The legendary Doom franchise is set to take an intriguing turn with its upcoming installment, Doom: The Dark Ages, a bold prequel to the 2016 reboot and Doom Eternal. The game, developed by id Software, is scheduled for release in 2025 and will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, with day-one availability on Xbox Game Pass.

Story and Setting

Doom: The Dark Ages explores the origins of the Doom Slayer in a dark fantasy medieval setting. It delves into his rise from being a kingdom’s last hope to becoming Hell’s greatest nightmare. Players will experience a cinematic narrative that reveals the roots of his iconic rage, facing hordes of demons in an era dominated by gods and kings. The setting moves away from futuristic sci-fi to a grittier, grounded world filled with castles, dungeons, and mythical landscapes.

Gameplay and Features

The game retains its first-person shooter identity but adds a medieval twist. Expect brutal melee combat alongside traditional shooting mechanics. The Slayer’s arsenal now includes medieval-inspired weapons like the Skull Gun, Flail, and Shield Saw, alongside the iconic Super Shotgun. According to creative director Hugo Martin, the gameplay is a homage to the original Doom games, emphasizing strafing and grounded combat over the high-speed, vertical mechanics of Doom Eternal.

Players will also control colossal machines like the Atlan mech to battle massive demons, and they can command winged beasts equipped with jet engines for aerial combat. These features promise epic battles on an unprecedented scale, all powered by the latest idTech engine.

Visuals and AI

The game showcases destructible environments and massive enemies, including demon dragons. The AI is designed to challenge players with more dynamic and tactical behavior, ensuring every encounter feels fresh and intense.

Release and Preorders

Though preorders are not yet available, they are expected to open in late 2024. Fans can already add the game to their wishlists on platforms like Steam, the PlayStation Network, and the Microsoft Store.

Why It Matters

Doom: The Dark Ages is not just another Doom game—it’s a reinvention of the franchise while staying true to its roots. With its medieval aesthetic, heavy-hitting combat, and deeper lore, it has the potential to become a standout entry in one of gaming’s most celebrated series.

For those eagerly anticipating this release, keep an eye out for more details as the 2025 launch approaches. It’s shaping up to be a hellish ride worth waiting for!