Doom: The Dark Ages – A Medieval Twist on Classic Gameplay
EDGE magazine recently unveiled fresh insights into Doom: The Dark Ages, revealing a game that prioritizes narrative and boasts the largest levels in the franchise's history. Game director Hugo Martin and studio head Marty Stratton highlighted key features:
Unlike previous Doom installments where lore was primarily delivered through text logs, The Dark Ages will feature a more direct storytelling approach. The game's aesthetic will embrace a medieval theme, toning down futuristic elements and reimagining iconic weapons to fit this new setting.
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While maintaining its signature level-based structure, Doom: The Dark Ages will introduce significantly larger levels, merging dungeon crawling with open-world exploration. The game is structured into "acts," beginning with confined dungeons that gradually open into expansive areas. Players will also gain control of both a dragon and a mech, adding diverse gameplay options.
A groundbreaking addition to the Slayer's arsenal is a versatile shield that functions as a throwable chainsaw. Its impact varies depending on the target (flesh, armor, energy shields, etc.). The shield also facilitates a dash attack for rapid traversal, compensating for the absence of double jumps and roars from previous games. Furthermore, the shield allows for parrying, with adjustable difficulty levels and precise timing requirements.
Parrying serves as a "reload" for melee attacks, while melee combat replenishes ammunition for ranged weapons—mirroring the chainsaw mechanic in DOOM Eternal. Melee options include a swift gauntlet, a balanced shield, and a heavier mace.