The Dark Ages takes its own route, but it ends up where Eternal did.

Doom Dark Ages Follow Eternal

The launch of Doom: The Dark Ages marks an intriguing evolution in id Software’s acclaimed soft reboot of the legendary franchise, building on the momentum of 2016’s Doom and 2020’s Doom Eternal. Serving as a prequel, The Dark Ages explores the Slayer’s earlier battles against Hell’s forces on the distant world of Argent D’Nur, where he tentatively allies with the Night Sentinels amidst a brutal clash between realms steeped in Gothic and Medieval aesthetics.

This new setting brings a striking contrast to previous entries, giving id Software room to creatively reimagine familiar weapons and enemies while introducing a host of fresh gear and demonic threats. Accompanying these visual and narrative shifts are notable gameplay changes—most significantly, a revamped combat approach. While Doom Eternal emphasized platforming, The Dark Ages places a strong focus on a new parry mechanic that looks to become the game’s defining feature.

Parrying is what really defines Doom: The Dark Ages—for better or worse.

Prior to its release, Doom (2016) carried the heavy burden of reviving a franchise that had been dormant for 12 years. Doom 3 had divided fans with its shift toward slower, survival horror elements—a stark contrast to the franchise’s roots in fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled action. Fortunately, Doom (2016) was a triumphant return to form, blending the franchise’s classic gameplay style with modern polish, from its fluid combat to its unforgettable soundtrack.

That success set a high standard for its sequel, Doom Eternal. In its effort to evolve the formula, Eternal introduced new weapons, enemies, and mechanics—most notably, platforming. Grappling, swinging, and climbing became core to navigating the game’s intense levels. While it helped differentiate the sequel, many fans felt this heavy focus on platforming strayed too far from the grounded combat loop that made Doom (2016) so beloved. The move left the fanbase somewhat divided.

Now, The launch of Doom: The Dark Ages takes the franchise in a bold new direction. As a prequel set in a medieval-inspired world, it seizes the opportunity to establish its own identity through a distinct gameplay approach—with parrying at the heart of it all.

Parrying and Precision Define the Challenge of The Dark Ages

The launch of Doom

The introduction of the Shield Saw allows players to parry specific green-colored attacks from various demons, redirecting the damage back to the enemy or creating brief openings for counterattacks. This mechanic becomes essential in managing the chaos of densely packed combat arenas and is particularly crucial during boss fights, where success often hinges on well-timed parries.

This shift turns the game’s combat into something akin to a rhythm-based experience, where players must balance dodging projectiles with perfectly timed counters. To support this, the game even features a projectile speed slider—letting players adjust how demanding the parry mechanic is.

The launch of Doom

While some fans see this heavy emphasis on parrying as a dramatic departure from traditional Doom gameplay, it’s undeniably what sets The Dark Ages apart. Whether universally embraced or not, this fresh take on combat is the cornerstone of the game’s identity—and its most defining feature.

Leave a Comment