If you’ve been looking for a reason to let your inner Doom Slayer loose again, Doom: The Dark Ages is every bit the brutal, metal-infused masterpiece I hoped for. After spending some serious time with it since its May 2025 launch, I can safely say that id Software has managed to evolve the formula once again, trading the “fighter jet” agility of Eternal for the sheer, crushing power of a medieval “iron tank.”
Blisteringly Fast, Brutally Beautiful
The first thing you notice is the speed. Despite the Slayer being more heavily armored this time around, the combat is blisteringly fast. The new shield-saw is a game-changer—parrying a demon’s strike only to shred them with a shield throw feels incredibly visceral.
Visually, the game is a triumph of the new id Tech 8 engine. The “Dark Ages” aesthetic brings a grim, gothic atmosphere that feels fresh yet classic Doom. The ray-traced lighting makes the blood-soaked corridors of Hell look terrifyingly real, and the way the gore and environmental damage actually stay on the map—rather than disappearing—adds a level of grit we haven’t seen before.
Accessibility for Every Slayer
One of the most impressive feats of The Dark Ages isn’t just the combat, but how many people can actually enjoy it. The game recently won Innovation in Accessibility, and it’s easy to see why. There are a multitude of options that let you tailor the experience exactly how you want to play.
From customizable parry windows and enhanced targeting to high-contrast modes and deep UI scaling, id Software has ensured that the “rip and tear” lifestyle is open to everyone. It’s refreshing to see a game this intense provide the tools to make it accessible without compromising its core identity.
Dragons, Mechs, and Mayhem
I have to talk about the dragon-riding sequences. There was a lot of hype around taking to the skies on a Mecha Dragon, and the execution is brilliant. These levels aren’t just gimmicks; they are perfectly balanced. You’ll spend time raining down fire from above, dodging projectiles to charge your attacks, and then seamlessly transitioning to slaying demons on foot. The scale of these sections makes the world feel massive, yet the transition back to ground-level combat feels as tight as ever.
A Solo Slayer’s Dream
Finally, can we talk about the focus? In an era of forced multiplayer and “live service” bloat, I absolutely love that The Dark Ages is a dedicated single-player experience. At about 15–20 hours for the main campaign, the length is right up my alley.
While other games in the franchise (and the industry at large) cater to multiplayer action, this game knows exactly what it wants to be: a focused, cinematic, and rewarding solo journey. It’s the perfect amount of content to sink your teeth into without feeling like it’s overstaying its welcome.
Final Verdict: If you want a game that respects your time, pushes your hardware to the limit, and lets you feel like an unstoppable force of nature, Doom: The Dark Ages is a must-play.
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