A few hours after the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows previews, the gaming community directed its attention to Xbox, which delivered its first Developer_Direct speech of the year 2025. During this event, we saw the revival of the Ninja Gaiden license with a canonical fourth episode and a remaster of Ninja Gaiden 2, widely regarded as the best installment in the series due to the perceived shortcomings of Ninja Gaiden 3 and Yaiba Ninja Gaiden Z. Additionally, a new trailer for Clair Obscur Expedition 33, South of Midnight, was unveiled, revealing its release date along with fresh images. However, the presentation that garnered the most attention and generated significant buzz was DOOM The Dark Ages. It had been some time since id Software last provided updates on this game, with the most recent being during the Summer Game Fest in June 2024; thus, this Developer_Direct marked a more detailed unveiling of its features.
Certainly, in addition to impressing us and making us yearn for more moshing and crowd-surfing among metal enthusiasts, “DOOM The Dark Ages” has revealed several important and intriguing details. Firstly, its release date: May 15, 2025, just four months away. Secondly, id Software’s experts have provided an appealing description of the game and its gameplay mechanics, clarifying that “DOOM The Dark Ages” will serve as a prequel to the 2016 “DOOM.” Rest assured, we’ll still command the formidable Slayer, even more powerful with his cape and new abilities. We are informed that in “DOOM Eternal,” “we were a fighter jet,” whereas in “DOOM The Dark Ages,” “we’ll be a main battle tank.” While not abandoning the fast-paced first-person shooter aspect that has become a hallmark of the series since its reboot, the focus is on emphasizing Slayer’s brutal side through the powerful character we control. Movements will be heavier, with a more grounded approach. This new installment will indeed distinguish itself from “DOOM Eternal’s” aerial combat style to engage in direct confrontation, naturally equipped with the appropriate weaponry.
The first weapon to experience these intense sensations is the shield-chainsaw, officially known as the shield-saw, which was introduced in previous trailers. It quickly becomes evident that this weapon offers protection against enemy fire, can block melee attacks and deflect projectiles, and also functions as a ranged weapon capable of severing anything in its path before returning to the Slayer like a boomerang. All these maneuvers are executed with a single button for ease of control but will vary depending on the context. Three additional weapons accompany our warrior alongside this shield-chainsaw: a colossal spiked mace perfect for pulverizing demonic hordes, an electric gauntlet designed to paralyze and crush formidable enemies, and finally, a massive mass equipped with points that combines brutality and pure power. Each weapon has its advantages and combos and can be improved throughout the game. id Software also revealed the new execution system, the famous Glory Kills, which allows for finishing off enemies in vile and brutal ways; these moves can be triggered from any angle without breaking the flow of combat, allowing quick transitions between multiple enemies to provide visceral sensations to the player.
We note that close-quarters combat has taken on a new intensity in this third episode following the series reboot, with the return of the strafe, a classic maneuver from the original DOOM that had been absent from modern FPS games. This revival should invigorate players over 40 who will truly embody a real war machine. Of course, the gunfight aspect, where one shoots indiscriminately with unique fervor, will remain relevant, and developers assure they have created the wildest weapons ever conceived, blending elements of torture machines, barbarity, antiquity, and sheer folly to maximize enjoyment.
This presentation at Developer_Direct also provided insight into the new difficulty system, which includes adjustable game speed, enemy aggressiveness, projectile speed, damage dealt, stun duration, among other factors. The developers aim to make DOOM: The Dark Ages accessible not only to seasoned players but also to attract a broader audience seeking enjoyment. For those looking for unique experiences, DOOM: The Dark Ages will feature the ability to control a giant 30-story Atlan robot, enabling intense battles against massive demons. Additionally, players can mount a cybernetic dragon equipped with heavy machine guns, an upgrade from previous glimpses last summer. This variety in gameplay and enjoyment reflects id Software’s commitment to ensuring both the dragon and mech are integral parts of the game, each with its own upgrade paths for frequent use throughout the experience.
During Xbox’s first Developer_Direct of 2025, several game announcements and updates were shared:1. The Ninja Gaiden license returned with a canonical fourth episode and a remastered version of Ninja Gaiden 2.2. A new trailer for Clair Obscur Expedition 33, South of Midnight, revealed its release date and showcased new images.3. The most significant reveal was DOOM: The Dark Ages, featuring the following key details: – Release date: May 15, 2025. – Prequel to the 2016 DOOM game. – Players control a more formidable Slayer with new abilities and a heavier movement style. – Introduces the shield-chainsaw as a versatile single-button weapon for blocking, deflecting, and ranged attacks. – Four additional weapons: spiked mace, electric gauntlet, and massive spike weapon. – New execution system (Glory Kills) allowing brutal finishing moves without interrupting combat flow. – Revival of strafe maneuver for intense close-quarters combat. – A new difficulty system with customizable cursors for adjusting game speed, enemy aggressiveness, and more to cater to various player skill levels. – Players can control a giant robot (30-story Atlan) and a cybernetic dragon, both with their own upgrade trees for frequent use throughout the game, diversifying gameplay experiences.
To provide substance to this welcomed exploration, id Software has concentrated on storytelling, aiming to expand the lore and history of the Slayer. It encompasses imprisonment, the delicate balance between good and evil, a struggling populace, and a world beset by ancient evil forces. At present, these details are somewhat vague; however, we are assured of encounters with other protagonists and familiar faces from previous DOOM games, as this will serve as another “origin story” for the two preceding titles. This third installment comes with ambitious goals, and I am openly enthusiastic about it. Mark your calendars for May 15, 2025, when PC, PS5, and Xbox Series versions of DOOM The Dark Ages will be released, available day one on Game Pass.
