Doom: The Dark Ages – A Medieval Twist on Classic Gameplay
EDGE magazine recently featured an interview revealing exciting new details about Doom: The Dark Ages. This installment will prioritize narrative, boasting the largest levels in the franchise's history, creating a more sandbox-like experience.
Game director Hugo Martin and studio head Marty Stratton highlighted key aspects: Unlike previous entries where lore was primarily delivered through text logs, The Dark Ages will feature a more direct storytelling approach. The game's aesthetic will embrace a medieval theme, minimizing futuristic elements. Even iconic weapons will undergo a design revamp to fit this new setting.
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While retaining the series' signature level-based structure, Doom: The Dark Ages will introduce the largest levels yet, seamlessly blending dungeon crawling with open-world exploration. Levels are structured into "acts," progressing from confined dungeons to expansive areas. A unique addition is the ability to control both a dragon and a mech, promising diverse gameplay options.
The Slayer's arsenal gains a revolutionary addition: a shield that functions as a chainsaw. This versatile weapon can be thrown, exhibiting unique interactions based on the target (flesh, armor, energy shields, etc.). The shield also facilitates a dash attack for rapid traversal, compensating for the absence of double jumps and roars from previous games. Furthermore, the shield allows for parrying, with adjustable difficulty levels and precise timing requirements.
Parrying serves as a "reload" for melee attacks, while melee combat replenishes ammunition for ranged weapons, echoing the chainsaw mechanic in DOOM Eternal. Melee options include a fast gauntlet, a balanced shield, and a slower mace.
