With the upcoming release of the Revelations expansion for DOOM: The Dark Ages, we think there’s never been a better time to jump back into the game. This new chapter sounds like a wild ride, promising to drag the Slayer into a gritty purgatory filled with fiercer demons and, as a nice bonus, some deeper puzzles.
Many things about Revelations excite us, but what we’re most excited about is seeing how the new Chain Spear feels in combat. Plus, with the updates coming to Ripatorium 3.0, it looks like the developers are giving us some fantastic new ways to experiment with custom encounters and loadouts.
Since we still have about a week until those gates open, we don’t just want to sit around waiting. Instead, we’re more than happy to focus on the main event. Stick with us after the break, and we’ll share why we think the base game is still something truly special that everyone should experience.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is the newest chapter in the epic DOOM franchise. As the finale of the modern trilogy, it successfully builds on the adventure we started in DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal. For fans of the older games, it keeps the fast, fun action we all know and love, but adds evolved gameplay mechanics. These new features fit naturally into a hellish world filled with plenty of tough enemies.
Techno-Medieval War
Unlike its predecessors, DOOM: The Dark Ages throws us into a brutal, never-before-seen medieval war against Hell. The focus here is on a more grounded combat style, a striking story, and huge action. Instead of being a direct sequel, the events in this game take place before the last two. This is an interesting strategy from id Software to take the lore in a slightly different direction, giving us a fresh story without being tied down by the existing timeline.
The world perfectly blends ancient elements with futuristic technology. We get to explore a universe full of ruined castles, dark forests, epic battlefields, and ancient hellscapes. Along the way, we also find domains inspired by Lovecraft, featuring puzzling challenges and incredible locations. Because of this, every new place feels distinct from the last, giving us wonderful chances to explore and take in the raw beauty of the game.
On top of that, the story is packed with action and impressive cinematic moments. No previous DOOM game has been this dedicated to creating dramatic scenes with larger-than-life characters. It masterfully fills in many gaps in the universe, exploring the history of the conflict between humanity, the divine Maykrs, the Night Sentinels of Argent D’Nur, and the demonic forces led by Prince Azrak. We feel this is the best DOOM story yet. While older games focused mostly on gameplay, the story here gets just as much attention. The result is a strong experience that won’t leave any fan indifferent.
Unstoppable Tank
Combat is a deliberate shift from the last two games. The studio decided on a more grounded experience where the Slayer feels like an unstoppable iron tank. The battles gain a more fluid dimension with a satisfying Glory Kills system and a new mechanic for parrying enemy attacks.
We have an impressive arsenal of weapons at our disposal, and honestly, it is hard to pick a favorite. Each weapon stands out, giving us highly satisfying ways to experiment. The Shield Saw plays a central role in combat now. It works as a defensive tool for blocking, an offensive weapon to destroy smaller demons, and even an exploration tool to move around and find secrets.
The new melee combat system doesn’t disappoint either, bringing in weapons like a deadly flail, a spiked mace, and an electrified gauntlet. Using these tools adds strategic value, letting us restore ammo along the way. We sincerely hope you tried the skull-crushing weapons and sliced through whatever gets in your way. It is incredibly fun!
Familiar classic enemies have been redesigned to fit the medieval setting perfectly. New variations like the taller Imp Stalker and the nearly invisible Nightmare Imp Stalker bring on some nostalgia while upping the challenge. Soon enough, we also run into entirely new demons that set the stage for colossal fights. The battlefield is often swarming with enemies, creating dramatic and intense moments.
Dragon!
DOOM: The Dark Ages introduces a whole new dimension by letting us control massive vehicles. This expands the battles, fitting right into a landscape full of enemies. Speaking of exploration, flying on the back of the new dragon, Serath, is especially fun. We use this dragon for aerial attacks, raining down fire and causing destructive chaos from the sky. Adding dragons is a significant evolution for the series and offers a refreshing way to explore the universe.
The maps are beautiful and noticeably larger than the last two games, hinting at a less linear approach. We now have more freedom to choose which areas to explore and which objectives to finish. While it isn’t an open world, it is the most expansive space we’ve seen in a DOOM game so far. What is most impressive is how smart and creative the map design is, offering plenty of chances for exploration and finding secrets. Often, instead of fighting, we just stopped to enjoy the stunning visual design.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is powered by id Software’s latest engine, idTech 8. This engine is newer than idTech 7 (the engine used for Indiana Jones).
The Legend Continues
DOOM: The Dark Ages successfully carves out its own identity in the massively popular DOOM franchise. By embracing a dark fantasy setting and a more grounded combat philosophy, id Software delivers an ambitious experience. It deepens the lore while offering fresh gameplay mechanics. The integration of large vehicle battles, a diverse new arsenal, and sprawling levels contributes to a truly epic scale.
Not only does it serve as a great entry point for those who haven’t played the previous games, but it also enriches the universe for longtime fans by revealing key insights into the Slayer’s past. We are sure that for many, the complete package delivers a powerful adventure that will be remembered long after the campaign is over.
For the third time, DOOM: The Dark Ages shows id Software’s willingness to experiment. Despite the changes in combat style and narrative focus, the series’ lasting appeal is only strengthened. For fans of intense first-person action, rich lore, and massive battles, this is an essential addition that deserves a spot in our game collections, especially now that the expansion is coming!
What feature they are most looking forward to in Revelations?
Leave a comment