DOOM: The Dark Ages

The attempt to turn Doom Slayer into more of a tank has resulted in action that's more focused on the main character. Successfully deflecting attacks gives an incredible feeling of inner satisfaction and balance. DOOM: The Dark Ages has its rhythm, which allows new players to gradually adjust to the increasing verticality and speed of gameplay found in DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal.

While offering a much freer and more exaggerated power fantasy compared to DOOM Eternal, it also does a great job of setting itself apart from it.

DOOM: The Dark Ages is an excellent addition to the series, expanding on the lore of DOOM while introducing some new and engaging combat. While it struggles at times with pacing, DOOM: The Dark Ages nonetheless offers an exciting new experience for players to rip and tear through.

The dark fantasy prequel to Doom is a bold, beautiful and occasionally bloated evolution of the series. In the process of daring to change core mechanics and replace old toys with new, it will disappoint many, and the story, which is mostly pretty darn good and full of cool moments, would surely benefit by removing some of the excess fat. The good news is that while Doom: The Dark Ages fumbles and falls every now and then, combat remains as riveting as it has always been, and when things finally click it will make you feel like a brutal god of war.

Doom: The Dark Ages marks a new chapter for the series, excelling in its combat system and more open map design, though it falls short in other areas.