Doom: The Dark Ages Review – Brutal Medieval FPS Reborn
Release Date: May 15, 2025
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Developer: id Software
Genre: First-Person Shooter
At Getgames.in, we dive deep into what makes a game worth your time. Today, we’re reviewing Doom: The Dark Ages.
Introduction: A New Chapter in Doom's Legacy
Doom: The Dark Ages is the latest installment in the iconic Doom franchise, and this time, id Software has taken a bold step into the past—literally. Set in a dark, medieval-inspired world, this prequel to Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal dives deep into the origins of the Doom Slayer and the endless war against Hell’s armies.
In this review, we’ll break down everything from combat and visuals to performance and story. If you're wondering whether Doom: The Dark Ages is worth your time and money, keep reading.
Setting and Story: Medieval Mayhem Meets Demonic Lore
Gone are the futuristic labs and space stations. Instead, Doom: The Dark Ages thrusts players into a brutal, gothic world dripping with dark fantasy. Think towering castles, scorched battlefields, and haunted crypts—all crawling with demons.
The story focuses on the rise of the Doom Slayer as the protector of the realm against an ancient demonic invasion. Unlike previous titles, this game leans more heavily on narrative, using cinematic cutscenes and character interactions to flesh out the Slayer’s motivations and backstory. Surprisingly, there's a layer of emotional depth here—showing that the Slayer isn’t just a rage-fueled killer, but a symbol of sacrifice and hope.
Gameplay: Heavier, Slower, and More Strategic
While Doom Eternal emphasized speed and acrobatics, Doom: The Dark Ages shifts the tone with weightier combat. The Doom Slayer now feels like an unstoppable juggernaut—less like a ninja, more like a medieval tank.
Key Gameplay Features:
Shield Saw: A new signature weapon that acts as both a defensive shield and a spinning chainsaw for devastating melee kills. It adds a new layer of timing and strategy, allowing for brutal parries and counterattacks.
Medieval Arsenal: The weapon roster includes a bone cannon (Skull Crusher), flails, gauntlets, and redesigned classics like the Super Shotgun, all reimagined with a dark ages twist.
Mechs & Dragons: Yes, really. Players can control a towering mech called Atlan and even ride a cybernetic dragon named Serrat during certain missions. These sequences bring explosive variety to the core FPS experience.
The combat remains intense and gory, but the slower pace and reliance on melee make it feel fresh—while still staying true to Doom’s essence.
Level Design: A Blend of Exploration and Carnage
The game features 22 levels, each more sprawling and detailed than the last. The environments are intricately crafted, from crumbling cathedrals to blood-soaked villages. The level design encourages exploration, with hidden areas, secret encounters, and collectibles scattered throughout.
The new challenge system incentivizes players to go off the beaten path, rewarding exploration with cosmetics and upgrade materials. That said, the darker tone and lighting can sometimes make navigation a bit tricky, especially in areas lacking visual contrast.
Graphics and Sound: Gothic Beauty Meets Brutality
Running on the new id Tech 8 engine, Doom: The Dark Ages looks phenomenal. The game delivers a unique visual style, combining medieval horror with sci-fi elements. Armor glints in torchlight, monsters are grotesquely detailed, and the sky is often ablaze with supernatural fire.
However, the graphical fidelity varies slightly between platforms:
PC: Offers ray tracing and ultra-high settings, but some users report optimization issues at launch.
Consoles: The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X deliver a solid 60 FPS experience, though resolution and texture detail are slightly downgraded.
The audio design is just as impressive. The new soundtrack—composed by Finishing Move—blends metal, orchestral, and ambient horror tones to match the game’s shifting pace. Sound effects are punchy, and each weapon feels impactful. Voice acting is available in multiple languages, adding to the game's global accessibility.
Performance and Optimization
Performance across platforms is mostly stable, but there are a few hiccups, especially for PC players. Ray tracing can cause frame drops on high-end rigs, and a few users have reported crashes or visual glitches on certain setups. Fortunately, id Software has a strong track record of post-launch patches, so these issues are likely to be resolved soon.
Console players will find the experience smoother overall, with minimal loading times and consistent performance.
What Works (Pros)
✅ Innovative Melee Combat – The Shield Saw and new parry mechanics add depth and strategy.
✅ Dark Medieval Setting – A refreshing departure from sci-fi corridors and Mars bases.
✅ Narrative Focus – A surprisingly emotional and fleshed-out story arc.
✅ Epic Set Pieces – Mech battles and dragon riding break up the FPS action in awesome ways.
✅ Visceral Gore & Action – It’s still Doom—expect over-the-top violence and adrenaline-fueled battles.
What Could Be Better (Cons)
❌ PC Optimization Issues – Not fully polished at launch, especially on high-end hardware.
❌ Navigation Challenges – Some levels are overly dark, making it easy to get lost.
❌ Vehicle Sections – Fun but shallow; not as refined as the core combat.
Final Verdict: A Brutal and Bold Evolution
Doom: The Dark Ages isn’t just a rehash of previous games—it’s a bold reinvention that dares to slow things down without losing the franchise’s identity. With its gritty setting, powerful storytelling, and heavy combat focus, it stands as one of the most unique entries in the Doom series.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or just looking for an unforgettable shooter, Doom: The Dark Ages delivers on nearly every front. It’s gory, it's gorgeous, and it's got heart—and horns.
Score: 9/10 – A must-play for FPS fans and Doom veterans alike.