DOOM: The Dark Ages

Last updated: 2025-10-04

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Summary
  • Engaging, innovative gameplay with impactful combat
  • Superior to Doom Eternal experience
  • Excellent performance and graphics
  • Gameplay diverges from previous Doom
  • Pacing and narrative issues
  • Over-reliance on shield/parry mechanic
DOOM: The Dark Ages header

Categories

First-Person ShooterSingle-player StoryReal-time CombatHorde CombatExplorationTactical CombatFirst-Person Melee CombatVehicle Piloting

Emotions

Satisfaction30%Disappointment19%Frustration14%Excitement13%Enjoyment5%

Snapshot History

Positive
Negative
1,221
84%
16%
1,282
76%
24%
Reviews
(sample size)
2000
Helpful reviews
64%
Unhelpful reviews
34%
Protest reviews
2%
Positive points
6322
Negative points
5662
Gameplay points
4161
Perf. points
552
Rec. points
1305
Misc points
1678
Point
Engaging and Innovative Gameplay
Description
Players consistently praise the game for its fresh, varied, and engaging gameplay, which introduces new mechanics while staying true to the series' core. The combat loop is described as addictive, satisfying, and offering more strategic depth, making it a standout entry in the franchise.
Importance
79%
Superior to Doom Eternal
Description
Many players consider this game an improvement over Doom Eternal, citing a more balanced pace, less complex mechanics, and a more grounded combat experience. It's frequently lauded for not being a mere sequel to Eternal but a distinct and successful evolution.
Importance
73%
Impactful Weapons & Combat
Description
The game's arsenal is highly praised for its unique, powerful, and satisfying weapons, including new medieval-themed additions. The combat system, blending ranged and melee attacks, feels visceral and impactful, with players enjoying the freedom to experiment with different loadouts.
Importance
64%
Excellent Performance & Graphics
Description
The game receives high marks for its stunning visuals, impressive graphics, and exceptional optimization. Players report smooth performance even with high settings and ray tracing, making it a technically polished and visually appealing experience.
Importance
47%
Innovative Shield Mechanics
Description
The new shield and parrying system is a major highlight, adding a fresh offensive and defensive layer to combat. Players find it incredibly satisfying to use for blocking, parrying, dashing, and attacking, making them feel like an unstoppable force.
Importance
40%
Customizable Difficulty & Parry System
Description
The game's highly customizable difficulty settings, including sliders for game speed and parry windows, are greatly appreciated. The parry mechanic itself is found to be generous, satisfying, and adds significant depth to combat, catering to various player skill levels.
Importance
40%
Empowering Doom Slayer Experience
Description
The game excels at making players feel like the powerful and unstoppable Doom Slayer, with a design that emphasizes weight, brutality, and destructive force. Cinematic cutscenes and character design further enhance this power fantasy, making every action feel impactful.
Importance
28%
Varied Level Design & Mech/Dragon Segments
Description
Players enjoy the varied and well-designed levels, which encourage exploration and strategic thinking. The inclusion of mech and dragon segments is seen as a welcome change of pace, adding variety and spectacle without overstaying their welcome.
Importance
21%