Score: 9.1 / 10
DOOM: The Dark Ages is what happens when one of the best action game studios in the world stops chasing trends and doubles down on what it does better than anyone else. It is loud, brutal, mechanically perfect, and over in a glorious eight hours that you will immediately want to replay on a higher difficulty.
The Setting
Medieval hell is a concept that sounds absurd and looks astonishing. The Doom Slayer in full ornate plate armour, descending on castles filled with demons while a choir chants beneath a heavy metal score, is exactly as spectacular as it sounds.
The Shield
The new shield mechanic is the best gameplay addition since Eternal's flame belch. Blocking at the right moment reflects projectiles, charging it up creates a shockwave, and throwing it Captain-America-style staggers armoured demons. It becomes second nature within an hour and transforms the combat rhythm entirely.
Dragon Sections
Intermittent dragon-riding sections serve as satisfying palette cleansers between the intensity of ground combat. They could have been gimmicks — they're genuinely fun.
Verdict
DOOM: The Dark Ages is one of the finest action games of the generation. Do not miss it.
