DOOM: The Dark Ages
Last updated: 2025-05-15
- Addictive, strategic combat with classic DOOM feel.
- Stunning graphics and optimized performance.
- Varied weapons and melee options.
- Emphasis on shield and parrying mechanics.
- Generic, uninspired, and repetitive gameplay.
- Inconsistent, demanding PC performance.
- Reviews
(sample size) - 2000
- Helpful reviews
- 61%
- Unhelpful reviews
- 37%
- Protest reviews
- 2%
- 84%Helpful reviews with positive sentiment
- 16%Helpful reviews with negative sentiment
- Positive points
- 3070
- Negative points
- 1856
- Gameplay points
- 712
- Perf. points
- 565
- Rec. points
- 972
- Misc points
- 190
| Point | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Addictive, enjoyable, strategic combat | The game offers a highly enjoyable and addicting experience with a well-executed combat loop. Reviewers praise the level design, strategic combat, and the feeling of empowerment. The game also provides extensive accessibility options, including customizable difficulty settings, making it approachable for both newcomers and veterans. | 95% |
| Classic DOOM feel, new elements | The game successfully captures the essence of DOOM while introducing fresh elements. It strikes a balance between feeling like a tank and maintaining fast-paced combat, reminiscent of both classic DOOM and more recent installments. Many reviewers highlight the satisfying power fantasy of playing as the Doom Slayer. | 69% |
| Stunning graphics, optimized performance | The game boasts impressive graphics, stunning art direction, and excellent optimization, even on lower settings. Reviewers also praise the well-made cutscenes and engaging story, which enhance the overall experience. The environments are visually impressive and varied, blending futuristic and medieval architecture. | 52% |
| Dragon/mech sections add variety | The dragon and mech sections provide a fun and epic change of pace from the core combat. These segments offer unique gameplay experiences and prevent the game from becoming repetitive. Reviewers found these sections to be surprisingly enjoyable and well-integrated into the overall game. | 20% |
| Weighty combat, impactful sound design | The game excels in making the player feel like an unstoppable "iron tank" through impactful sound design and weighty movements. The combat is visceral and satisfying, with weapons feeling powerful and the overall atmosphere being gritty and immersive. This creates a sense of raw, unadulterated violence without unnecessary distractions. | 19% |
| Exceptional gore and brutal violence | The game features an exceptional gore system with brutal and visceral combat. The game's aesthetic is visually impressive, with blood and guts prominently displayed. The game refines combat rhythm and impact, redefining the ultimate form of violent aesthetics. | 17% |
| Parry mechanic adds depth | The parry mechanic is a valuable addition, serving as a main defensive tool. The game offers extensive difficulty options, including adjustable parry windows, daze duration, and game speed. The parry system is enjoyable due to satisfying sound effects, slow motion, and visual effects, and is forgiving in terms of timing. | 15% |
| Fast-paced, smooth, optimized gameplay | The game maintains a fast-paced and intense combat experience, with smooth gunplay and responsive controls. The game speed slider is an excellent addition, allowing players to adjust the game speed to their preference. The game is also well-optimized, with fast loading times. | 15% |
| Varied weapons and melee options | The game offers a variety of weapons and melee options, each with unique upgrades and playstyles. The melee system helps keep ammo topped up. Weapons feel viable to use, allowing players to focus on their preferred weapons. | 14% |
| Great addition to Doom series | The game is a great addition to the modern Doom series, with each game offering a distinct experience. The new Doom game is awesome. The reviewer appreciates how each Doom game offers a distinct experience. | 11% |
| Solid and engaging story | The story is solid and engaging, despite being a bit unclear or fast-paced at times. The story is better than the previous two games. The story is enjoyable, even for someone who doesn't typically enjoy story-driven games. | 10% |
| New mechanics are fun | New mechanics are perfect and incredibly fun. The reviewer initially disliked the new combat system but grew to love it. New combat mechanics offer intuitive movement and execution. | 8% |
| Destructive and adrenaline-pumping combat | The amount of destructible objects in combat arenas adds to the feeling of power. Fights are adrenaline-pumping. Weapons feel heavy and designed for destruction. | 7% |
| Excellent stylization, classic shooter | The game features excellent stylization, with recognizable weapons like the shotgun, double-barreled shotgun, and plasma rifles. The game returns to the roots of classic shooters, breathing new life into the genre. | 6% |