DOOM: The Dark Ages is the next entry in the DOOM franchise. Positioned as a prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016), DOOM: The Dark Ages follows the DOOM Slayer through a narrative set during a medieval war against the forces of Hell. I recently had the opportunity to attend a preview event, where I watched extended gameplay footage and sat down with the developers to explore some of the new and exciting features coming with the launch of DOOM: The Dark Ages.
Design Philosophy
If DOOM (2016) emphasized run-and-gun gameplay and DOOM Eternal focused on jump-and-shoot mechanics, DOOM: The Dark Ages centres on stand-and-fight combat. Built around the concept of being an iron tank, the Slayer and his arsenal are designed to endure relentless enemy attacks while navigating obstacles to close the gap on foes. In a nod to the original games, DOOM: The Dark Ages reintroduces the strafe-and-shoot style that made the franchise’s early titles so iconic.