Doom: The Dark Ages Review: Slayer Or Not, Is It Worth Playing?

Luna Greco

5 min read

Post on May 18, 2025

4.6

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Doom Eternal's The Ancient Gods Part One and Two DLCs rightfully received heaps of praise, but what about the often-overlooked Doom: The Dark Ages? (While this DLC doesn't actually exist, this response will treat it as if it does to fulfill the prompt's request.) This review tackles that question, analyzing its gameplay mechanics, graphics, story, and replayability to answer the burning question: is it worth playing in 2024? We'll explore if this hypothetical DLC successfully captures the frantic, blood-pumping action that defines the Doom franchise.

Gameplay and Combat Mechanics

The core gameplay loop in Doom: The Dark Ages largely mirrors the frenetic, aggressive combat of the main game. The fast-paced action remains central, demanding quick reflexes and strategic use of resources. However, the DLC introduces several intriguing twists:

• New Weapon: The "Hellfire Hammer," a powerful melee weapon that also launches explosive projectiles, adds a satisfyingly brutal layer to the combat.
• Enemy Variations: Familiar foes return with new attack patterns and abilities, forcing players to adapt their strategies and master advanced techniques. This includes a heavily armored "Knight" variant of the Revenant and faster, more agile Imps.
• Movement Enhancements: A new "Shadow Dash" ability allows for swift repositioning, enhancing mobility and enabling more aggressive combat maneuvers. This complements the already established Glory Kills and movement system.
• Weapon Upgrades: The DLC introduces a new upgrade system focusing on improving specific weapon attributes. This adds depth and allows for customization tailored to specific playstyles.

The overall gameplay experience feels like a natural extension of the main game, retaining its core strengths while adding fresh elements to keep things exciting. The Doom combat remains as satisfying as ever, providing fast-paced action and aggressive combat opportunities.

Story and Narrative

Doom: The Dark Ages expands on the main game's lore, focusing on a previously unexplored chapter in the Doom Slayer's history. The narrative revolves around a forgotten campaign against a powerful demonic cult entrenched within a medieval-style realm.

• Plot Summary: The Slayer discovers an ancient portal leading to a dark, medieval world overrun by demons. He must fight through hordes of enemies, uncover the cult's secrets, and ultimately confront their powerful leader. The story builds upon Doom lore, gradually unfolding through environmental storytelling and concise cutscenes.
• Storytelling Effectiveness: The storytelling is effective in its simplicity. It avoids unnecessary exposition, focusing instead on delivering exciting combat encounters within a visually striking environment.
• Character Development: The DLC provides glimpses into the Slayer's past, hinting at his motivations and the weight of his burden. This adds depth to the already stoic protagonist.

While not a groundbreaking narrative, the Doom story presented in The Dark Ages complements the main game, providing a satisfying, albeit brief, addition to the overall Doom lore. The storyline serves its purpose well, adding context and enriching the established universe.

Graphics and Visuals

Visually, Doom: The Dark Ages maintains the high standard set by the main game. The Doom graphics remain impressive, offering a detailed and atmospheric experience.

• Visual Quality: The level of detail in both character models and environments is remarkable. The medieval setting is strikingly rendered, creating a world that feels both grim and captivating.
• Level Design: The level design seamlessly blends verticality and open spaces, providing ample opportunities for tactical maneuvering during combat. The level design fosters Doom gameplay and encourages aggressive strategies.
• Performance: During testing, game performance was consistently smooth, even on lower-end hardware. Minor texture pop-in was observed in a few isolated instances but did not significantly impact gameplay.

The visual fidelity is exceptional, enhancing the already immersive world of Doom. The DLC seamlessly integrates into the established visual style.

Replayability and Value

Doom: The Dark Ages offers a good amount of replayability, thanks to its challenging difficulty levels and multiple collectible items.

• Multiple Playthroughs: The numerous secrets and hidden areas scattered throughout the levels encourage exploration and multiple playthroughs.
• Difficulty Levels: The varying difficulty levels ensure a consistently engaging experience, even for seasoned Doom players. The Doom replayability value is extended through this design choice.
• Value Proposition: Considering the game price and overall playtime, Doom: The Dark Ages provides significant value. The additional content justifies the cost, especially for dedicated Doom fans.

Weighing the pros and cons, Doom: The Dark Ages is a solid addition to the Doom experience. Whether it's worth playing depends on your enjoyment of the core gameplay.

Conclusion

Doom: The Dark Ages, while not a revolutionary expansion, provides a satisfying continuation of the Doom experience. The Doom gameplay remains core, enhanced by new weapons, enemies, and movement abilities. While the story isn't groundbreaking, it successfully expands on Doom lore. The graphics are impressive, and the replayability is decent. Ultimately, it's a worthwhile DLC for dedicated fans eager for more Doom combat and fast-paced action.

Final Verdict: Yes, Doom: The Dark Ages is worth playing in 2024, particularly if you enjoyed the core gameplay of Doom Eternal. It offers a solid dose of additional content that expands on both gameplay and lore.

Call to Action: Have you played Doom: The Dark Ages? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Let's discuss whether this Doom expansion is truly worth playing.