In a recent interview with EDGE magazine, the developers of Doom: The Dark Ages unveiled exciting new details about the game's gameplay. This installment places a strong emphasis on storytelling, promising to deliver the largest levels in the series' history, offering players a sandbox-like experience.
Game director Hugo Martin and studio head Marty Stratton highlighted several key aspects of the game during the discussion. Unlike previous Doom titles where the backstory was often tucked away in text logs, The Dark Ages will employ a more direct storytelling approach. The game will immerse players in a medieval atmosphere, significantly reducing futuristic elements. Even the iconic weapons will undergo a design transformation to align with this new setting.
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While Doom: The Dark Ages will maintain the series' tradition of distinct levels, these will be the most expansive to date, combining elements of dungeon crawling with open-world exploration. The game is structured into "acts," beginning with tight dungeons that eventually lead to vast open areas. Players will also have the unique opportunity to control both a dragon and a mech, adding diverse gameplay experiences.
A novel addition to the Slayer’s arsenal is a shield that also functions as a chainsaw. This versatile shield can be thrown at enemies and will react differently based on the material it strikes—be it flesh, armor, energy shields, or other substances. The shield also introduces a dash attack, enabling quick movement across the battlefield. With the absence of double jumps and roars from previous games, this new mechanic becomes essential for mobility. Additionally, the shield supports parrying, which comes with adjustable difficulty settings and precise timing windows.
In Doom: The Dark Ages, parrying serves as a "reload" mechanism for melee attacks, while engaging in melee combat replenishes ammunition for primary weapons, echoing the chainsaw mechanic seen in DOOM Eternal. Players will have a variety of melee options, including a fast-paced gauntlet, a balanced shield, and a slower but powerful mace.
