Doom: The Dark Ages Review

Doom: The Dark Ages takes the fast-paced, demon-slaying action that has always been associated with the Doom series and puts it in a medieval nightmare. Developed by id Software and published by Bethesda, this latest entry serves as a prequel to the modern Doom reboots, diving into the origins of the Doom Slayer’s eternal war against Hell. But does it live up to the legacy of its predecessors? Let’s dive in.

A Blood-Soaked Medieval Horror

The Dark Ages Review: A Glimpse into Europe’s Obscure Era

Introduction

The term "Dark Ages" traditionally refers to the period in European history between the fall of the Western Roman Empire (476 AD) and the beginning of the Renaissance (around the 14th century). Often characterized by political instability, economic decline, and limited cultural progress, this era has long been viewed as a time of regression. However, modern historians debate whether this label is entirely accurate. Was it truly a period of darkness, or does it deserve a more nuanced understanding?

The Fall of Rome and the Onset of the Dark Ages

The collapse of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century marked a turning point for Europe. With Rome’s decline came the fragmentation of centralized

Doom: The Dark Ages transports players to a grim, gothic world where demonic invasions plague feudal kingdoms. Instead of sci-fi corridors and Martian bases, you’ll battle through crumbling castles, cursed cathedrals, and hellish villages. The aesthetic shift is striking—chains, torches, and grotesque religious iconography replace the high-tech labs of previous games, giving the game a dark fantasy twist while retaining the series’ signature brutality.

The Doom Slayer's beginnings are explored in the narrative, revealing how he evolved into the unrelenting vengeful force we know today. While Doom games aren’t exactly known for deep storytelling, The Dark Ages weaves in enough lore to keep fans intrigued without slowing down the action.

Combat: Classic Carnage with New Twists

At its core, The Dark Ages delivers the same frenetic, high-octane combat that made Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal so beloved. The glory kills, weapon swapping, and relentless movement are all here, but with a medieval twist.

New Weapons & Gear:

The Crucible Axe: A brutal melee weapon that cleaves through demons with satisfying weight.

Flail & Shield: A new defensive-offensive tool that lets you block attacks before countering with a devastating swing.

Siege Crossbow: Fires explosive bolts, perfect for crowd control.

Spell Tomes: Limited-use dark magic abilities, like summoning a wave of hellfire.

Expanded Melee Combat:

Melee plays a bigger role than ever, with parries, executions, and environmental kills adding depth to the combat loop.

Siege battles, in which you use ballistae, boiling oil, and other medieval traps to defend castles against waves of demons, are also included in the game. These moments break up the usual run-and-gun gameplay, offering a fresh challenge.

Visuals & Sound: A Hellish Masterpiece

id Software’s tech continues to impress. The gothic environments are dripping with detail—blood-stained altars, flickering candlelight, and grotesque demon designs make every location feel oppressive. The soundtrack, once again composed by Mick Gordon (with additional work by David Levy), blends heavy metal with eerie choral chants, perfectly matching the medieval doom aesthetic.

Is It Worth Your Time?

Doom: The Dark Ages doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. It takes the series’ winning formula and gives it a fresh coat of blood and rust. The medieval setting is a fantastic change of pace, and the new weapons and mechanics keep combat exciting.

Final Score: 9/10

✅ Pros:

Brutal, satisfying combat with new melee depth

Stunning gothic art direction

Killer soundtrack

Siege battles add variety

❌ Cons:

Story still takes a backseat (though that’s expected)

Some may miss the sci-fi setting

If you love Doom, this is a must-play. If you’re new to the franchise, The Dark Ages is a great entry point—just be prepared for relentless, demon-smashing chaos.

Rip and tear… in the name of the king!