In a recent interview with EDGE magazine, the developers of Doom: The Dark Ages revealed exciting new details about the game's gameplay. This iteration will prioritize storytelling, presenting a narrative far more upfront than previous entries. The levels themselves will be the largest in the series' history, creating a sprawling, sandbox-like experience.
Game director Hugo Martin and studio head Marty Stratton highlighted several key aspects. Unlike previous Doom games where lore was largely confined to text logs, The Dark Ages will feature a more direct and accessible narrative. The game’s atmosphere will embrace a medieval aesthetic, toning down the futuristic elements seen in earlier titles. Even the iconic weaponry will undergo a significant design overhaul to fit the new setting.
While retaining the series' signature distinct levels, Doom: The Dark Ages will introduce the largest environments yet, seamlessly blending dungeon crawling with open-world exploration. The game's chapters are structured into "acts," progressing from confined dungeons to expansive, explorable areas. Adding to the gameplay variety, players will gain control of both a dragon and a mech.
A standout addition to the Slayer's arsenal is a revolutionary shield that also functions as a chainsaw. This versatile tool can be thrown at enemies, exhibiting unique interactions depending on the target (flesh, armor, energy shields, etc.). The shield also facilitates a dash attack for rapid closing of distances, compensating for the absence of double jumps and roars from previous games. The shield also features a parry mechanic, with adjustable difficulty settings and precise timing windows required for successful execution.
Parrying serves as a "reload" for melee attacks, while successful melee combat replenishes ammunition for primary weapons—a mechanic reminiscent of the chainsaw in DOOM Eternal. Players will have a choice of melee weapons, each with distinct characteristics: a fast-paced gauntlet, a balanced shield, and a slower, more powerful mace.
