If you are a fan of DOOM, either the rebooted series or the original, here is some good news. id Software, the developer of the acclaimed first-person shooter franchise, has released more info on the upcoming DOOM game: a prequel to the rebooted FPS that reawakened interest in the classic shooting franchise. DOOM: The Dark Ages is the latest entry in the series and serves as a backstory to the main character: the Doom Slayer (also known as Doomguy).
While news of the next DOOM game has been out for a month or so, the release of the first official trailer mere weeks ago provides greater insight into the character and content that makes up the upcoming game. The Dark Ages is scheduled for release sometime in 2025. While there is no confirmed release date, fans will want it sooner rather than later. One thing is for sure, the game will bring more of the destructive gore that characterized DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal.
A Medieval Take on a Futuristic Horror Shooter
If you haven’t been paying attention to the timeline for the DOOM games, it can get a bit confusing. For those who are starting or are only familiar with this franchise from DOOM (2016), it would be good to note that this game is a direct prequel to these two games. The term ‘Medieval’ needs to be taken with a grain of salt. The title The Dark Ages and the accompanying gameplay visuals clearly depict an older, periodic setting. The setting is characterized by the chaos of demonic conflict and the sensibility of a steampunk/souls game.
There is clearly a certain soulsborne artistic inspiration visible in the world that id Software has created for this game. This is not a criticism. However, it will be interesting to see how the game is able to execute the concept of a believable world that remains faithful to the core FPS mechanics and the dark settings that fans of the franchise are used to. Based on what the trailer had to show, it seems to be on track to do that.
Doom Shooter Mixed with Titan Fall Mechanics?
DOOM: The Dark Ages has apparently been in the works for around four years and appears to be brimming with new and/or updated game mechanics. A notable one that lasted only a few seconds in the trailer was what appeared to be mech-controlled Titanfall-like combat. The player-controlled character commandeers a massive machine that augments his abilities and firepower and engages enemies of titanic proportions.
This might be a difficult addition, but if any developer can successfully pull it off in an FPS it would be id Software. Given the setting and apparent world-building that has gone into this, can gamers expect more in terms of story and lore? The main draw for the DOOM games is obviously the shooting, gore, and fluidity of the gameplay. But since this is a prequel, players can expect more in terms of storytelling.
Xbox Ownership of XeniMax Media and Play Station Availability of Doom: The Dark Ages
At this point, some may know that id Software, the developer of the DOOM games, is owned by Microsoft. Xbox purchased its parent company, XeniMax Media. This is not the most positive news given what has happened behind the scenes at the subsidiaries owned by the tech giant involving studio closures and worse.
Especially concerned would be those who play their games through the PlayStation platform (i.e. not Xbox or PC). Good news for Play Station fans, despite Microsoft ownership the game will be out on Sony’s console. This news may not come as a surprise, as Microsoft has been showing signs of opening up its exclusive game library to competitor platforms (i.e. Sony) in the last few months.
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