New Gameplay Details Revealed for Doom: The Dark Ages

In a recent interview with EDGE magazine, the developers of Doom: The Dark Ages unveiled exciting new details about the game. This installment will prioritize narrative, featuring the largest levels in the series' history, creating a truly expansive, sandbox-like experience.

Game director Hugo Martin and studio head Marty Stratton highlighted several key aspects: Unlike previous Doom games where lore was largely relegated to text logs, The Dark Ages will embrace a more direct storytelling approach. The game's atmosphere will evoke a medieval setting, minimizing futuristic elements. Even the iconic weaponry will undergo a design overhaul to seamlessly integrate into this new temporal context.

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While retaining the series' signature distinct levels, Doom: The Dark Ages will boast unprecedented scale, seamlessly blending dungeon crawling with open-world exploration. The game's chapters are structured into "acts," progressing from claustrophobic dungeons to expansive, explorable areas. Adding further variety, players will gain control of both a dragon and a mech, offering diverse gameplay options.

A significant 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 interactions depending on the target (flesh, armor, energy shields, etc.). The shield also facilitates a dash attack, enabling rapid closure of distances. Given the absence of double jumps and roars from previous titles, this mechanic will become crucial for battlefield mobility. Furthermore, the shield allows for parrying, with adjustable difficulty settings and precise timing windows.

Parrying effectively acts as a "reload" for melee attacks, while melee combat itself replenishes ammunition for primary weapons—a mechanic reminiscent of the chainsaw in DOOM Eternal. Melee options include a fast-paced gauntlet, a balanced shield, and a slower, more powerful mace.