We are approximately one month away from the release of DOOM: The Dark Ages, and Bethesda has invited a select group of press members and YouTubers to preview the game. Over three hours of hands-on play were divided into several segments aimed at providing an overview of the various gameplay possibilities. These range from the Doom-guy’s more grounded approach using his chainsaw-shield to dragon-back phases and sections where players control a 30-story mech to battle giant demons, covering a wide array of experiences. Let us examine together each element of this gameplay that significantly diverges from DOOM Eternal, which was released in 2020. A DOOM game that feels less speedy, less aerial, and more dark-soulish—does this represent a positive evolution? I propose we break down these elements collectively, as I have access to gameplay footage recorded at 4K resolution and am willing to share it without commentary for your analysis.
BOOTS ON THE GROUND
The developers at id Software could have refined the previous formula and added new features selectively, but they chose to take a renewal approach. In DOOM The Dark Ages, players may notice elements reminiscent of Souls-like games, including frequent Perfect Parry actions, as well as similarities to Returnal in terms of the overwhelming number of particles enemies emit, which must be avoided. Fans of previous installments can rest assured that DOOM The Dark Ages retains some elements from the rebooted formula, such as ammunition recovered during melee combat, health restored by defeating monsters, glory kills for intense visual spectacle, and puzzles to solve in order to progress.
However, among the significant changes in gameplay, it is notable that there is no double jump or dash unless you use your shield; we will return to this point later. This has prompted developers to reconsider level design and enemy behavior. Indeed, Doom-guy moves slower than usual, with a noticeable heaviness in his movements as if the armor weighs a ton. Id Software is well aware that these significant changes may confuse fans of the rebooted formula. However, to compensate for this, there is one weapon that will change many aspects: the shield-chainsaw, or chainsaw-shield according to official terminology. It soon becomes evident that this weapon can protect against enemy fire, block melee attacks, deflect projectiles, and even be used as a ranged weapon to cut through anything in its path, with the ability to return to the Slayer like a boomerang. All these maneuvers will be executed with a single button for ease of control, but their execution will vary depending on the context.
However, one cannot block endless enemy attacks and projectiles and feel completely secure behind this shield; it would be too easy. Our character can block a certain number of times before becoming unusable for a period of time, forcing the player to use other tactics to stay alive. For example, the shield can be thrown at an enemy to momentarily stun them, allowing the player to rush in and finish them off with melee combat.
**Critical Review of DOOM: The Dark Ages Gameplay Preview**Bethesda hosted a three-hour hands-on session for press and YouTubers to preview DOOM: The Dark Ages, highlighting significant gameplay modifications from its 2020 predecessor, DOOM Eternal. Here are the key new features:1. **Slower, More Tactical Gameplay**: In contrast to the rapid pace of DOOM Eternal, DOOM: The Dark Ages adopts a dark souls-like approach, incorporating elements such as perfect parry actions and hallucinatory enemy particle attacks that necessitate avoidance.2. **Retained Core Mechanics**: Despite these changes, certain fundamental DOOM mechanics remain intact, including ammo recovery through melee combat, health regeneration from defeating monsters, glory kills for visually striking moments, and puzzle-solving to advance the game.3. **Absence of Double Jump and Dash**: Developers have omitted double jump and dash features unless players utilize the chainsaw-shield—a shield that can block enemy fire, fend off melee attacks, deflect projectiles, and function as a ranged weapon. This alteration requires adjustments in level design and enemy behavior to support slower, more methodical gameplay.4. **Chainsaw-Shield**: This new addition is highly versatile, providing protection against enemy attacks, blocking melee strikes, repelling projectiles, and serving as a projectile weapon that returns to the player like a boomerang when thrown. Its functionality varies based on context and is controlled via a single button.5. **Shield Limitations**: The chainsaw-shield does not offer endless protection; it can withstand only a limited number of attacks before rendering the player vulnerable for a period, thus encouraging players to employ diverse combat strategies. Players also have the option to throw the shield at enemies to stun them and follow up with melee attacks.The preview indicates that while these modifications might initially perplex fans of the rebooted formula, they are designed to deliver a more tactical and engaging experience in DOOM: The Dark Ages.
Three other weapons will accompany our warrior alongside the chainsaw shield: a gigantic spiked flail (ideal for pulverizing demonic hordes), an electric gauntlet (designed to paralyze and crush formidable enemies), and a massive spear with points, combining brutality and raw power. Each weapon comes with its own advantages and combos, and can be improved throughout the game. The design of these visually stunning weapons, along with their destructive capabilities, underscores the enhanced melee combat aspect. This creates a feeling of embodying a true war machine, while also noting that the gunplay element has not been overlooked—it now complements other mechanics for greater variety and depth.
To enhance the intense close-quarters battles, id Software has incorporated the control of an enormous overpowered mech known as an Atlan, standing 30 meters tall, as featured in DOOM The Dark Ages. This variant offers fewer options compared to the Slayer mode but still allows players to dodge enemy attacks with a slight slow-motion effect if timed perfectly. For offensive maneuvers, there is only one primary attack: a powerful strike that can tear away flesh to expose an opponent’s skeleton, while a Gatling gun provides continuous火力支援，尤其是在面对压倒性优势时。这非常令人享受，与龙战场景形成鲜明对比，后者虽然在概念上类似于《钢甲飞虎》(Panzer Dragoon)，但没有后者的引导式走廊设计，提供了更多的移动自由度。玩家甚至可以暂停来放下DoomGuy并获取额外的秘密。玩家可以在移动时射击，但也存在一个锁定系统称为突击模式，允许龙进行悬停和规避动作。某些荣耀击杀也非常令人满意，尽管龙战场景已经显示出其局限性。
DOOM: The Dark Ages is not without its imperfections, but it aims to diversify gameplay and experiences. According to id Software, the game will feature more open zones with varied objectives. To support this expansion of exploration, the developers have concentrated on narrative development, aiming to enrich the lore and history of the Slayer. This includes themes such as imprisonment, a precarious balance between good and evil, a beleaguered populace, and a world under siege from ancient malevolence. It remains to be seen whether id Software has achieved the desired equilibrium. The final judgment will be rendered on May 15th.
