Introducing DOOM: The Dark Ages
The eagerly awaited DOOM: The Dark Ages has arrived, marking another exciting chapter in the renowned DOOM franchise. Now available across all major gaming platforms, this installment dives into a captivating segment of the lore that fans have been keenly speculating about for years. The narrative explores the events that transpired after the early iterations of DOOM—specifically DOOM (1993), DOOM II: Hell on Earth, and DOOM 64. It delves into the saga of the protagonist, Doomguy, who finds himself imprisoned in Hell, setting the stage for his transformation into the iconic Doom Slayer we recognize from DOOM (2016) and DOOM: Eternal.
Positioning DOOM: The Dark Ages within the Timeline
In essence, DOOM: The Dark Ages acts as a crucial link between the classic DOOM titles and their modern counterparts. It enriches our understanding of Doom Slayer’s battles on Argent D’Nur against the forces of Hell. Additionally, the game offers insight into how Doomguy, as seen in DOOM 64, ascended through the ranks of the Sentinels, ultimately becoming the fierce warrior known as the Doom Slayer in contemporary releases.
Timeline of DOOM: The Dark Ages
This new entry picks up right where DOOM 64 leaves off, providing valuable context for the storyline in modern games. It is set in the beautiful yet treacherous landscapes of Argent D’Nur, where Doomguy is granted extraordinary powers by the Sentinels, demonstrating his prowess as an extraordinary fighter in the gladiatorial arena.
An Insight into Doom Slayer’s Origins
Empowered by his newfound abilities and joined by a legion of Sentinels and Maykrs, the Doom Slayer battles against relentless demonic forces threatening to overrun Argent D’Nur. This conflict, dubbed The Holy Crusade, is hinted at in both DOOM (2016) and DOOM: Eternal. While the duration of this fierce war is left unclear due to the peculiar nature of time in this realm, it ultimately culminates in Doom Slayer being sealed within a sarcophagus for a significant period—a fate that leads to his eventual release in the DOOM (2016) reboot.
Optimal Order to Experience DOOM
Finding Your Entry Point into DOOM
While there is a chronological sequence to enjoy the DOOM series, newcomers may find it beneficial to begin with the modern titles. Starting your journey with the reboots of DOOM and DOOM Eternal can immensely captivate your interest and provides a more engaging narrative with updated graphics and controls. For seasoned fans, however, after experiencing DOOM: The Dark Ages, I recommend playing through the titles in chronological order to fully appreciate the unfolding storyline.
No matter your approach, it’s wise to begin with either the classic DOOM, DOOM: The Dark Ages, or DOOM (2016) to avoid narrative disjointedness. Nevertheless, players of all backgrounds can easily grasp the overarching story, as the series emphasizes action over extensive lore. Below is the recommended chronological order for playing the main DOOM games, with a notable mention that DOOM 3 stands apart within its own timeline:
- DOOM (1993)
- DOOM II
- DOOM 3
- DOOM 64
- DOOM: The Dark Ages
- DOOM (2016)
- DOOM Eternal
- DOOM: The Ancient Gods (Parts 1 & 2)
In conclusion, DOOM: The Dark Ages promises to illuminate a previously obscured chapter in the expansive DOOM universe. This game serves to bridge the storytelling gap between classic and contemporary titles. Players can anticipate a blend of thrilling gameplay and new insights into how the Doomguy transformed into the modern-day Doom Slayer, revealing an exciting new dimension of the DOOM franchise.