In my hands-on experience with “The Dark Ages,” I’m struck by how it shatters expectations. During the final, and, I must admit, the longest segment of the demo, I’m thrust into id Software’s unique spin on a sandbox open zone, free to tackle it however I choose. The solo mission? Shut down five portals spewing demons, but the path and diversions I take are entirely of my own choosing. Throughout the hour, it’s clear: this isn’t the DOOM I’ve played before.
This sandbox experience is loaded with optional objectives, exactly what you’d hope for. I stumble upon heavily fortified artillery to dismantle and caches of gold ripe for upgrades. But just when I think I have a handle on things, a cathedral-sized tentacle erupts from the ground mid-run, reminding me that the surprises never end. It isn’t scripted, and it definitely isn’t on my objective list—just a thrilling encounter out of nowhere.
Even core missions surprise and delight. Initially, closing portals was straightforward—clear the arena. But in this iteration, each portal is a fresh challenge. Some whisk me away to dungeons, demanding that I crack puzzles to reach the power source. Others unveil Leader enemies, formidable foes immune to my attacks until I dispatch enough of their minions. These battles reward me with permanent upgrades, and along the journey, I uncover new weapons, expanding my arsenal with fresh options. The constant innovation suggests that id Software has been eagerly waiting to infuse DOOM with groundbreaking ideas.
The main takeaway from my extended playthrough of DOOM: The Dark Ages? The developers are visibly passionate about not just DOOM, but also its untapped potential. I anticipated new storylines, weapons, and adversaries, but the exploration of new genres was a pleasant surprise. I’m eager to see what else this inventive team will deliver.
Mark your calendars—DOOM: The Dark Ages is set to release on May 15, 2025, on Xbox Series X|S, PC (via the Xbox App for Windows PC, Steam, and Battle.net), PlayStation 5, and through cloud gaming. It will also be available on Game Pass from day one.
