DOOM THE DARK AGES Walkthrough Gameplay - Stream 1

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Doom: The Dark Ages is a prequel in the iconic Doom series, delivering a brutal, satisfying experience that both honors the franchise’s roots and introduces fresh mechanics, though it’s not without flaws. Released in 2025, the game shifts from the frenetic mobility of Doom Eternal to a weightier, more deliberate combat style, emphasizing raw power over agility. The introduction of a shield mechanic, alongside new features like dragon-riding and Mecha-Slayer mayhem, adds variety, while the game retains the series’ signature fast-paced, gory demon-slaying action.
Positives:
Combat: The gunplay is responsive and finely tuned, blending old-school Doom intensity with new mechanics like the shield, which adds a strategic layer to battles. Executions remain brutal and gratifying, and the game feels chaotic yet controlled, especially on higher difficulties like Nightmare.
Visuals and Sound: The game is a technical marvel, particularly on PC, with stunning visuals and a robust sound design. The art direction is often breathtaking, and the voice acting (including a successful French dub in some reviews) enhances the experience.
Gameplay Variety: New elements like dragon-riding and varied level design with secrets keep exploration rewarding. The campaign is lengthy and rhythmic, avoiding excessive slowdowns.
Fun Factor: Many reviewers call it an “absolute blast,” with combat that feels fresh yet familiar, earning high praise for its ability to deliver on the Doom promise of demon-slaying chaos.
Negatives:
Story and Cinematics: The narrative is a weak point, described as “lame” or overly intrusive with too much dialogue and cinematic ambitions that detract from the core action.
Combat Restrictions: Some find the shift to slower, less mobile combat restrictive compared to Eternal’s fluidity. The wide, flat arenas lack the verticality and complexity of prior games, which some players found dull.
Level Design Issues: Repetitive level design and tedious exploration sections were noted as drawbacks, with vehicle segments feeling particularly out of place.
Not the Best Doom: While great, some argue it doesn’t surpass Doom Eternal or the 2016 reboot due to its departure from the series’ mobility-driven formula.
Doom: The Dark Ages is a thrilling, technically impressive shooter that shakes up the Doom formula with a heavier, more grounded approach. While it excels in combat and visuals, its story, repetitive level design, and departure from Eternal’s mobility may disappoint some fans. It’s a must-play for Doom lovers, but don’t expect it to top the series’ best.