Could DOOM: The Dark Ages Be the Elden Ring of FPS Games?

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In the realm of franchises, Doom has consistently stood out as unique. While id Software had already released Wolfenstein 3D, the debut of Doom in 1993 revolutionized the first-person shooter genre with its lightning-fast gameplay and raw brutality. The innovative engine and its utilization of cutting-edge 3D technology to deliver swift action (for that period) truly set it apart.

The widespread appeal of multiplayer Deathmatch games, together with their remarkable growth in popularity, has been significant. The active community involvement and user-friendly game development have made it possible for players to create and modify levels, as well as WADs, even today. Furthermore, numerous other games were inspired by its brilliance, either directly from id Software team members or indirectly through the entire boomer shooter genre.

Even though Doom 3, which took a more survival horror shooter route and had its fair share of stumbles, still managed to feel unique. This trend persisted with DOOM (2016), which blended classic gameplay aspects with innovative features like Glory Kills, setting the stage for the series’ resurgence. The anticipation for DOOM Eternal was significant as a result.

How might id Software revolutionize what we had previously experienced in gaming? What fresh tactics could this universe provide for vanquishing demons, and on what grand scale would these innovations take place? The anticipation was enormous, yet Eternal not only lived up to but exceeded these expectations, offering not just one of the best games that year, but a first-person experience of exceptional quality.

Five years down the line, we reach “DOOM: The Dark Ages“. While anticipation has been gradually rising since its unveiling a year ago, the last few months have elevated it to an entirely new plane. From what id Software has shown us so far, it appears that they’re reimagining everything that defines “DOOM”, making it truly unique. However, the atmosphere seems to align well with what we’ve known before.

In the world of Doom Slayer, melee combat plays a crucial role, and The Dark Ages offers an enrichment by introducing a special shield and parrying techniques. When it comes to Glory Kills, timing is key – a well-timed strike with the flail, mace, or gauntlet can result in a decisive blow without disrupting the rhythm and pace of the gameplay.

In this scenario, the focus is on hand-to-hand combat and intense brawls, rather than evading and conserving resources. Even though some resource management is necessary, the character, resembling the Marauder from Eternal, has a more robust build, leading to a grounded fighting style. You’ll find yourself clashing with numerous enemies, whether it’s the Agadon Hunter, Cosmic Baron, or other foes, and the Shield Saw is used for colliding against multiple opponents or dashing and attacking an enemy.

Absolutely, there’s more to it than that. The atmosphere isn’t just medieval; it also captures the series’ futuristic and demonic themes accurately. In this show, The Night Sentinels draw power from the Wraiths. Demons have taken over Sentinel Prime, and they are not only on the ground but also in the sky, using airships. Players face these aerial threats while riding a dragon mount.

Similarly, the colossal Titans encounter enormous Atlantean mechs armed with specific miniguns and shotguns. This fusion of components offers a distinctive flavor reminiscent of DOOM, all while maintaining a solid connection to this distinctly medieval realm.

There’s an extra something that makes “DOOM: The Dark Ages” seem particularly intriguing, and it somewhat resembles the atmosphere of FromSoftware’s “Elden Ring“. It’s not just due to the melee combat, medieval setting, or even the extreme difficulty level. There’s a deeper connection that sets them apart.

As a devoted fan, I’m eager to delve into the grand vision that the DOOM series has always offered. The earlier titles in this thrilling franchise were designed with a focus on straightforward, largely linear gameplay, punctuated by combat arenas that evoke the classic “You’re trapped here with me!” experience. These levels were richly populated with secrets waiting to be discovered, ranging from hidden spots reminiscent of the original DOOM games to collectibles and enhancements. And let’s not forget the optional challenges!

In the game titled “DOOM: The Dark Ages“, you’ll find the largest playing spaces ever in the series, blending linear passages with expansive sandbox-style environments that inspire exploration and discovery. The fundamental concept of “Elden Ring” lies in venturing into the Lands Between and unraveling its numerous mysteries, which range from optional bosses to entire map areas swarming with diverse enemies and lore.

In a different yet engaging manner, The Dark Ages provides ample opportunities for exploration and control over potential dangers. These risks may vary from intricate puzzles demanding precise timing using the Shield Saw to an unusual tentacle, which left several previewers in disarray.

Each stage is designed to ideally last an hour according to director Hugo Martin, though venturing off the main path could extend your playtime significantly. Additionally, there’s a high level of flexibility in gameplay, with levels like Siege offering a large, unique battlefield filled with disorder. Here, you can complete objectives in virtually any sequence. While sticking to the main storyline is sufficient for enjoyment, deviating from it will unlock different rewards.

Initially, the tales or lore resembled those from the game Halo: Reach, as we knew where the events unfolded but hadn’t lived through them ourselves. The difference between hearing stories about the Doom Slayer’s terrifying reign over demons and actually playing as the Slayer, marching through battles and annihilating hordes into dust is substantial. Furthermore, there are elements of the lore that were previously unknown, such as Hell’s alliance with the Cosmic Realm, which leads to Lovecraftian-style adversaries confronting the Slayer. What role does this partnership play, and how might it influence the overall narrative?

Credit where credit is due, id Software acknowledges the significance of this phase in the Slayer’s life and is adding a cinematic depth that hasn’t been present in earlier games. I suspect there might be more to the Slayer’s history than what we’ve gathered from DOOM (2016) and Eternal, and it could significantly impact the game’s timeline moving forward. What makes this exciting is that the backstory won’t just be extra reading; instead, it will be vividly portrayed in the cutscenes we’ve seen so far. It promises to be epic not only due to the scale of its levels or the number of enemies to defeat on-screen, but also in a deeper, more profound sense.

Previously mentioned, every Doom game stands out uniquely, making each new release feel like a significant event. With DOOM: The Dark Ages, it seems the series is on the verge of a major evolution, taking on an entirely distinct character compared to its earlier installments.

Although I believe each upcoming entry will maintain its unique identity thanks to their gameplay (and because they encapsulate what makes Doom extraordinary), The Dark Ages will surpass them in scope and prestige. The anticipation is palpable, leaving one pondering how the next DOOM game could possibly outdo its predecessor, but that’s a question for another time.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, GamingBolt as an organization

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2025-05-05 23:41