Doom: The Dark Ages aims to make combat easier to pick up—not to recreate the 1993 game. id Software describes its approach as combining Doom Eternal’s combat depth with Doom (2016)’s simpler controls, then shifting the action toward grounded movement, strafing and standing your ground.
What “more like the original Doom” means
The comparison is about how combat feels to enter and control, not mechanical sameness. Game Director Hugo Martin says the goal is “the depth of Eternal’s loop with the simplicity of Doom (2016)’s control scheme.” In his framing, Doom Eternal asks players to manage many distinct actions; The Dark Ages aims to offer new medieval combat options without requiring a separate input for every function. PlayStation.Blog, January 23, 2025
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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DOOM: The Dark Ages – PlayStation 5 | $65.45 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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DOOM: The Dark Ages - Premium Edition - PlayStation 5 | $94.88 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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PlayStation 5 – DOOM: The Dark Ages – Standard Edition | $89.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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The Art of DOOM: The Dark Ages | $45.41 | Buy on Amazon |
The link to classic Doom is therefore a streamlined, approachable combat feel. The game still has its own systems, setting and spectacle; developers are not claiming it plays like the 1993 original.
How the combat differs from Doom Eternal
| Combat aspect | Doom Eternal | Doom: The Dark Ages |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Highly mobile, aerial combat—the “fighter jet” comparison. | More grounded movement, with strafing made viable again; Martin calls it an “iron tank” that is heavy and strong but still fast. |
| Combat rhythm | “Jump and shoot,” in Martin’s shorthand. | “Stand and fight”: focus on power and facing encounters rather than relying on acrobatics. |
| Controls | Many actions have dedicated inputs. | Contextual actions combine functions, reducing the number of separate inputs while preserving tactical choices. |
These descriptions come from Martin and the official Developer_Direct transcript; Xbox Wire likewise contrasts Eternal’s “fighter jet” feel with The Dark Ages’ “iron tank” approach and notes the return of strafing. They describe a change in emphasis, not an absence of movement or speed.
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- Developed by id Software, DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells the epic cinematic origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage.
- In this third installment of the modern DOOM series, players will step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer, in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell.
- A dark fantasy/sci-fi single-player experience that delivers the searing combat and over-the-top visuals of the incomparable DOOM franchise, powered by the latest idTech engine. With a customizable difficulty system, it’s the perfect entry point whether you’re new to the franchise or a long time fan.
- As the super weapon of gods and kings, shred enemies with devastating favorites like the Super Shotgun while also wielding a variety of new bone-chewing weapons, including the versatile Shield Saw.
- Experience the origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage in this epic, cinematic, and action-packed story.
One button, several Shield Saw outcomes
The Shield Saw is Martin’s example of how fewer inputs can still leave room for decisions. Its effect depends on what it hits:
- Against plasma shields, it ricochets into other enemies.
- Against flesh, it sticks and can stun larger demons.
- Against armor, it shatters the target and creates an area-of-effect blast.
Instead of memorizing a separate command for each result, players can use the same tool and respond to the target. The control scheme is simpler; the tactical choice still depends on reading the encounter. PlayStation.Blog
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- Get a head start on slaying demons with the Premium Edition, including up to 2-Days Early Access and the campaign DLC. You’ll also receive the Digital Artbook and Soundtrack, and the Divinity Skin Pack, which includes matching skins for the DOOM Slayer, dragon, and Atlan.
- Developed by id Software, DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells the epic cinematic origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage.
- In this third installment of the modern DOOM series, players will step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer, in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell.
- A dark fantasy/sci-fi single-player experience that delivers the searing combat and over-the-top visuals of the incomparable DOOM franchise, powered by the latest idTech engine. With a customizable difficulty system, it’s the perfect entry point whether you’re new to the franchise or a long time fan.
- Experience the origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage in this epic, cinematic, and action-packed story. Mystery, challenges, and rewards lurk in every shadow of ruined castles, epic battlefields, dark forests, ancient hellscapes, and worlds beyond.
Simpler controls do not mean an easier game
Martin’s distinction is between control complexity and challenge. In an interview reported by Ars Technica on January 23, 2025, he said some players found Doom Eternal too hard, but argued that its controls could make the challenge feel unnecessarily complex: “You want to be fighting the demons, not the controls.” He described the original Doom as accessible to get into while still challenging to master. That is a design goal, not evidence that The Dark Ages is objectively easier.
The game also offers a new difficulty system and sliders to adjust speed and challenge. Ars Technica’s preview report names enemy speed, weapon damage and parry timing windows as examples of tunable elements. Martin says players do not have to rely on falters to succeed, though they can help at higher difficulties. The aim is to let players tune the fight without making mastery depend on juggling a larger set of controls.
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- Brand Name:Xbox
- Video game region: region free
- Display Platform: PS5
It is still a distinct Doom prequel
The Dark Ages is a prequel to Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal. Its story begins at the start of the Slayer’s time with the Sentinels and leads toward the events and testaments referenced in Doom (2016). The Slayer is imprisoned at the story’s outset and fights in a medieval war against Hell. The game also includes exploration, melee weapons, upgrades and large-scale mech and dragon sequences; the more grounded combat does not make it a small or strictly arena-bound experience. Xbox’s game page and the Developer_Direct transcript describe the setting and story.
Release and platforms
Doom: The Dark Ages released on May 15, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC and PlayStation 5, with PC distribution including Steam. The Xbox product page lists it as available with Game Pass and lists the Revelations campaign DLC, Digital Artbook and Soundtrack, and Divinity Skin Pack with the Premium upgrade. Catalog inclusion, subscription terms and local storefront listings can change; check your regional store for current availability. Xbox product page
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Rank #4
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