Doom: New Gameplay Glimpse Revealed

Following the phenomenal success of 2016's Doom and its 2020 sequel, Doom Eternal, id Software's latest entry, Doom: The Dark Ages, doesn't aim to reinvent the wheel, but rather refines the formula. This medieval-tinged prequel retains the series' signature high-octane, skill-based first-person shooter gameplay, intensifying the brutal combat against legions of Hell's forces.

The Dark Ages eschews Eternal's platforming elements, focusing instead on intense, strafe-heavy combat emphasizing powerful weaponry and melee attacks. While iconic Doom weaponry returns, the new Skull Crusher, which uses pulverized enemy skulls as ammunition, steals the show. However, the game significantly elevates the importance of three melee weapons: the charged electrified gauntlet, the flail, and the versatile Shield Saw (throwable, and usable for blocking, parrying, and deflecting). As game director Hugo Martin stated, "You're gonna stand and fight."

Martin cites three key inspirations: the original Doom, Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, and Zack Snyder's 300. This influence is evident in the game's design. The Glory Kill system has been overhauled, allowing for dynamic finishing moves from any angle, adapting to the constant swarms of enemies. Combat encounters are designed as large-scale battles, reminiscent of 300 and the original Doom, with significantly expanded arenas. Level design offers freedom, allowing players to tackle objectives in any order and explore at their leisure (levels are designed to be approximately one hour long).

Addressing criticism of Doom Eternal's Codex-based storytelling, The Dark Ages utilizes cutscenes to narrate its epic tale, expanding the Doom universe in a "summer blockbuster event" narrative arc, focusing on the Slayer's power and the threats against it.

The control scheme has been simplified for improved intuitiveness, addressing a common complaint about Eternal's complexity. Melee weapons are equipped individually, streamlining combat. The game features a simplified economy with a single currency (gold), and secrets now offer tangible gameplay rewards rather than lore. Difficulty is customizable via sliders, allowing players to fine-tune aspects like game speed and enemy aggression.

The impressive giant Atlan mech and cybernetic dragon sequences shown in the reveal trailer aren't isolated events; they offer unique abilities and mini-boss encounters. Importantly, The Dark Ages will not feature a multiplayer mode, allowing the developers to fully focus on the single-player experience.

Martin's decision to shift away from Eternal's direction and return to the core principles of the original Doom is a key element of The Dark Ages' design. He aims to deliver a powerful, classic Doom experience, redefining the power fantasy while staying true to the series' roots. The anticipation is palpable. The May 15th release date can't arrive soon enough.