The moment you dive into The Dark Ages, it becomes clear that the game is setting fresh expectations. During my last and most extensive demo session, I found myself navigating id’s innovative take on an open sandbox zone, free to explore as I wished. My main objective was straightforward: shut down five demon-spawning portals. How I chose to tackle this task, from my path to my distractions, was entirely my own decision. As I maneuvered through the game for about an hour, I realized that this was a DOOM experience unlike any other I’ve encountered.
True to what any fan might hope for, the sandbox is packed with optional challenges. There are heavily guarded artillery batteries to target, treasure troves of gold ripe for upgrading, and numerous hidden surprises along the way. As I was sprinting through one area, a massive tentacle emerged from the ground, attacking unexpectedly; this wasn’t a predetermined event or a quest on my map—it was just another spontaneous thrill waiting to ambush me.
Even the main objectives spring a few surprises. In the initial mission, closing portals was all about defeating enemies in a contained arena. However, this time around, each portal presents a unique twist. Some whisk me away to dungeons, where solving puzzles becomes my path to their power source. Others unleash formidable Leader enemies—monstrous adversaries who only become vulnerable once you’ve eliminated their minions. Victory against these foes grants permanent upgrades, enriching my arsenal of weapons with unique choices. The game feels boundlessly creative, like id has been itching to infuse DOOM with fresh concepts.
This creativity is the standout impression from my deep dive into DOOM: The Dark Ages. The developers’ excitement is palpable—not just for the lore and mechanics of DOOM we know, but for where it might take us next. I anticipated new narratives, weapons, and demons, but I didn’t foresee this genre fusion. The anticipation to see what else the team has crafted is almost unbearable.
Set to launch on May 15, 2025, DOOM: The Dark Ages will be available for Xbox Series X|S, PC through the Xbox app for Windows, Steam, and Battle.net, and PlayStation 5. Gamers can also access it through the cloud service, and it’s slated to be available from day one on Game Pass.
