DOOM The Dark Ages Takes Us Back to a Simpler Time

Before all the intricate open-world RPGs and first-person shooters (FPS) with more mechanics than a Ford dealership, there was DOOM. The iconic FPS franchise has and always will have a place in the hearts of those who just want a no-nonsense slaughter fest, and even the "modern" DOOM titles from the 2016 reboot DOOM Eternal deliver the non-stop action. That's why I couldn't be more excited for DOOM: The Dark Ages.

At Microsoft's Xbox Showcase during the Summer Game Fest, Bethesda, and legendary studio id Software unveiled the new iteration of the FPS franchise we all know and love. DOOM: The Dark Ages throws us into a medieval setting, but it doesn't lose the essence of what makes DOOM...well...DOOM.

From the trailer, which shows in-game footage instead of a pretty cinematic (thank you, id Software!), it is clear that the fast-paced action and brutal dismemberment of demons is front-and-center.

DOOM: The Dark Ages is a prequel to DOOM 2016 and takes the Slayer to a medieval setting. There's a Saw Shield to make your melee kills even more brutal, and there's even a Flail. An official description of DOOM: The Dark Ages reads:

DOOM: The Dark Ages puts players behind the visor of the mighty Slayer as they battle demonic hordes in grounded, hard-hitting combat inside an epic, cinematic tale of gods, kings and monsters. Supplementing his superhuman skills and over-the-top arsenal, the Slayer will also call upon his colossal Atlan mech to brawl with titanic beasts and retake the skies aboard his ferocious steed: a jet-fueled, cybernetic war dragon.

Yes, there are some new mechanics, as we saw the Slayer ride a huge dragon-like beast and jump into the Altan mech to take down a Tyrant (cyber demon). However, these two mechanics are woven into the essence of what makes DOOM so fun to play, and doesn't seem to slow down the action one bit.

DOOM: The Dark Ages is a Day 1 Xbox Game Pass title for console and PC. However, it is important to note that this isn't an Xbox/Windows Store PC exclusive. The first trailer makes it abundantly clear that DOOM: The Dark Ages will also release on PC via Steam, and on PS5 consoles!

But enough talk, check out the DOOM: The Dark Ages trailer below and get hyped to once again step into the boots of the Slayer for some frantic and brutal demon-killing action.

At the time of writing, there's no official release date for DOOM: The Dark Ages, and unfortunately for those itching for a new hellspawn-crushing adventure, the "2025" release date window is as broad as a Cacodemon's forehead.