Doom: The Dark Ages Unveils New Gameplay Features

In a fascinating interview with EDGE magazine, the developers behind the highly anticipated Doom: The Dark Ages unveiled exciting new details about the game's gameplay. This installment promises to shift the focus towards a more narrative-driven experience, with the largest and most expansive levels in the series' history, offering players a sandbox-like environment to explore.

Game director Hugo Martin and studio head Marty Stratton shared key insights during the discussion. Unlike previous Doom titles, where much of the backstory was relegated to text logs, The Dark Ages will embrace a more direct storytelling method. The game's atmosphere will immerse players in a medieval setting, significantly reducing the futuristic elements that characterized earlier entries. Even the iconic weapons will undergo a design transformation to seamlessly blend with this new environment.

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Similar to its predecessors, Doom: The Dark Ages will feature distinct levels, but these will be the most expansive yet, merging the thrill of dungeon crawling with the freedom of open-world exploration. The game's chapters are segmented into "acts," beginning in confined dungeons and gradually opening up into vast areas. Players will have the unique opportunity to control both a dragon and a mech, introducing diverse gameplay mechanics.

A notable addition to the Slayer's arsenal is a versatile shield that also functions as a chainsaw. This shield can be hurled at enemies, with its effect varying based on the material it strikes—be it flesh, armor, energy shields, or other substances. The shield also enables a dash attack, facilitating rapid movement across the battlefield. With the absence of double jumps and roars from previous games, this new mechanic will be essential for maintaining mobility. Additionally, the shield introduces a parrying system, complete with adjustable difficulty settings and precise timing requirements.

Parrying serves as a "reload" mechanism for melee attacks, while engaging in melee combat replenishes ammunition for primary weapons—echoing the chainsaw mechanic from DOOM Eternal. Players can choose from a variety of melee options, including a swift gauntlet, a balanced shield, and a slower but powerful mace.