Review #033 – Doom: The Dark Ages

The slower, more methodical pace of Doom: The Dark Ages clicked with me much more than the breakneck, micromanage-heavy style of Doom Eternal. It’s still feels a modern Doom game ultimately, but using the shield to parry attacks is much easier to grasp than having to kill enemies on a constant, sometimes-overwhelming rotation.

Levels are generally bigger and more explorable, with some taking upwards of two hours to finish (especially if you rummage through every nook and cranny). I had a blast exploring most maps, completing challenges, and figuring out how access every secret area, especially now that they call out every point-of-no-return—seriously, how was this not in previous Doom games already?

It’s not without its blemishes—I really don’t love how the game goes so deep into its bizarre narrative, and the heavy metal soundtrack, while reminiscent of previous Doom games, is largely forgettable. But fond memories of the fantastic level design and superb combat will stick with me for a while.