Doom: The Dark Ages Unveils New Gameplay Features

In a revealing interview with EDGE magazine, the development team behind Doom: The Dark Ages shared intriguing insights into the game's upcoming features. This installment promises to elevate storytelling to the forefront, with levels designed to be the largest in the series, providing players with a sandbox-style experience.

Game director Hugo Martin and studio head Marty Stratton highlighted several groundbreaking aspects of the title. Unlike its predecessors, where lore was scattered across text logs, The Dark Ages will embrace a more narrative-driven approach. The atmosphere will transport players to a medieval world, minimizing futuristic elements. Even the iconic weapons will undergo a redesign to align with the new theme.

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Similar to earlier Doom games, each level will maintain its distinct identity, yet these environments will surpass previous dimensions. Players will navigate through tight dungeon corridors before venturing into vast, open-world areas. The game introduces two new playable entities: a dragon and a mech, offering diverse gameplay opportunities.

One of the most anticipated additions to the Slayer's arsenal is a multifunctional shield that also serves as a chainsaw. This tool can be thrown at enemies, reacting uniquely based on what it strikes—whether flesh, armor, energy shields, or other materials. The shield also enables a dashing attack, enhancing mobility on the battlefield. Since double jumps and roar mechanics are absent, this feature becomes pivotal for tactical movement. Furthermore, the shield supports parrying, complete with adjustable difficulty settings and precise timing windows.

Parrying functions as a "reload" mechanism for melee attacks, while melee combat replenishes ammo for primary weapons—a nod to the chainsaw mechanic from DOOM Eternal. Melee options include a fast-paced gauntlet, a balanced shield, and a slower mace, catering to different playstyles.