If there’s anything that’s, like, kept Doom on that high pedestal of shooters, it’s the way it constantly shifts and reinvents itself into this epic, one-dude army type of deal against Hell itself. So, way back, yeah? We started with the classic run-and-gun thing, then it turned all spooky with jumpscares – like, I still get shivers thinking about it. Fast forward, we got this modern spin on the old-school vibe, and then came 2020’s Doom Eternal, which was all about movement, you know? But Doom: The Dark Ages, man, it’s a whole different beast. Seriously, when I first jumped in, I wasn’t feeling it. The movement was heavier, like being stuck in mud, no double jumps or anything, and oh my God, chaos everywhere – enemies just swarming like ants. But surprise, surprise, a few hours in, once I got the hang of the weapons, it clicked. Loved it like Doomguy loves his Super Shotgun, ripping and tearing until… well, forever basically.
About Doom Eternal? It’s no shock how awesome it was, following the Doom (2016) reboot. After tackling its campaign that stretched about 15 hours or so, I mean, it just kept getting better. I have this vivid memory of it nodding to Doom 2 while also bringing its fresh twist to the series. Eternal just screams for your attention, whether you’re new or have been on this ride for decades.
Now about Doom: The Dark Ages, it really leans into this dark, sci-fi-fantasy thing. It’s all about the Slayer pre-sarcophagus days. But, let’s be real, the Slayer isn’t up for deep conversations or soul-searching moments. Nope. It’s all action, just filling in more lore gaps in the human-demon saga, giving us a peek into the defenders, the Sentinels, and those god-like Maykrs. We get this wide array of landscapes – hellish vibes everywhere. Oh, and the Cosmic Realm visits? Total mind-benders with puzzles that twisted my brain in the best way possible. Who knew Doom could be this deep, huh?
The narrative, though, it feels more communal, less lonely against Hell’s minions. You’re side by side with humanity, and there’s all this intrigue around the Maykrs. It’s the beefiest Doom story I’ve hit, no joke.
Oh, and don’t get me started on the Slayer’s Shield. It’s game-changing. You’re charging straight at danger – shield up, ready to block, reflect…whatever. Anything red? Block it ‘til your shield’s down. Anything green? Reflect and watch monsters squirm. Even on Nightmare, the timing’s forgiving, and heck, you can tweak it in the settings if you want. There’s also this shield bash attack – bam! Close in on enemies. Any weapon, quick cooldown – it’s like Doom Eternal’s Super Shotgun grapple but souped-up.
Plus, the shield does more! Chuck it Captain America-style, and it buzzes through smaller enemies or masochistically chisels away at bigger guys. Perfect against those pesky Arachnotrons. Shield toss, dash in, super shotgun – bam, done.
The enemies? Oh, they’re the usual mess but amped up. Imps, Hell Knights, Cyberdemon, you name it. Some got a makeover – Pinkie with a demon rider, Cacodemons from Cosmic Realm – and they’ve got new tricks too! It’s a bit crazy with all the enemies they throw at you. Felt like real war. Early on, I kept getting ambushed, but adjusting strategies and using the shield to cover my back helped tons.
Chainsaw’s out, but there’s a melee system now. Miss slicing and dicing Imps? Yeah, maybe, but this new way suits Dark Ages. Ammo pick-ups are plenty, solving the constant running-out-of-ammo headache. The weapons? They’re back, with a medieval twist. All the classics – shotguns, rifles, you name it. The Skullcrusher Pulverizer? What a delightful beast, shreds enemies like confetti.
Here’s a cool bit: every gun’s got a sister weapon. One button swap, and you’re using the same ammo type differently. It’s all about choice and fun, no forced tactics like before. Just pure enjoyment, jumping between guns ‘cause you can.
The upgrades pace right. Just when you’d think boredom might set in – boom, new gun, ability, or some upgrade to play with. Kept me exploring and hunting for collectibles, like a scavenger hunt in a Doom-ified wonderland. Big maps, secrets, hidden trinkets – I loved every bit of it.
Breaking monotony? Riding a dragon and giant mecha brawls. Yeah, it’s a bit basic – dodge-punch-repeat scenarios – but they sprinkle them just right, never clogging the main action. Plus, who doesn’t beat demons with the Slayer’s dragon?
The soundtrack, though – holy hell. Hardcore heavy metal that just nails the atmosphere. Found myself replaying levels, just cranking the music. It’s that good.
And yeah, that’s my chaotic Doom experience, all wrapped in the wild, messy package that it is.
