Doom: The Dark Ages takes us back before the Mars invasion, reimagining Doomguy as a medieval supersoldier. Ash Parrish writes that the Slayer is “just as much a lover as he is a fighter,” and here, that duality shines.

The game keeps the classic shotgun but adds an arsenal of new medieval weapons. Each gun, from the accelerator that “breaks energy shields” to the impaler semiautomatic pistol turned sniper rifle, feels unique. Yet the real highlight is the shield. You’re the bullet, charging into enemies or parrying attacks to reflect blasts for massive damage. Combat becomes a “ballet of carnage,” flowing from shooting to shield toss to brutal melee.

Levels are Zen-like and filled with rewards for exploration. Special mecha and dragon sections look cool but lack the deep combat of ground play.

Surprisingly, Dark Ages delivers a sweet story when the Slayer gently pets his dragon and breaks stasis. As Parrish puts it, “the hottest thing a man can do is rip and care.”
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