DOOM: The Dark Ages - Slaying Demons in Medieval Metal Mayhem
When the Slayer trades his chainsaw for a broadsword
Launch Day Larry
Welcome to the latest chapter in the DOOM saga, where the Slayer swaps his futuristic arsenal for a medieval makeover in “DOOM: The Dark Ages” (TDA). This time, the developers have decided to sprinkle a bit of narrative seasoning on the demon-slaying stew, but does it enhance the flavor or leave a bitter aftertaste? Let’s dive into the chaos and find out.
Gameplay: A Symphony of Swords and Shotguns
In TDA, the gameplay is a frenetic blend of open-area exploration and linear, fast-paced action that would make even the most seasoned DOOM veterans feel right at home. The combat mechanics are as solid as a Slayer’s bicep, with melee and gunplay elements that encourage an aggressive playstyle. The parry system is a standout feature, offering a responsive and balanced experience that adds a layer of strategic depth. It’s like a dance, but with more blood and fewer sequins.
Customization is king here, with options to tweak difficulty settings, game speed, and even parry windows. While this flexibility is a boon for some, others feel it undermines the purpose of preset difficulty levels. Meanwhile, the mech and dragon sections are about as exciting as watching paint dry, offering clunky mechanics that feel more like filler content than a thrilling addition to the game.
The checkpoint system, reminiscent of a 90s platformer, can be frustrating, and the speed of weapon swapping might make you feel like you’re trying to change lanes in rush hour traffic. Boss fights, too, seem to have taken a detour from the traditional DOOM experience, leaving some players longing for the good old days of straightforward demon-slaying.
Graphics: A Medieval Canvas with a Few Smudges
Visually, TDA is a feast for the eyes, with stunning environments and detailed weapon designs that capture the medieval sci-fi aesthetic beautifully. The destroyed villages and hellish landscapes are brought to life with moody lighting and crisp textures, making every level a visual treat. The IDTech engine works its magic, ensuring smooth performance on high-end systems, even with ray tracing enabled.
However, not all that glitters is gold. Some players experience performance issues, particularly on AMD hardware, and the forced implementation of ray tracing has been a point of contention. The environmental graphics, while generally impressive, occasionally fall short with static clouds and poorly textured mountains that seem to have wandered in from a previous generation.
Story: A Medieval Tale with Modern Woes
TDA attempts to weave a more intricate narrative than its predecessors, focusing on the Slayer’s time with the Night Sentinels. While some players appreciate this shift, others find the story lacks depth and feels more like a filler arc. The introduction of cinematic cutscenes aims to enhance storytelling, but for some, it disrupts the gameplay flow that is the hallmark of the series.
The narrative includes familiar faces like Novik and Valen, but their stories are not explored in depth, leaving players wanting more. The shift from subtle storytelling to a more overt approach has left some fans longing for the days of datalogs and codex pages, which allowed for a more immersive exploration of the game’s lore.
Final Verdict
“DOOM: The Dark Ages” is a bold attempt to blend the series’ traditional gameplay with a more narrative-driven experience. While the melee combat and exploration-driven map design are engaging, the game stumbles with certain mechanics and technical issues. The graphics are a visual delight, but performance hiccups and some lackluster environmental elements detract from the experience. The story, while ambitious, doesn’t quite hit the mark, leaving players divided on its impact.
Overall, TDA is a solid entry in the DOOM series, but it may not be the epic medieval adventure some fans were hoping for. If you’re a fan of the franchise, it’s worth a playthrough, but be prepared for a few bumps along the way.
Score: 7/10