Doom: The Dark Ages bets big by dropping multiplayer, a staple of the series since the ’90s.
Instead of offering multiplayer options like Doom 2016 and Doom Eternal, this new version focuses solely on a single-player campaign. In fact, id Software has declared that they will dedicate all their development resources to enhancing the single-player experience.
Despite its captivating cinematic battles and the dance-like timing of its parry system within a more leisurely campaign, the absence of multiplayer is noticeable. Interestingly, this void unexpectedly sparked innovation: two fresh gameplay mechanics that seem tailor-made for multiplayer experiences.
Initially introduced is the Atlan, a colossal mech operated by the Slayer during specific missions. These components are noisy and devastating, transforming the game from a swift arena shooter into a titanic brawl. You trample through debris, unleash massive punches, and engage in intense confrontations with equally gigantic demons, creating an experience that resembles a Doom-inspired kaiju fight.
Initially designed for solo play, this game seems to have the potential for multiplayer modes such as PvP or co-op. The size, animations, and speed suggest that if more arenas filled with Atlans were introduced, it could essentially become a mech combat game on its own.
After that, you’ll encounter scenes involving the rider of the dragon, a cybernetic one, during their journey. This dragon is commandeered and navigated through blazing skies, providing an exhilarating, linear combat experience as it annihilates foes at high speed. Similar to the mech fights, these instances showcase hidden abilities.
In simpler terms, gamers can vividly imagine engaging in aerial combat, soaring on their dragons across expansive landscapes, dodging assaults and shooting fireballs. With a touch more autonomy and a robust competitive structure, this game could offer one of the most distinctive multiplayer adventures within its genre.
The interesting thing is that these two systems work remarkably well, despite not being initially intended for multiplayer use. They don’t appear as an afterthought or less refined; instead, they seem thoughtfully designed, polished, and strategically planned. Their focus on enhancing the single-player experience also offers a glimpse into what multiplayer for Doom could be if it evolved beyond its roots.
Instead of merely replicating the structure of arena deathmatch or wave co-op formats, this new iteration offers something original, expansive, and significantly more thrilling. However, not all fans are content with The Dark Ages’ evolution. Some veteran supporters argue it moves too slowly, is overly cinematic, and strays too far from the rapid-fire action that characterized the earlier games.
While some people might lament the absence of Mick Gordon’s soundtrack or the flexibility of classic mod tools like SnapMap, it’s not uncommon for them to add a disclaimer: The Atlan and dragon sections are engaging. They’re enjoyable, and there’s potential for them to be even more captivating.
Although Doom: The Dark Ages doesn’t come with multiplayer initially, it unintentionally achieves something far more significant – it explores new possibilities for what multiplayer gaming could be. This innovative approach might just make it one of the most visionary games in the series.
It remains uncertain if id Software plans to expand upon this further, but for the time being, these two surprising gameplay modes demonstrate that eliminating an aspect can lead to new opportunities for enhancement.
Read More
2025-05-19 06:12