New Gameplay Details Revealed for Doom: The Dark Ages

Doom: The Dark Ages – A Medieval Twist on Classic Gameplay

EDGE magazine recently unveiled new details about Doom: The Dark Ages, promising a significant shift in the franchise's formula. The upcoming title prioritizes narrative, featuring a compelling storyline unlike previous entries where lore was primarily delivered through collectible text. This time, the story will unfold more directly, immersing players in a medieval-inspired world. Expect a departure from the series' futuristic aesthetic; even the iconic weaponry will undergo a design refresh to maintain thematic consistency.

Image: youtube.com

While maintaining the series' signature level-based structure, Doom: The Dark Ages boasts the largest levels yet, seamlessly blending dungeon crawling with open-world exploration. The game's structure is divided into "acts," progressing from claustrophobic dungeons to expansive, explorable areas. Adding a unique dimension to gameplay, players will gain control of both a dragon and a mech, offering diverse combat options.

The Slayer's arsenal receives a significant upgrade with the introduction of a multi-functional shield that doubles as a chainsaw. This versatile weapon can be thrown at enemies, exhibiting varied effects based on the target (flesh, armor, energy shields, etc.). The shield also facilitates a dash attack for rapid battlefield traversal, compensating for the absence of double jumps and the roar mechanic from previous games. A parry mechanic is also included, offering adjustable difficulty levels and precise timing requirements.

Parrying functions as a "reload" for melee attacks, while successful melee combat replenishes ammunition for ranged weapons, echoing the chainsaw mechanic in DOOM Eternal. Players can choose from a variety of melee weapons, each with its own unique attributes: a fast gauntlet, a balanced shield, and a slower, heavier mace.