DOOM: The Dark Ages Sparks Outrage with Minimal Physical Content

The much-anticipated release of DOOM: The Dark Ages has stirred up a storm of frustration among its fanbase due to its physical edition's content—or rather, the lack thereof. The game, set to officially launch on May 15, has already been shipped early by some retailers, even before the premium edition's promised 2-day early access. However, the excitement quickly turned to fury when fans discovered that the game disc contains a mere 85 MB of data.

Early Shipment and Disappointment

Twitter user @DoesItPlay1, who received their copy on May 9, shared screenshots on their PS5 revealing the shocking 85.01 MB file size of the disc. This revelation means that players must download over 80 GB of additional data to play the game, requiring a stable internet connection. This has led to widespread disappointment among fans who feel that the physical disc is essentially useless, with many calling it a waste of resources. Some fans have even decided to wait for the digital release, feeling that the physical copy does not truly represent ownership of the game.

Gameplay and Reception

Despite the controversy surrounding its physical release, DOOM: The Dark Ages has received glowing reviews from those who have managed to play it early. Reddit user TCXIV, who got their hands on the collector's edition, described the game as an "amazing trip" and shared numerous screenshots showcasing the game's menus, interface, bestiary, demons, cutscenes, and significant spoiler moments. The community's early impressions highlight the game's compelling story, UI, and weapons.

At Game8, we've given DOOM: The Dark Ages a score of 88 out of 100, praising its brutal renaissance of the DOOM series. The game shifts away from the aerial flair of DOOM (2016) and Eternal, opting instead for a grittier, boots-on-the-ground combat experience. For a deeper dive into our thoughts on the game, be sure to check out our detailed review below.