Doom Franchise takes up a new mayhem that is billed to the new territory in Doom: The Dark Ages, adorning the demonic mayhem of its signature. Set against a medieval background, this latest installment introduces innovative elements that breathe new life into the formula while maintaining the series’ core identity. The Doom Slayer is back and is now armed with weapons suitable for the times along with future firepower.
From the enchanting broadsword to the laser spine crossbow, use everything to tear through the hellspawn horde. The battle remains visceral and satisfying as ever, and the new setting offers a unique opportunity for genocide.
The last two titles felt a bit inspirational, but it’s clear that dark ages bring the game back to its roots, fit into the 2025 game landscape and deliver a rip-learning experience while putting enough spin on the original three games to advance the series.
I’m drawing the past
Doom was a solid franchise in my gaming history, from watching my dad play the Doom Simpsons Mod in 1998 to being able to experience the game late at night after my parents went to bed. Each game offers a unique experience, killing the devil’s core, letting blood everywhere, keeping fun, and quickly becoming one of my favorite franchises.
The latest title, Doom Etern, seems to have wandered from the original title and didn’t attract me as much as the previous title. Luckily, the Dark Ages will return to their original titles and update them for the consoles of the current generation.
The story takes the backseat to the action as expected while it is present. However, in the medieval environment, several interesting traditions have been expanded, delving into eternal conflicts between heaven, hell and mankind across different ages. There is a cutscene to introduce each level, and one at the end to make the story come into play.
Many of these just replace the aliens with the demons, and remind you of the Hello Game. The story seems interesting, not because we’re here, but because the developers spent a lot of time on these scenes. That being said, storylines are not essential, but if you’re looking for more fate lore, this will satisfy you.
Where the Dark Ages are stumbling slightly is in its pacing. The middle of the game can be felt repeatedly, and some arena fights have overcome the welcome. Plus, while the beast-riding segments are exciting, their controls can be a little sensitive at times, leading to occasional frustration.
The most important addition to Dark Ages is the ability to attach and control various mythical beasts. Flying over the sky on fire-breathing dragons or stomping the battlefield with a giant war golem will bring much needed updates to gameplay. These new mechanics are not perfect, but show the developer’s willingness to push the series in a bold new direction. Each one has a simple tutorial that will get used to being able to control them while flying and be able to manipulate weapons unique to each animal.
That contrasts with running through each level of explosion and passing through the enemy. This includes many adjustments and timing to pass the enemy and enter the next area. There is also a level where you need to use a dragon to unload the ship’s shield, and before it drops you, you will have to unload the ship’s shield, and you will need to clean up the enemy with a gun, rinse it and repeat. All this is set against the background of a huge medieval castle that you have to navigate.
Learning movement
The game starts with a short tutorial and you’ll get used to the controls. There are guns that you can easily switch between (with lots of fun stuff) and you’ll have access to different areas and a shield you can use to take enemies with powerful swipes. You can also attach spikes. This makes it a very powerful weapon when your enemies are jumping to you and trying to switch weapons.
As the game progresses, accessing several different guns will enter a ditch of wiping off enemy waves that need to effectively perform different firepower. Some enemies require power surges from the pulse blaster and can take them out before the shield reduces it. The same applies to accessing an ancient shield and locked area behind a key. Swipe quickly with the shield and you’ll be there.
The enemy drops beautiful lighting power-ups, health recovery, and various armor and potions to stop you from resuming levels. Although I wasn’t brave enough to put the game in the hardest mode, the easy and medium mode had plenty of drops to keep me progressing with each wave of enemies. Playing as a demonic killer makes you feel virtually undestroyed, but it’s the best way.
Heavy armor and solid weapons give the feeling of the Master Chief. This is further emphasized at the height and when jumping off the land, creating waves that wipe off the enemy on the ground below. It was incredibly satisfying and I found myself ready to get the most out of this mechanic.
Good visuals like hell
Visually, the game is an east banquet of the eyes. Gothic castles and plague-hit villages are the backdrop of merciless behavior, with impressive lighting and particle effects that bring hellish invasions. The trademark heavy metal soundtrack is infused with medieval instruments, creating a unique audio experience that perfectly complements the mess on the screen.
The Dark Ages are specially made for next-generation consoles and high-end PC setups, and you can see. The level of detail for each level and weapon is the best the series has ever had. There is only one weapon called a crusher, and it loads up skulls and fires them rapidly at the enemy in a row. You can see the skull loaded into the gun’s room as you push down and pop out.
While walking around, you can see (and hear) your skull move around and rattles in sync with your body movements. It’s those little touches that the developers have confirmed that they are the front and center that makes all the difference in this game. The levels are very dark, especially in indoor areas, and sometimes it can be a bit difficult to see where you go, but it’s not a big deal.
The game will shine when there are multiple enemies on the screen. There are moments in this game where a variety of enemy waves will surge towards you, and your appearance and performance will not change. Overall, the game ran smoothly (I reviewed it on the PS5 Pro) and didn’t notice any dips or stutters throughout the playthrough.
Final Thoughts
Despite these minor complaints, Doom: The Dark Ages stands as a franchise-worthy entry. The series’ proven formulas combined with fresh ideas, creating an experience that will satisfy long-time fans, and it could attract newcomers who are intrigued by its unique setting.
The story tries to captivate you, but what makes this game an incredibly fun time is about the bloody and bloody reduction of enemy waves. The graphics and performance are virtually perfect on the PlayStation 5 Pro, with no noticeable dips. Doom: The Dark Ages is the most enjoyable thing I’ve ever experienced in the 2025 game. In fact, it may even be the best fate game I’ve played since the original trilogy.
4 stars (out of 5)
Highlights: Innovative weapons. Thrilling Beat Riding Play, stunning visuals. A long and fun campaign.
Low light: Pacing issues mid-game. This can be dark and difficult to see.
Developer: ID Software
Publisher: Bethesda
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC
Available: May 15, 2025
Reviews conducted on the PlayStation 5 Pro are conducted using pre-release code provided by the publisher.
