Doom: The Dark Ages Review — Brutal, Bold, and Brilliantly Different
id Software decided to show what came before Doom 2016 — in a world where Gothic castles coexist with demons and mechs. The result is audacious, bloody, and unforgettable.
The Shield Saw is a brilliantly implemented weapon that transforms the entire combat rhythm of Doom.
Doom: The Dark Ages is a prequel to Doom (2016), depicting events referenced in that game's codex entries. The Doom Slayer operates in a fantasy world where technology and medieval aesthetics merge into a single bloody spectacle.
New Mechanics: The Shield Saw and Parrying
The major addition is the Shield Saw: a motorized serrated shield that lets players block and parry enemy attacks. This fundamentally changes combat rhythm — instead of constant forward movement, players now focus on timing. Critics call the Shield Saw "brilliantly implemented."
Melee has been overhauled into a full combo system rather than just finishers. The visceral, detailed glory kills remain, but their impact feels slightly diminished compared to previous entries.
Setting
A medieval world with demon princes and ancient gods is an audacious choice — Game of Thrones in Hell with mechs. It works better than it sounds on paper: each location is memorable and enemy variety is strong.
Weaknesses
The narrative is the weakest element, noticeably lighter than Doom Eternal. Melee finishers lack their previous weight. The music is solid but doesn't reach the heights of past entries.
Verdict: Metacritic 83
Doom: The Dark Ages is a bold experiment that works in most of its choices. Not the series' peak, but a worthy prequel offering fresh mechanics and a memorable setting.
Редакция MBG
