Bethesda's latest game, Doom: The Dark Ages, is a prequel to the 2016 Doom reboot and its sequel, Doom Eternal. In the game, players once again take control of the Doom Slayer – this time to protect a medieval kingdom from the forces of hell.
Doom: The Dark Ages is a fantastic addition to the franchise that combines a great setting, improved features, and Doom's trademark fast-paced madness, creating one of my favorite new FPSs in a long time.
First, I loved the unique setting in Doom: The Dark Ages. The game takes place in a medieval kingdom, so it's got all the classic vibes of a great fantasy game. But it also has futuristic sci-fi elements like spaceships and teleportation. Watching a spacecraft fly over a castle with dragons in the background is something you don't see very often, but Doom: The Dark Ages somehow made it all fit together perfectly, creating a unique and fun setting that really sets the game apart.
I also really loved that, despite its medieval setting, the game feels way more modern than other Doom entries. Now, let me start by saying this: I know that Doom is known for being all about the action, the killing, the weapons, and the blood, and not about building an intricate plot. I get it.
But also, I think it's important to remember that Doom came out a long time ago. I had only just been born when the first game was released. And I know hardcore fans want to preserve the franchise's devotion to the old-school FPS style of "drop a player in a map and tell them to shoot", but the reality is that, as the decades go on, there are less and less gamers playing Doom for the nostalgia factor of the 4th generation of gaming.
Without that nostalgia, the Doom franchise can feel a little empty and hollow, like a relic of a less advanced gaming industry. But Dark Ages finally added more voice acting, more characters, and even more cutscenes. Finally, I felt like I was playing a true AAA title, and not just some relic of the 90s. I enjoy Doom games because I enjoy FPSs, but the franchise always felt like something was missing. But thankfully, with the new added touches, Dark Ages feels complete.
And hardcore fans, don't worry, the game is still largely about the action, and it retains its retro, fast-paced gameplay. You'll still know you're in a Doom game...just one with a bit more life to it, which I greatly appreciated.
The Takeaway
With its continued focus on fast-paced bloodshed and the addition of some modern touches that help give it more depth, Doom: The Dark Ages is a seriously fun splatterfest that both franchise devotees and modern FPS gamers will love.