Doom: The Dark Ages Leaning Into One Element Makes Perfect Sense

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Summary

  • Doom: The Dark Ages revamps gameplay and adds to the lore by putting the Slayer into a sci-fi medieval setting.
  • The game also embraces Lovecraftian cosmic horror, bringing new monsters and locations to the table.
  • Venturing into cosmic horror keeps the franchise feeling fresh, offering more epic moments for fans to experience.

In the continuation of the 2016 modern-era reboot, titled “Doom: The Dark Ages“, the mission remains the same – to carry forward one of the most impactful First-Person Shooter series into the present day. This newest chapter, “Doom: The Dark Ages “, functions as a prequel for both “Doom” and “Doom: Eternal“. It sends the Slayer on a journey through a science-fiction and medieval-style setting, during his enslavement by the alien Maykrs. Here, he fights alongside the Night Sentinel forces of the planet Argent D’Nur as they defend their homeworld from the invasion of Hell.

In its latest release, “Doom: The Dark Age” deviates from the gameplay formula set by developer id Software a decade ago, fine-tuning it so the Slayer’s experience feels more akin to piloting an Abrams tank compared to an F-16 jet fighter. Additionally, it delves deeper into the intricate lore that started to emerge in 2016 for the series. As the Slayer has relentlessly destroyed facilities on Mars and traversed the depths of Hell, “The Dark Age” introduces fresh locations and enemies, providing an authentic layer to the existing world and combat.

Spoilers for Doom: The Dark Ages below.

Doom: The Dark Ages Embracing Cosmic Horror is One of its Best Choices

Doom Has Always Verged on the Lovecraftian

Since its beginning, the concept of Doom, with demons flooding through portals and potentially ending human existence, has had hints of Lovecraft’s style. Some of the enemy designs, such as the Cacodemons, even bear a striking resemblance to creatures inspired by Lovecraft. As the modern Doom games delve deeper into the series’ lore, filling in gaps and expanding the grand narrative, venturing to the Cosmic Realm in Doom: The Dark Ages seems like a logical extension of its roots, a direction it could have explored much earlier.

Over time, the diverse malevolent entities encountered in the series have become quite recognizable to fans. Even though some legendary adversaries from Doom, such as the Revenant, Cyberdemon, Mancubus, and others, have been updated for contemporary gaming, they still retain their essence, allowing seasoned players to identify them quickly and apply effective strategies against them. Introducing fans to an Eldritch environment teeming with novel adversaries in The Dark Ages is a smart move that caters to both newcomers and veterans alike.

Doom: The Dark Ages Venturing into Cosmic Horror Keeps its Feeling Fresh

Midway through my journey in Doom: The Dark Ages, I stumbled upon a mysterious realm, following a key character into what felt like another dimension or perhaps an uncharted planet. This place showcased stunning level and art design, much like the previous games had done. However, here, the decaying Cyclopean temples and bizarre landscapes inhabited by Cthulhu-like creatures stood out as highlights. In fact, there were several subtle references to the Great Old Ones and Lovecraftian imagery scattered throughout. As a gamer, I was left in awe of this eerie, otherworldly environment.

In the game world of “Doom: The Dark Ages”, the Slayer confronts novel horrors reminiscent of traditional Doom monsters, yet possessing unique challenges for players. These Eldritch creatures, with their unsettling aesthetics often more terrifying than the toughest known demons, breathe freshness into the game’s locations and battles. The Slayer also engages in an epic battle against a colossal otherworldly adversary, adding another thrilling and cool moment to a series that has left gaming enthusiasts with unforgettable memories.

Exploring cosmic horror in ‘Doom: The Dark Ages’ might appear unusual, but given the series’ established themes, it fits seamlessly. This expansion adds an exciting new dimension to the latest release, demonstrating that ‘Doom’ still has a wealth of action-packed adventures for players and continues to provide ample opportunities for the Slayer to showcase his skills effectively.

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2025-05-18 06:04