After several leaks, id Software and Bethesda lifted the lid on DOOM: The Dark Ages, the next entry in the bloodthirsty series that has revitalised one of the most iconic names in all of gaming.
The Dark Ages is a prequel, telling the tale of the Slayer as he goes all medieval on demon ass. Described as taking place in a ” dark fantasy setting” this new game features the Slayer grabbing a shield, but the Slayer is no pussy who goes on the defensive, so naturally the shield has a chainsaw rim perfect for ripping and tearing, and it can be thrown for good measure.
Another highlight is a gun which grinds up skulls and then uses the shards as ammunition. Also, the Slayer is rocking a fur cape. Peak badass achieved.
“Inspired by the original DOOM (19 93), players overcome the odds in The Dark Ages in firmly grounded, heavy-hitting clashes featuring destructible demons, vicious melee strikes and more,” reads the official Xbox Wire post. “With the right combination of ranged bombardment & melee aggression, anyone stepping into the Slayer’s boots will make Hell quiver in theirs.
If that wasn’t enough, the trailer also shows off a gigantic mech that players can pilot, as well as riding around on a freaking dragon.
“DOOM: The Dark Ages’ cosmic-scale conflict calls for the heaviest ordnance possible, and the Slayer heeds. Enter the cockpit of your Atlan – a daunting skyscraper-sized mech capable of toppling Hell’s behemoths with titanic metal fists – and reclaim the skies aboard the Slayer’s Mecha Dragon, strapped to the jaws with jet engines and overwhelming firepower.”
Finally, the game was announced for Xbox, PC and PS5. Microsoft has stated before that games with a legacy on other platforms would continue to be published on those platforms, so it was quite widely assumed a new DOOM title would be on PlayStation. But Microsoft and Xbox’s recent chaotic nature naturally bred some distrust, so it’s good to have confirmation.
DOOM: The Dark Ages will launch sometime in 2025.