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‘Doom: The Dark Ages’ Garners Game of the Year Buzz with Over 3 Million Players

The medieval prequel to the Doom reboot trilogy redefines the franchise with innovative combat, expanded gameplay, and deep storytelling.

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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)
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Overview

  • Launched on May 15, 2025, the game has already surpassed 3 million players, with over 2 million on Xbox, and is a strong Game of the Year contender.
  • The game’s combat overhaul replaces the Meat Hook with a versatile shield-parry system, emphasizing tactical gameplay while maintaining the series’ intensity.
  • New gameplay features include riding a demon-crushing warhorse, piloting a giant mech (Atlan), and flying a dragon (Serrat), adding variety and scale to the campaign.
  • The narrative explores the Doom Slayer’s origins under the control of the Maykrs, as he battles Prince Ahzrak, who seeks the Heart of Argent to achieve godhood.
  • Players and critics praise the game’s design, but debates persist over slower pacing, the lack of fast travel, and the physical disc requiring an 85 GB download.