Xbox Wire Explores DOOM: The Dark Ages in a Fresh Gameplay Preview

A New Chapter in the DOOM Saga

As I dove into my hands-on experience with DOOM: The Dark Ages, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was stepping into the third act of a thrilling trilogy. Having already been blown away by DOOM (2016) and DOOM: Eternal, I thought I had a solid grasp on what id Software had in store for me. But three hours later, I was left utterly stunned, my expectations obliterated like a hapless Arachnotron.

DOOM: The Dark Ages retains all the familiar elements we love—intense combat, jaw-dropping visuals, and music that hits you like a freight train. But this time, it takes the classic formula and catapults it into uncharted territory. I had the chance to explore four separate sections of the game, each one showcasing a different aspect of what this new adventure has to offer. Buckle up, because I’m about to take you through this wild ride.

Story Mission: A Hero’s Origin

The opening text slate sets the tone perfectly: “Before he became a hero, he was the super weapon of gods and kings.” Talk about a badass introduction! The first mission plunges you into the demon-ravaged world of Argent D’Nur, where a questionable god-race known as the Makyrs holds sway. Our beloved Slayer is back, but this time, he’s been captured and is about to be unleashed on a wave of hellish foes.

At first, it feels like classic DOOM—you’re handed a shotgun and a shield, ready to unleash chaos. The levels are tightly designed, shifting from claustrophobic corridors to expansive arenas perfect for high-octane combat. Your weapons are as devastating as ever, and the mantra remains: attack is the best form of defense. But as you dig deeper, you’ll notice some intriguing changes.

The shield you wield isn’t just for show; it’s a game-changer. With enemy projectiles flying your way, you’ll find yourself blocking more than dodging. But don’t worry—blocking opens up new offensive options. You can charge at foes, dealing massive area damage, and parrying attacks can stun enemies, allowing you to unleash brutal melee strikes. It’s a rhythm that turns battles into exhilarating dance-offs, especially when you’re up against a Cyberdemon.

And just when I thought I’d seen it all, I was introduced to the Shield Saw. Yes, you can throw your shield like a twisted version of Captain America, slicing through weak enemies and stunning larger ones. Plus, there’s a full upgrade system that adds layers of complexity to your arsenal. Want to embed ammo in your foes and detonate them later? Go for it! Every weapon, whether ranged or melee, has its own upgrade tree, and I can’t wait to see just how grotesque they can get. This is pure power fantasy, putting you firmly in the boots of a one-man army.

Mech Mission: Unleashing the Atlan

If you’ve caught a glimpse of the trailers, you already know that mechs are part of the action. Enter the Atlan—a hulking machine that lets you stomp onto the battlefield and take on Hell’s most formidable threats. Combat with the Atlan is slower but packs a punch. Basic attacks involve throwing devastating punches at massive demons, building a combo meter that can unleash special moves—a stunning stomp or a knockout blow.

But here’s the catch: if you take a hit, your combo meter resets. So, you’ll need to dodge and weave, much like the parry system, to keep the damage flowing. Just when I thought I had the hang of it, an orbital drop delivered miniguns the size of skyscrapers, adding a ludicrous flair to the end of the level. Think of the mech as a delightful side dish to the main course of traditional DOOM combat—a refreshing twist that feels right at home.

Dragon Mission: Soaring Through the Skies

Now, this is where things took a turn I didn’t see coming. My next mission had me summoning a cybernetic dragon, hopping into a saddle loaded with heavy weaponry, and taking to the skies. Yes, you read that right! In this segment, I was defending a floating city from a demonic fleet, targeting four Hell Carrier ships.

Your dragon is a free-flying beast equipped with dodges and afterburners, allowing you to maneuver through the skies with ease. Like the mech, it’s powerful enough to tackle titans, but the approach is entirely different. You can lock onto enemies and strafe around them, with each successful dodge supercharging your attacks. The result? A gruesome finisher that feels incredibly satisfying.

But it gets even better. Each Hell Carrier ship must be taken down in a specific way. After disabling its gun batteries and shield generator, you land on the ship, transforming it into a mini-level to conquer on foot. You’ll battle demons, destroy engines, and ultimately send the ship crashing down in a spectacular explosion. This blend of aerial and on-foot gameplay is nothing short of exhilarating, keeping you on your toes with each new encounter.

Sandbox Mission: Freedom to Explore

Now we arrive at the pièce de résistance—the sandbox mission. This is where DOOM: The Dark Ages truly breaks free from the confines of traditional gameplay. I was dropped into an open zone with one goal: close five demon-spewing portals. But how I went about it was entirely up to me.

Over the course of an hour, I was reminded that I had never played a DOOM game like this before. The sandbox was filled with optional objectives—artillery batteries to destroy, caches of gold to upgrade my gear, and even spontaneous surprises like a cathedral-sized tentacle bursting from the ground. These moments aren’t scripted; they’re just part of the chaotic beauty of the world.

Closing portals isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair, either. Some lead to dungeons where you’ll need to solve puzzles, while others introduce powerful Leader enemies that require strategic thinking to defeat. Along the way, I discovered new weapons, continually expanding my arsenal. It’s a relentless wave of creativity, as if id Software has been itching to inject fresh ideas into the DOOM formula.

The Takeaway: A Bold New Direction

After my immersive session with DOOM: The Dark Ages, one thing is crystal clear: id Software is bursting with enthusiasm, not just for the franchise, but for what it can become. I came in expecting a new story, new guns, and new demons—but what I got was a thrilling mix of genres that pushes the boundaries of what DOOM can be.

I can’t wait to see what else this innovative team has in store. DOOM: The Dark Ages launches on May 15, 2025, for XBOX Series X|S, PC (via the Xbox app for Windows PC, Steam, and Battle.net), Playstation 5, and cloud. And yes, it will be available day one with Game Pass. Get ready for a hell of a ride!