Hey everyone! Hugo Martin here, the Game Director of Doom: The Dark Ages, checking in from our busy offices at id Software. We’re in the final stretch, putting the finishing touches on this new chapter of the franchise. It’s almost ready, and we’re eager to let you dive in. Meanwhile, we have a fresh gameplay video for you to check out. There’s a lot to unpack, so let’s jump in and address some of the burning questions you might have.
What’s New in the Dark Ages Combat Loop?
At its core, the combat loop of Dark Ages is a fusion of Doom Eternal and Doom (2016), but with a twist — a medieval twist. We’ve crafted an experience that merges the intricate depth of Eternal’s mechanics with the straightforward controls from Doom (2016). In Eternal, players executed a whole array of flashy actions, each needing a specific input. But in Dark Ages, you’re equipped with a new set of medieval actions to execute, only now with fewer buttons to manage!
We struck a balance between depth and simplicity. Take the Shield-Saw, for example. Its behavior adjusts based on the material of your target. It might ricochet from plasma shields to hit multiple foes, stick in flesh to stun bigger demons, or break armor to create an area-of-effect burst — all accomplished with a single button push.
To put it in simpler terms: imagine there’s fewer strings on your guitar now, but we’ve added frets to keep the gameplay’s complexity intact. This offers players a fresh new aspect to learn and master.
We’re sticking to familiar FPS inputs to pull off these moves, ensuring the learning curve feels intuitive. The actions are not only satisfying but also strategically advantageous. It’s one of those cases where fun meets intelligence.
What’s with the “Rings” Around Enemies?
Those yellow rings you spot around enemies are indicators of what we call "falters." Falters were a significant part of the meta in both Eternal and Doom 2016, especially for skilled players who figured out how to chain these effects to control strong enemies just as we had hoped. In Dark Ages, identifying when an enemy falters is key, allowing even more players to experiment with these opportunities to their advantage. While not crucial for success, mastering falters gives a considerable edge, particularly at higher difficulty levels. And if you’re gearing up for Ultra Nightmare, you’ll need every trick you can muster!
More Story in Doom?
Absolutely! Dark Ages is built on three pillars: combat, exploration, and story. Each is a solid reason to dive in. While fans of Doom aren’t typically seeking a story, they want a compelling one — something to intensify the power fantasy and push you to see the campaign through. Through storytelling, we can introduce fiercer foes, intriguing worlds, and fascinating challenges.
Here’s a taste of the narrative: With the Slayer locked away at the start of Dark Ages, the tides between good and evil are shifting, and time is ticking. Our hero, considered a dangerous outlier, is caught among people who are in peril, his strength governed by their divine rulers in a realm besieged by an ancient evil.
Set at the start of the Slayer’s journey with the Sentinels, this prequel takes you to the origins. As an outsider blessed by the Sentinel gods, the Maykrs, our hero stands as a formidable weapon against hell’s armies in a medieval conflict.
When’s the Release Date?
Mark your calendars for May 15, 2025! We can’t wait for you to experience what we believe might just be the ultimate Doom game. It’s packed with thrilling combat, expansive exploration, and a gripping action story worthy of the Slayer’s legacy. Plus, you’ll encounter the Atlan (a massive Doom mech) and even a Dragon!
Thanks for tuning in, and stay on the lookout for more updates coming your way soon.
