Since the 2016 reboot, each new Doom title has aimed to differentiate itself from its predecessors, and Doom: The Dark Ages appears to be continuing that trend by taking the series in a fresh direction. Instead of building on Doom Eternal‘s fast-paced, futuristic combat, this installment shifts gears, inviting players to adopt a more tactical approach as they battle larger enemy waves in a medieval-inspired world.
To complement this gameplay shift, longtime fans can look forward to a variety of brand-new weapons, offering fresh and inventive ways to take down familiar enemies. Interestingly, a recent trailer hinted that the Doom Slayer’s journey may echo Kratos’ in some respects—suggesting that the consequences of his violent past are starting to catch up with him.
Fresh dangers continue to haunt both Doom Slayer and Kratos.
After exacting revenge on the Greek pantheon, Kratos sought a quiet existence in 2018’s God of War. Yet, his bloody legacy couldn’t stay buried—his past deeds reached the ears of the Norse gods, dragging him back into conflict as the infamous Ghost of Sparta. Similarly, Doom: The Dark Ages appears to be following this narrative path. The Doom Slayer, long known for annihilating Hell’s forces, now faces an even greater threat: a pantheon of cosmic, Lovecraftian entities introduced through the mysterious Cosmic Realm.
The Doom series has always showcased imaginative and terrifying demon designs, with recent entries featuring some of its most formidable enemies yet. However, The Dark Ages looks to push the envelope even further. By adding an entirely new realm filled with eldritch creatures, the game could refresh its formula in the same way God of War did when it shifted from Greek to Norse mythology. This transition allowed players to witness a more introspective and emotionally complex Kratos without diminishing the impact of his earlier saga. Likewise, Doom: The Dark Ages may be setting the stage for a broader mythos without abandoning its core identity.
In the same vein, Doom: The Dark Ages and its introduction of the Cosmic Realm might be hinting at a future where Doom expands beyond Hell’s borders. While the franchise will likely always retain its demonic roots, the addition of otherworldly horrors from an ancient, alien dimension could unlock new layers of storytelling and gameplay. The Dark Ages isn’t afraid to challenge tradition—and that boldness may be what propels the series into an entirely new era.
Doom’s New Combat Approach is Familiar
Slowing Down to Stand and Fight
The evolving environments of Doom and God of War aren’t the only signals that these series are shifting away from their original formulas. id Software has emphasized a new “stand and fight” philosophy in Doom: The Dark Ages, encouraging a more deliberate and strategic approach to combat. Rather than relying solely on speed and aggression, players will need to methodically clear out waves of enemies—marking a notable departure from Doom Eternal’s relentless momentum.
This shift mirrors what God of War experienced when it transitioned into Norse mythology. The gameplay slowed down significantly to align with a more grounded and tactical Kratos. While the Doom Slayer hasn’t adopted the same emotional restraint, his combat style is clearly becoming more measured, reflecting the broader shift in tone as both games explore new mythological realms. As their worlds grow, so too does their combat depth.
Shared Weapon Mechanics Across Franchises
Another striking similarity between the two franchises is how both protagonists have taken up new signature weapons that reshape their gameplayFor Doom, introducing new firepower has always been expected—but one weapon in The Dark Ages reveals something especially telling. The Doom Slayer now wields the Shield Saw, a circular shield edged with saw blades that functions like a projectile. He can throw it to slice through multiple enemies before it returns to his hand—an unexpected yet thematically fitting addition. Fans of modern God of War will immediately recognize the parallel. In an attempt to leave his violent past behind, Kratos traded the Blades of Chaos for the Leviathan Axe—an ice-imbued weapon that he can also throw and summon back.Retry
Claude can make mistakes.
Please double-check responses.Both weapons serve a dual purpose: offering crowd control while reinforcing a slower, more calculated style of combat. Even as the pacing slows down, these mechanics keep players actively engaged in every fight.
Facing the Unknown, in Different Ways
Doom: The Dark Ages and the Norse God of War saga both push their protagonists into unfamiliar territory. Rather than relying on nostalgia or rehashing past conflicts, they introduce new threats and new mythologies—keeping the gameplay and storytelling fresh. While both series share structural similarities in their evolution, their protagonists embody very different responses to the challenges they face.
Kratos is a warrior burdened by regret. His battles are reluctant, driven by the hope of peace for himself and his son. The Doom Slayer, on the other hand, is fueled by unyielding fury. He tears through demons—and now cosmic horrors—with no hint of remorse. Their journeys may mirror each other, but their motivations and emotional cores set them apart, giving each franchise a distinct identity even as they explore similar themes.
