In a recent interview with EDGE magazine, the developers of Doom: The Dark Ages unveiled exciting new details about the game's gameplay. This iteration will place a strong emphasis on narrative, presenting a richer story than ever before. Prepare for the largest levels in the series' history, offering a truly expansive, sandbox-like experience.
Game director Hugo Martin and studio head Marty Stratton highlighted several key aspects. Unlike previous Doom titles where lore was largely relegated to text logs, The Dark Ages will feature a more direct and engaging storytelling approach. The game's atmosphere will evoke a medieval setting, significantly reducing futuristic elements. Even the iconic weaponry will undergo a design overhaul to seamlessly integrate with this new historical context.
While retaining the series' signature distinct levels, Doom: The Dark Ages will introduce the largest environments yet, seamlessly blending dungeon crawling with open-world exploration. The game's chapters are structured into "acts," progressing from confined dungeons to increasingly expansive areas. Adding a unique twist, players will gain control of both a dragon and a mech, significantly diversifying gameplay options.
A standout addition to the Slayer's arsenal is a revolutionary shield that doubles as a chainsaw. This versatile weapon can be thrown at enemies, exhibiting unique reactions depending on the target (flesh, armor, energy shields, etc.). The shield also facilitates a dash attack for rapid closing of distances, compensating for the absence of double jumps and roars from previous games. Further enhancing its strategic value, the shield allows for parrying, with adjustable difficulty settings and precise timing windows.
Parrying cleverly functions as a "reload" for melee attacks, while successful melee combat replenishes ammunition for primary weapons—a mechanic reminiscent of the chainsaw in DOOM Eternal. Players can choose from a variety of melee options, including a fast-paced gauntlet, a balanced shield, and a slower, more powerful mace.
