Doom: The Dark Ages Unveils New Gameplay Features

In a revealing interview with EDGE magazine, the developers behind Doom: The Dark Ages have unveiled exciting new gameplay details. This latest installment in the iconic series promises to put storytelling at the forefront, with the largest levels ever seen in the franchise, designed to offer players a sandbox-like experience.

Game director Hugo Martin and studio head Marty Stratton shared key insights during the discussion. Unlike previous Doom games where the backstory was often tucked away in text logs, The Dark Ages will embrace a more direct narrative approach. The game's atmosphere will shift towards a medieval theme, with a significant reduction in futuristic elements. Even the series' iconic weapons will undergo a design transformation to align with this new setting.

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While maintaining the distinct level-based structure of its predecessors, Doom: The Dark Ages will feature the most expansive environments yet, blending dungeon crawling with open-world exploration. The game is structured into "acts," which begin in narrow dungeons before opening up into vast areas. Players will also have the unique opportunity to control both a dragon and a mech, adding an exciting layer of variety to the gameplay.

A notable addition to the Slayer’s arsenal is a versatile shield that also functions as a chainsaw. This shield can be hurled at enemies, with its impact varying based on the material it strikes—be it flesh, armor, energy shields, or other substances. The shield also facilitates a dash attack, enabling players to swiftly close gaps on the battlefield. With the absence of double jumps and roars from earlier titles, this new mechanic becomes essential for mobility. Additionally, the shield supports a parrying system, which comes with adjustable difficulty and precise timing requirements.

Parrying in The Dark Ages serves as a "reload" mechanism for melee attacks, and engaging in melee combat replenishes ammunition for primary weapons, reminiscent of the chainsaw mechanic in DOOM Eternal. Players can choose from various melee options, including a swift gauntlet, a well-balanced shield, and a slower but powerful mace.