Doom: The Dark Ages is shaping up to be one of the most eagerly awaited titles of 2025, with a release date set for May 15. While enthusiasm surrounds its launch, I find myself harboring some reservations. The 2016 release, Doom, stands as a pinnacle of modern shooter design, yet its sequel, Doom Eternal, fell short of expectations. Despite an exhilarating first playthrough, my excitement waned over time, primarily due to a specific flaw in its gameplay structure.
The gameplay loop in Doom Eternal suffered from poor long-term engagement, an issue that Doom: The Dark Ages must address to avoid a similar fate. Unlike the timeless appeal of Classic Doom, which I still enjoy, I found myself distancing from Doom Eternal after its last expansion. The previews for the upcoming game have sparked my interest, but addressing this fundamental gameplay issue is crucial for its success.
Issues with Restrictions in Doom Eternal
Overcomplicating Core Mechanics
Creating an engaging first-person shooter in the classic Doom style hinges on three fundamental components: the maps, weapons, and enemy design. Many titles excel in these areas, from Serious Sam, which emphasizes dynamic weapon switching to meet varying challenges. However, Doom Eternal faltered in delivering that natural weapon-switching experience.
The game’s low ammo supply hampers the fluid combat mechanics, forcing players to rely on less suitable weapons when they don’t align with the current threats. Unlike in Classic Doom or Serious Sam, where players intuitively swap weapons based on situational needs, Doom Eternal mandates specific weapon use, detracting from the excitement of combat encounters. As players become proficient at Doom Eternal, mastering the mechanics ironically leads to a duller experience.
As Skill Improves, Enjoyment Declines in Doom Eternal
A Repetitive Experience
Indicative of its repetitive nature, the beginning of the Ancient Gods Part Two DLC explicitly instructs players on how to optimize their gameplay approach, emphasizing the importance of the Glory Kills, Flame Belch, and Chainsaw mechanics. While these elements are intriguing, they are governed by cooldown timers, resulting in a routine that players must follow in battle. Engaging in this cycle repeatedly can lead to a mechanized, predictable playstyle, stripping away the spontaneity that makes combat thrilling.
In contrast, one of my all-time favorites, Ninja Gaiden 2, delivers fresh experiences with each playthrough, keeping combat engaging. The monotony of Doom Eternal, where encounters begin to feel identical, detracts from its overall appeal. A quality game should enhance the experience as players develop their skills, and this is an essential area where Doom: The Dark Ages must innovate.
Doom: The Dark Ages Must Offer Lasting Enjoyment
Enhancing Long-term Fun
The initial thrill of Doom Eternal was undeniable, with its exploration and secret-hunting providing an engaging experience. However, I have little desire to revisit it. For Doom: The Dark Ages to resonate with fans, it needs to maintain its appeal over time. The enduring popularity of Classic Doom even 30 years later attests to its exceptional gameplay that remains refreshing.
While the ongoing support from modding communities contributes to its longevity, the core gameplay must remain strong as well. The recent release of Doom: The Dark Ages Official Trailer 2 sparked renewed excitement due to its impressive visuals and design, pushing the limits of current-generation consoles. However, past experiences with trailers for Eternal leave me wary. Only upon its release will we discover if Doom: The Dark Ages successfully refines its combat mechanics.