DOOM: The Dark Ages — Announcement, New Gameplay Features, Release Date

Back in 1993, the American studio id Software released a first-person shooter (FPS) game called Doom. The video game series has achieved cult status in the gaming industry and has inspired hundreds, if not thousands, of games around the world. And now the next project in the franchise will be DOOM: The Dark Ages, which Microsoft announced relatively recently. We'll talk about it today.

In this article you will learn about how DOOM: The Dark Ages was announced, what innovations in gameplay can be expected in DOOM: The Dark Ages, details of the plot of the new game in the series, about the DOOM franchise, as well as the estimated release date of DOOM: The Dark Ages.

DOOM: The Dark Ages announcement and trailer

Rumors about a new part in the Doom universe have been circulating for quite some time, and on June 9, 2024, at the annual presentation of Xbox Games Showcase 2024, Microsoft presented the announcement trailer for DOOM: The Dark Ages. We previously talked about everything we know about Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Fans were treated to a gameplay trailer.

In two minutes, id Software showed us new locations, an updated appearance of the main character, as well as new types of weapons. Also in the trailer appeared both old familiar opponents and new creatures of hell. Overall, the announcement received excellent reviews from both fans of the series and the gaming press.

New gameplay features for DOOM: The Dark Ages

In addition to updated graphics, DOOM: The Dark Ages will feature a number of gameplay innovations and mechanics. Firstly, the developers will add new types of weapons. So from the trailer it follows that Doom Slayer will have an updated signature double-barreled shotgun. The main character's arsenal will be replenished with a shield, which can be used to block shots from monsters, as well as throw it, demolishing crowds of enemies. Among the melee weapons, it is worth noting the mace, which had not previously been seen in previous games.

The gameplay mechanics in DOOM: The Dark Ages will be based on its predecessor, DOOM Eternal. In the new part, we will be allowed to ride our own dragon, which will add more dynamic segments to the game and increase the scale of what is happening. In addition, Doom Slayer can use a giant exoskeleton to fight particularly large enemies.

Plot of DOOM: The Dark Ages

Plot-wise, the events of DOOM: The Dark Ages will serve as a prequel to DOOM 2016 and DOOM Eternal. This time, the adventures of Doom Slayer will unfold long before the history of the above-mentioned games. As the developers themselves say, in those days our character was not yet a hero.

The setting of DOOM: The Dark Ages can be described as dark fantasy in a medieval style. The soundtrack will also contribute, which, although it will probably be without Mick Gordon, will still give fans a combination of heavy metal and electronic music.

About the DOOM Franchise

The Doom franchise is one of the most iconic and influential series in the history of video games, known for pioneering the first-person shooter genre. Doom was developed by id Software, a company co-founded by John Carmack and John Romero, among others. The first game in the series was released in 1993.

The original Doom introduced players to fast-paced action, challenging gameplay, and a 3D graphics engine that was groundbreaking for its time. The game featured a protagonist often referred to as the "Doom Slayer" or "Doomguy," who battles hordes of demons from Hell on a space station on Mars.

Key Games in the Series:

• Doom (1993): The original game is considered a landmark in gaming history. It popularized the FPS genre and introduced multiplayer deathmatch modes, which became a staple in later games.
• Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994): This sequel expanded on the original with new levels, enemies, and the iconic Super Shotgun. It continued the story of the Doom Slayer's fight against the forces of Hell.
• Doom 3 (2004): A reboot of the series with a focus on horror and a more narrative-driven experience. It used a new graphics engine that pushed the boundaries of what was visually possible at the time.
• DOOM (2016): Another reboot, returning to the fast-paced, action-oriented roots of the series. It received critical acclaim for its gameplay, level design, and faithful modernization of the franchise's core elements.
• DOOM Eternal (2020): The latest main installation, known for its intense combat, intricate level design, and expanded lore. It continues the story of the Doom Slayer and introduces new gameplay mechanics and enemy types.

Expected release date for DOOM: The Dark Ages

It is stated that DOOM: The Dark Ages will be released next year in 2025. The release of the project can be expected on all current platforms, namely PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PlayStation 5. The game will also be available on the Xbox Game Pass subscription service.

Overall, DOOM: The Dark Ages promises to give video game fans an unforgettable first-person action game with a plot that will reveal one of the brightest periods in the life of Doom Slayer. Fans of shooters definitely shouldn't miss this release from Microsoft.