Delved into Doom: The Dark Ages for a week, my assessment finds it astonishingly resurrecting the vintage appeal - once more, this retro stalwart proves its importance.
Revamped Doom: An Unstoppable Fall from Grace
Sir id Software, the studio behind Doom, recognized the need to freshen up its esteemed gaming franchise that's been around since '93, practically as old as the hills themselves (Doom has even been regenerated by an artificially intelligent AI). The stakes were high, with the reputation of Doom resting on their shoulders like the weight of the world. Can the run-and-gun gameplay be updated for the modern age?
Id Software bravely took a swing at it with 2020's Doom Eternal, but with Doom: The Dark Ages, it feels like they've finally knocked it out of the park, creating something that screams DooM, yet oozes contemporary coolness. The game is so well-executed that it leaves Doom Eternal looking like a rough draft.
A Visual Overhaul
A significant part of the game's overhaul lies in its graphics, powered by id Software's in-house Idtech 8 engine. Built with the essence of Doom in mind, it lets players dive into a gritty, high-resolution world filled with those classic demon enemies, all updated for today's gaming standards.
Step into Doom: The Dark Ages, and you're greeted with a color palette that hasn't changed since the very first game: a dull mix of browns, blacks, and flashes of glowing green, red, and orange. The incorporation of these primary colors never feels outdated, as the Idtech engine keeps everything looking slick and modern.
The Idtech engine might have kicked off over 30 years ago, but its eighth iteration shines with the best in the industry, allowing id Software to tweak Doom into something that feels fresh as daisies while respecting its roots. Those metal structural buildings, lava-filled chasms, and gore-splattered demons provide the right elements to keep gamers interested.
Elevated Gameplay that's a Revelation
If the game's breathtaking visuals are the icing on the cake, the core brilliance lies in the overhauled run-and-gun gameplay. Id Software dug deep to redesign what run-and-gun gaming means for the 21st century, and the results are nothing short of extraordinary.
I've always reveled in playing the Doom Slayer, but in this installment, he's kitted out with more demon-smashing tools than ever before. One new toy in his left hand is a chain-saw-edged shield. It's versatile: I could chuck it, use it as a melee weapon, utilize it to counter incoming attacks, or hurl it at environmental objects to propel myself towards harder-to-reach enemies.
Another new essential gameplay mechanic - seen in a much more experimental form in Doom Eternal - is melee attacks that can lay the smackdown on enemies. There are three types to choose from, including a basic gauntlet one, a wide-area mace, and the Dreadmace. The Dreadmace is a bit of a slow poke, but it's aggressive, packing a mean punch against those pesky demons.
The tried-and-true classic weapons are also back, offering a satisfying old-school feel while being carefully modernized. With every melee attack and weapon, upgrades are available to acquire, which adds depth to the gameplay and encourages players to explore every nook and cranny.
Rapid-fire Action with a Twist
To introduce a bit of variety, the developers have bestowed the Doom Slayer with two giant mechs: a dragon and an Atlantis-inspired humanoid robot. The dragon offers a distinct playstyle, with a laser-based attack system that rewards precise targeting, and the Atlantis mech focuses on close-quarters combat and powerful melee attacks.
Although they provide a much-needed respite from the relentless onslaught of demon-slaying, they could use some refinement. The transition between the mech and regular gameplay feels a bit abrupt, and the mech combat sometimes lacks the same finesse as the core gameplay.
Doom: The Dark Ages includes environmental puzzles to keep players guessing and to encourage exploration. These challenges are often cleverly designed to make optimal use of the weapons and game mechanics.
Nitpicks and Limitations
While Doom: The Dark Ages does many things right, there are a few areas that could use some improvement. For instance, the storyline is a weak spot. The dialogue is pompous, awkward, and devoid of charm, failing to live up to the witty banter from previous games.
The interplay between the three factions - the Sentinels, the Makyrs, and the denizens of hell - can be confusing, leaning too heavily on convoluted exposition to convey the narrative.
Another point of contention is the absence of multiplayer, a feature that's been common in recent Doom titles. The studio has promised that multiplayer functionality will eventually be available via DLC, but fans have been disappointed by this decision.
The Final Verdict
Doom: The Dark Ages delivers a remarkable update to the classic Doom formula, blending the timeless gameplay with modern twists and refinements. The game is a testament to id Software's dedication to scrubbing away the grime of three decades to create a game that feels fresh yet faithful to its roots.
Although the storyline leaves something to be desired, the thrilling combat, immersive visuals, and clever gameplay mechanics make Doom: The Dark Ages a true gem in the series. Even in its single-player format, the game offers a wealth of content to explore and master, making it well worth the trip. So, embrace your inner demons and get ready for a ride that's nothing short of hellacious.
- The revitalized game engine, Idtech 8, showcases the creative talents of id Software, producing a 3D layout that is visually stunning and retains the original character of Doom.
- In the realm of contemporary coolness, Doom: The Dark Ages features a layout that seamlessly blends vintage color palettes with modern art design, making it a visual spectacle.
- Beyond the impressive graphics, the user experience (UX) has been refined significantly, with gameplay mechanics as diverse as sports-betting and gadgets, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
- The original, run-and-gun gameplay has been reimagined for the 21st century, thanks to a combination of 3D elements and innovative UI designs that embrace the latest technology in entertainment.
- Participate in the adrenaline-fueled matches against ruthless demons, where the art of sports-betting is replaced by sports-like combat gaming, where victory is only a well-timed melee attack away.
- Embrace your artistic side while customizing your gadgets with 3D modeling tools, or immerse in the captivating world of movies and TV, as the trace of each pixel brings together the best of craft and technology.
- Despite its extraordinary mix of tradition and innovation, Doom: The Dark Ages urges for further improvements in aspects like storyline development and multiplayer features to ensure a more complete and satisfying gaming experience.
