I’ve played all the Doom games as a casual gamer and enjoyed them, but I’m feeling really mixed about Doom: Dark Ages. The graphics and sound are awesome, and I appreciate the creative risks they’ve taken. However, I’m struggling to connect with the gameplay like I did with Doom 2016 or Eternal, and I’m not sure why. I’m wondering if long-time fans can help me out. Here are a few things on my mind:
1. **The guns**: They just don’t feel satisfying to me. I miss that immediate feedback from shooting enemies that I felt in the original Doom.
2. **Upgrades**: They seem less exciting than in the previous games, and I find myself not using a lot of the different types of guns.
3. **Enemy design**: Some of the enemies look bland and not very memorable or unique.
4. **Parrying**: It can feel satisfying at times, but the glowing balls of light that signify parries take me out of the immersion.
Anyone else feeling similar, or am I just not seeing the big picture?
4 Answers
Honestly, I loved Dark Ages for its fresh take on the series. The level design feels different, sure, but I think there’s a good balance of chaos and structure. I agree that the parrying can be goofy, but it connects the guns to melee combat in a really innovative way. Plus, those massive battles bring back the old Doom vibes! It’s definitely worth replaying to appreciate it fully.
The open levels have their pros and cons for sure! They give a different vibe, but I prefer more guidance in level layout.
I think you’ll get a better feel for Dark Ages the more you play it. It definitely grows on you, but I can see how it might start feeling repetitive after a while. It took me a few chapters to really click with what the game was offering. But it does have its charm!
I actually found the opposite! I liked it at the start, but after some time, the combat just became a bit bland for me. I guess it varies from player to player.
Yeah, I felt like chapter 11 was a slog too! I had to push through the last half to finish it.
As a longtime Doom fan, I don’t really agree with your critiques. I find the gun designs really creative, and the gameplay loop is super rewarding. The upgrades might not be as flashy, but they definitely impact how you play once you learn them. Plus, I love the more medieval enemy designs—they fit the theme really well.
I totally get that! Not everyone has to enjoy the same things in these games. Dark Ages has its highs and lows, but I’m loving the experimentation!
The combat feels perfect for me! I love the combos you can create with the shield. It keeps things fresh and exciting, even if it’s different from what we’re used to.
Dark Ages definitely feels different compared to Eternal. I missed the mobility and fluid feel of Eternal when I first played it. It definitely has its own style, but I would agree that it feels a bit clunkier. The music is just okay too, definitely not on the same level as what we had before.
Yeah, I’ve heard some good things about the Cthulhu parts though. They added some horror elements that fit nicely!
Totally! The music is definitely weaker. I think the soundtrack just doesn’t have that iconic feel that Mick Gordon brought.
I’m with you! I think the core gameplay loop is super satisfying, but I do miss the tighter level designs from previous games.