New Gameplay Details Revealed for Doom: The Dark Ages

Doom: The Dark Ages – A Medieval Twist on Classic Gameplay

EDGE magazine recently unveiled new details about Doom: The Dark Ages, promising a significant shift in the franchise's formula. This installment prioritizes narrative, presenting a richer storyline than previous entries. Gone are the cryptic text logs; the narrative will unfold more directly. The game's setting will be a medieval-inspired world, a stark contrast to the series' futuristic norm. Even the iconic weaponry will undergo a stylistic transformation to maintain thematic consistency.

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While retaining the series' signature level-based structure, Doom: The Dark Ages boasts the largest levels yet, seamlessly blending dungeon crawling with open-world exploration. The game is structured into "acts," progressing from confined dungeons to expansive areas, providing a dynamic gameplay experience. Adding to the variety, players will have the ability to control both a dragon and a mech.

A standout addition to the Slayer's arsenal is a revolutionary shield that functions as a dual-purpose weapon and tool. This versatile shield can be thrown at enemies, exhibiting unique interactions depending on the target (flesh, armor, energy shields, etc.). It also facilitates a dash attack for rapid traversal and incorporates a parry mechanic, offering adjustable difficulty levels and precise timing windows for mastery.

The shield's parry mechanic acts as a "reload" for melee attacks, while successful melee combat replenishes ammunition for ranged weapons, echoing the chainsaw mechanic in DOOM Eternal. Players will have a choice of melee weapons, including a fast gauntlet, a balanced shield, and a slower mace, catering to diverse playstyles. The absence of double jumps and roars from previous games emphasizes the shield's importance in maintaining battlefield mobility.