Before I could even read properly, I was watching my uncle rip and tear through demons every weekend on his old PC. DOOM was the first game I was ever exposed to, and eventually, the first game I ever got to play. Fast forward two decades and DOOM (2016) became the very first game I reviewed right here on Attack On Geek. From then on, this franchise has held a special place in my heart.
So when DOOM: The Dark Ages was announced, it felt like the Slayer was calling me home again.
Set before the events of DOOM (2016), The Dark Ages gives us a narrative-driven prequel that digs into the wider lore of the DOOM universe. With cinematic cutscenes and a more structured storyline, this entry tries to flesh out the world around the Slayer with new characters, kingdoms, and lore. Unfortunately, while the effort is there, most of the supporting characters fail to leave a lasting impression. The Doom Slayer remains the heart of the franchise, and truthfully, he’s the only one that matters, to me anyway.
Gameplay-wise? It’s classic DOOM. It’s fast, violent, and relentless. As an invasion story, The Dark Ages leans into massive open battlefields and claustrophobic chaos, throwing wave after wave of demons at you. And it works. The combat is tight, satisfying and encourages you to keep moving and slaying.
There’s also more to the gameplay than just carnage. True to the franchise’s DNA, The Dark Ages is packed with secrets, hidden paths, and lore-filled collectibles that reward exploration. Whether you’re hunting down extra health, powerful upgrades, or just a cheeky nod to past DOOM titles, there’s a sense of discovery that adds depth between the blood-soaked battles.
Some of the weapons have a medieval twist, adding a fun, fresh flavour to the combat loop. The Skull Crusher Pulveriser quickly became a favourite of mine. Nothing beats grinding up skulls and using it to wipe out a cluster of demons in one go. But the real MVP is the saw-blade shield. Not only does it protect you mid-fight, but launching it like a buzzsaw into enemies or shoulder-bashing them into pieces feels incredible. It’s easily one of the most fun and versatile tools in the Slayer’s arsenal.
And if that wasn’t enough metal mayhem for you, you also get to pilot a giant mech to battle towering beasts and ride a mechanised dragon through the depths of Hell. It’s as over-the-top and glorious as it sounds. Pure Power Rangers-meets-Gundam-meets-Hell energy.
If you’ve played DOOM (2016) or DOOM Eternal, The Dark Ages will feel instantly familiar in terms of pacing and moment-to-moment combat. The fluid movement, resource juggling, and relentless push-forward gameplay loop are all back but this time, they’re cloaked in steel and blood instead of high-tech hellscapes.
Where DOOM (2016) revitalised the franchise with pure, unfiltered aggression and Eternal doubled down on complexity and mobility, The Dark Ages carves out its own identity with a heavier, more grounded style. The combat is still frantic, but there’s a certain weight to the weapons and a brutality to the melee that gives this entry a grittier edge.
While Eternal pushed verticality and speed, The Dark Ages feels more focused on battlefield control and up-close encounters. You’re not zipping around arenas as much, but rather standing your ground, unleashing devastating force, and then marching into the next wave like an unstoppable knight of hell.
It’s also worth noting that The Dark Ages slows things down narratively, leaning harder into story and lore with more cutscenes and exposition than either of its modern predecessors. Whether that lands will depend on how much you care about the Doom Slayer’s world beyond the slaughter — but for longtime fans, it’s a bold attempt at deeper worldbuilding, even if the supporting characters don’t quite hit.
Visually, the game looks fantastic. Whether you’re charging into a massive battlefield or mid-slice through a swarm of demons, everything feels intense and cinematic. I’ll admit, I’ve been so focused on surviving and slaying that I haven’t had time to soak in every backdrop. But what I have seen is bloody, brutal, and beautifully chaotic.
With a range of difficulty and accessibility options, it also does a solid job of letting you choose how you want to play. Whether you want a casual demon-cleansing session or a hardcore survival grind, the game meets you where you’re at, which is great for me given I’m terrible at more challenging levels. There’s a reason I run a series called ‘Noob Girl Plays’ after all.
In the end, DOOM: The Dark Ages doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a blood-soaked love letter to fans who’ve been with the Slayer since the beginning and for people like me, who grew up with DOOM, it’s a full-circle moment. A reminder of why we fell in love with the franchise in the first place.
It’s brutal, bombastic and bloody brilliant.
If you’re looking to catch some gameplay action, check out this short here.