This is where The Dark Ages truly shakes off any preconceived notions. In the last part of the demo, which happens to be the longest, I find myself dropped into id’s version of a sandbox open zone, and I’m given the freedom to navigate it however I wish. My one clear goal is to shut down five demon-spewing portals, but everything else—the path I choose or the diversions I take—is completely my decision. Throughout the hour-long play, I keep feeling that this is like no DOOM game I’ve ever experienced before.
As you would expect, this sandbox sequence is loaded with optional challenges and side missions—like heavily armed artillery batteries waiting to be dismantled, and hidden stashes of gold perfect for upgrading my gear, and then some. In one instance, I’m casually making my way through when, out of nowhere, a massive tentacle the size of a cathedral erupts from the ground, launching an attack. It’s not a scripted event or marked on my map; it’s just one of those astonishing surprises that pop up as you explore.
Yet, even the main objectives are packed with twists. The early story mission had me clearing arenas to close portals, but it’s never just a repeat here. Some portals whisk me away to dungeons, requiring puzzle-solving to uncover the power sources. Other times, I face Leader enemies—formidable foes immune to my attacks until I take out enough of their minions. Defeating them grants permanent upgrades. Along the way, I stumble upon new weapons, expanding my arsenal with delightful variety. It’s unendingly and inventively dynamic, almost as though id has been itching for a chance to inject some fresh ideas into the heartbeat of DOOM.
This is the essence of my complete session with DOOM: The Dark Ages—this feels like a team overflowing with excitement not just about DOOM but also about what DOOM might evolve into. I was anticipating a new narrative, new weapons, and new demons. What took me off guard were the new genre elements. I’m eager to see what other surprises the developers have up their sleeves.
Mark your calendars: DOOM: The Dark Ages will hit Xbox Series X|S, PC (available through the Xbox app for Windows PC, Steam, and Battle.net), PlayStation 5, and cloud on May 15, 2025. It launches on day one with Game Pass.
