Why Doom: The Dark Ages is My Game of the Year Despite Not Playing Any Modern Doom Titles

My journey with Doom began around the year 2000 on an aging Windows ’95 machine, a generous gift to my family. This vintage computer was equipped with DOS and a variety of games, including my all-time favorite, Quest for Glory, along with the notorious 1993 title, Doom. I remember becoming engrossed in the chaos of battling relentless demons, scavenging for weapons, and seeking out eerie soul spheres, spending countless hours perfecting my combat skills.

When I finally defeated the game, I felt an exhilarating rush of accomplishment. However, after completing that adventure, I set aside the Doom franchise and moved on. Over the years, I explored numerous shooter games, but none from the Doom series captured my interest until I encountered the trailer and developer insights for Doom: The Dark Ages.

Doom: The Dark Ages Takes a Historical Turn

Classic Doom Elements Amidst a Unique Setting

DOOM: The Dark Ages | Official Trailer 1 (4K) | Coming 2025 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tk8lkmYGWQ)

What piqued my interest in Doom: The Dark Ages is its innovative setting. Departing from the futuristic backdrops of previous installments, this title transports players to a reimagined medieval era. Initially, I was doubtful about a historical context for Doom; it seemed counterintuitive. But the game’s trailer convincingly showcases a narrative that smoothly integrates this shift.

The Dark Ages goes beyond typical historical themes, intertwining sci-fi elements that transform the landscape into a mesmerizing blend of mystique reminiscent of Elden Ring. The visually stunning environments coupled with imaginative demons create an appealing juxtaposition of the past and the futuristic. Personally, this rich fusion of genres excites me more than a standard tech-driven setting.

Despite its historical foundation, the essence of Doom remains intact. The gameplay footage suggests that, even after three decades, the spirit of Doom: The Dark Ages firmly embodies what fans adore—action-packed intensity and nostalgic vibes, making it feel both fresh and familiar.

Enhanced Accessibility Through Dynamic Difficulty Sliders

Tailor Your Challenge Level

Doom: The Dark Ages implements a unique approach to difficulty. Rather than relying on traditional settings like “hard, ””normal, ”or “easy, ”the game introduces sliders to customize various gameplay aspects. This empowers players to adjust enemy damage output, personal damage capability, parry timing, daze duration, and even game speed.

This level of customization enhances approachability for all players. For instance, I can choose to extend my reaction time without completely sacrificing the challenge, as an “easy mode”typically would. While this customization is only one enticing aspect of the game, it significantly boosts my desire to dive in. I often shy away from easy modes, feeling an unexplainable guilt—these sliders allow me to lower one difficulty while raising another, ensuring a fulfilling and non-frustrating experience.

Some traditionalists might resist these difficulty options, but it’s worth noting that the original Doom featured a “god mode”cheat, hinting at a longstanding penchant for adaptability. The introduction of these sliders achieves a middle ground, making the game both accessible and challenging. I’m particularly excited about the opportunity to explore expansive worlds reminiscent of Soul-like games without being bogged down by overwhelming difficulty.

Impressive Weapons in Doom: The Dark Ages

A Diverse Arsenal Awaits

Large Demon Enemy in Doom: The Dark Ages

Cybernetic Dragon in Doom: The Dark Ages

During the 2025 Xbox Direct event, id Software’s Game Director, Hugo Martin, emphasized that “Doom has and always will be all about the guns, ”a sentiment that resonates strongly with Doom: The Dark Ages. The weapons, described as “brutal torture machines, ”promise an exhilarating experience.

The event showcased several extraordinary weapons, including a sawblade that can be wielded for close combat, launched as a ranged attack, and even utilized defensively as a shield. Moreover, players will be able to pilot a colossal mech and even a cybernetic dragon equipped with a gatling gun that breathes fire.

What sets these weapons apart is their adaptability; players can enjoy seamless operations requiring merely a single button press. The weapon functions will be modifiable through skills and upgrades, striking a balance between complexity and accessibility—making the gameplay intuitive while delivering engagement.

With a captivating setting, customizable difficulty, and an arsenal of incredible weapons, Doom: The Dark Ages has rekindled my interest in the franchise. From what I’ve witnessed in the trailer and developer commentary, this upcoming title promises an enthralling experience for veterans and newcomers alike. I eagerly anticipate immersing myself in the chaos that awaits.

Source: Bethesda Softworks/YouTube

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