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Doom: The Dark Ages Achieves Record Launch Despite Divisive Gameplay Changes

The medieval prequel breaks franchise player records and earns critical acclaim while sparking debates over pacing and physical disc design.

First Impressions: Doom: The Dark Ages - Get Medieval, Stay Metal
In “Doom: The Dark Ages,” players will rely on the versatile shield and a slew of brutal weapons to defeat the minions of hell. (Bethesda Softworks)

Overview

  • Doom: The Dark Ages has drawn over three million players within five days, making it id Software's largest launch to date.
  • The game has received some of the highest review scores in franchise history, with critics praising its tactical combat and deep lore expansion.
  • Players are divided over the slower pacing and reliance on parry mechanics, a departure from the franchise's traditional high-speed gameplay.
  • The physical release has faced backlash for including only 85 MB on the disc, requiring an 85 GB download to play.
  • With extensive difficulty customization, players can tailor the challenge by adjusting damage, parry timing, and more, offering a flexible experience.