Blood, speed, and mayhem: why Doom: The Dark Ages is the shooter gem you must play

The Doom franchise has always been synonymous with relentless action, heavy metal soundtracks, and unapologetic gore. With Doom: The Dark Ages, releasing on May 15, 2025, id Software takes the series to new heights, blending its signature chaos with bold innovations that make this installment a must-play for shooter fans. The game will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, and will launch on day one with Xbox Game Pass.

Set in a medieval-inspired sci-fi world, The Dark Ages reimagines the Doom Slayer as a force of destruction wielding a shield saw, a weapon that both protects and devastates. This new gameplay mechanic encourages players to stand and fight, adding layers of strategy to the series’ iconic run-and-gun formula. The shield saw isn’t just for defense; it can parry attacks, deflect projectiles, and even crack through enemy armor.

The Slayer also has the Pulverizer, perfect for crowd control with its wide spread, and the Reaver Chainshot, which fires a dense, retractable core for massive damage. Classic favorites like the Super Shotgun return, alongside new melee options like the Skull Crusher and Impaler, ensuring every encounter is a visceral thrill.

The game’s environments are a visual feast, combining gothic architecture with futuristic elements. Players will traverse war-torn villages, alien landscapes, and even pilot a dragon in epic aerial battles. Players will ride Serrat, a cybernetic dragon equipped with fire-breathing capabilities and a machine gun.

Serrat isn’t just a flashy addition, he plays a key role in the campaign, allowing players to engage in aerial combat, destroy enemy strongholds, and traverse vast landscapes. These dragon-riding sequences, combined with colossal mech battles, bring a fresh dynamic to the gameplay while maintaining the adrenaline-pumping pace fans expect.

What truly sets Doom: The Dark Ages apart is its storytelling. As a prequel to the modern Doom era, it delves deeper into the lore, exploring the Doom Slayer’s servitude to the gods and his role as a weapon of destruction. This narrative depth adds emotional weight to the carnage, making the Slayer’s journey more compelling than ever.

The game’s soundtrack, a blend of industrial metal and orchestral elements, perfectly complements the action, driving players forward as they rip and tear through waves of grotesque demons. The combat is brutal, the visuals are stunning, and the gameplay innovations ensure that The Dark Ages feels fresh while staying true to the franchise’s roots.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, Doom: The Dark Ages is a masterclass in first-person shooter design. Its blend of blood-soaked mayhem, strategic combat, and cinematic storytelling makes it a standout title in the genre. If you’re ready to embrace the chaos, this is one shooter you can’t afford to miss, it sure will be a lot of fun.

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