DOOM: The Dark Ages – Exploring the Story, Open Worlds, Mechs, and Dragons Up Close

The Dark Ages takes a bold step beyond what anyone might have anticipated. As I embarked on the final and longest segment of the demo, I was immersed in id Software’s daring reimagining of an open-world sandbox. My task was straightforward: close five demon portals. However, the path I took and the distractions I indulged in were entirely my choice. Throughout that hour, I repeatedly realized that this was an experience unlike any DOOM game before it.

This sandbox adventure was packed with optional challenges. There were heavily defended artillery batteries to dismantle, caches of gold waiting to enhance your gear, and much more. While on the move, I unexpectedly encountered a gigantic tentacle sprouting from the earth, aggressively targeting me. Such moments weren’t scripted or hinted at as objectives—they were delightful surprises lurking around the next bend.

The main objectives had their share of twists as well. Initially, closing a portal meant battling through an enemy-filled arena, but here, things were far from predictable. Some portals whisked me away to dungeon-like realms, where solving puzzles was crucial to uncovering the energy sources behind them. Others brought forth daunting Leader enemies—powerful adversaries immune to my weapons until I vanquished enough of their minions. Defeating these Leaders also granted permanent upgrades, adding new strategies to my playstyle. I also stumbled across new firearms, broadening my arsenal with novel possibilities. It was a whirlwind of creativity, as if id Software was seizing the chance to infuse DOOM with fresh concepts.

That’s the essence of my experience with DOOM: The Dark Ages—it’s clear the developers are bursting with passion, not just for preserving the iconic essence of DOOM, but for exploring what else it can become. I anticipated a fresh narrative, new weapons, and more demonic foes. What I didn’t expect was this exploration into new genres. I’m eager to see what else this innovative team has planned.

Mark your calendars for the release of DOOM: The Dark Ages, set to launch on May 15, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, PC (available via the Xbox app for Windows PC, Steam, and Battle.net), PlayStation 5, and the cloud. Plus, it’s rolling out day one with Game Pass.