The highly anticipated trailer for DOOM: The Dark Ages has recently been unveiled, generating excitement among fans of the franchise. Set to release on May 15th, this new chapter follows the successful launch of DOOM: Eternal, which was praised for its fast-paced gameplay and exhilarating mechanics. The newest installment is said to be taking a more realistic and gritty approach to the combat. It will double down on the series’ signature brutality.
DOOM: Eternal set the benchmark for speed and fluidity in gameplay when it was released. Players sometimes likened the experience to piloting a fighter jet. They talked about the need to always have your finger on the proverbial trigger so to speak. The game introduced a variety of weapons that became staples in the franchise, including the Combat Shotgun, Plasma Gun, Rocket Launcher, and Super Shotgun. Each weapon offered distinct, powerful benefits, adding to the game’s increasingly chaotic tempo.
With DOOM: The Dark Ages, developers are aiming to create a different experience while still honoring the legacy of its predecessors. In a recent developer direct showcase, they said,
“In DOOM: Eternal, you felt like a fighter jet. In DOOM: The Dark Ages, you’ll be an iron tank. Heavy, strong but still fast. A grounded combat system with an emphasis on power over the acrobatics of DOOM: Eternal. And a balance between enemy projectiles and player movement speed that makes strafing to aim viable again.”
This shift in gameplay dynamics suggests that players can expect a more robust and heavy-hitting combat style, moving away from the acrobatic maneuvering that defined DOOM: Eternal.
In addition to the beloved weapons making their return, DOOM: The Dark Ages introduces three melee weapons that will enhance close-quarters combat. With an iron flail, an electrified gauntlet and a spiked mace at players’ disposal. Every weapon comes with distinct tactical benefits for fast-paced, varied combat!
The game’s also introduced a new marksman-style Railspike weapon, which can be used to impale enemies to walls and other surfaces. This new addition fits perfectly into the game’s overall desire to craft a more realistic experience while not losing the excitement of battle.
Fans of the long-running franchise can expect many of the series signature features as seen in past titles. Prepare for the return of classic armaments including the Combat Shotgun and Rocket Launcher! All of these staples have gone a long way in crafting the frenetic pace that DOOM is known for. The fact that they’ve been included in The Dark Ages will definitely get long-time players buzzing.
As we wait for the full report to be released, excitement is already mounting. All of us are eager to observe how both veterans and newcomers will embrace and create with this fresh path forward. An obvious place the new emphasis on power comes through is in the slower, more tactical pace of combat. This build could be very attractive for players looking for a different challenge inside the DOOM world.