issues and music that did not measure up to previous games. Opinions on the game's pace and the removal of certain features like glory kills are varied, and the forced ray tracing has particularly frustrated users with less powerful hardware. Despite these issues, many players have found the core of the gameplay and visual design to be a strong continuation of the Doom legacy.
Positive Points
The game offers fluid and engaging mechanics that blend both modern and classic FPS elements, resulting in a unique and exhilarating combat experience.The shield and parry mechanics have been received positively, adding depth and a satisfying tempo to the gameplay loop.Environments are beautifully crafted, with sprawling levels and impressive visual design that enhance the immersive experience.The game provides excellent optimization on high-end systems, delivering smooth gameplay experiences.Overall, many players feel the game is a fresh and engaging addition to the Doom series that successfully differentiates itself from its predecessors.Negative Points
Numerous players have encountered frequent crashes and performance issues, particularly related to forced ray tracing, which has hampered the experience for those without high-end systems.Some fans are disappointed with the removal or reduction of glory kills, which they felt added significant satisfaction to finishing moves in prior games.The game's music has been criticized for lacking the impact and memorability of the soundtrack from previous Doom games composed by Mick Gordon.Several players have found that the combat lacks the depth and complexity found in Doom Eternal, with some mechanics and weapons feeling underutilized.Mixed Points
The introduction of slower, more methodical gameplay with emphasis on parrying and close combat has been divisive, with some players appreciating the change and others missing the high-speed chaos of Doom Eternal.The new dragon and mech gameplay segments have been praised by some for their novelty but criticized by others for feeling repetitive and unengaging.Opinions on the story and increased focus on cutscenes are varied, with some players enjoying the narrative depth and others feeling it detracts from the core gameplay.Common Themes
The game marks a significant departure from the fast-paced style of Doom Eternal, focusing more on a methodical and grounded approach.Performance issues, particularly with ray tracing and DRM concerns, have been a major point of contention among players.The aesthetic and level design are often praised, with many enjoying the medieval theme and visually stunning environments.The game has been noted for its replayability and customization options, allowing players to adjust difficulty settings extensively.Updated 5/17/2025, 12:01:38 AM UTC
