Epic Battles and Lackluster Innovations: Insights from Reviews of DOOM: The Dark Ages

Developers from **Id Software** have just released a launch trailer for **DOOM: The Dark Ages** and lifted the embargo on final reviews. This installment of the modern **DOOM** series serves as a prequel, depicting the war against the forces of Hell during the Dark Ages. The trailer showcases intense first-person combat, featuring the brutal Hell Knight battling with the aid of a massive combat mech and a flying dragon.

Most journalists have responded positively to the game, with **DOOM: The Dark Ages** achieving an average score of 84 on [Metacritic](https://www.metacritic.com/game/doom-the-dark-ages) and 85 on [OpenCritic](https://opencritic.com/game/18023/doom-the-dark-ages), along with a recommendation score of 96%. The media commends the well-developed combat system and the protagonist’s diverse weaponry; however, not everyone is fond of the vast open environments and slower pace, with some critics noting a desire for more hardcore elements. Critiques have primarily focused on new gameplay aspects, such as the mech and dragon combination.

Here’s what various reviewers have to say:

Parker Green

Tommy Holloway

Orpheus Joshua

Shubhankar Parijat

Liam Croft

Jordan Middler

Scott Baird

Joel Franey

Jade King

David Jenkins

Brad Norton

**DOOM: The Dark Ages** is set to be released on May 15 at 03:00 Moscow time for PC ([Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3017860/DOOM_The_Dark_Ages/), [Microsoft Store](https://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/store/doom-the-dark-ages/9ph9x0760b0t), Battle.net), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series, featuring full Russian localization. Upon launch, the game will also be available through the Game Pass subscription. Those who pre-order will receive early access two days prior to the official release along with an alternative appearance for the Hell Knight.