In this phase of “The Dark Ages,” the game takes an unexpected turn, really breaking away from what you might anticipate. As I dived into the final and longest section of the demo, I found myself exploring id Software’s version of an open-world sandbox. The only directive? Seal off five demon portals. How I got there and the paths I chose to take were entirely at my discretion. Throughout the hour-long journey, it became clear that this wasn’t your typical DOOM experience.
The sandbox segment is teeming with optional challenges. Think hidden artillery batteries that need dismantling or stashes of gold to upgrade your gear. While making my way through the environment, a colossal, cathedral-esque tentacle suddenly erupted from the ground to attack me. This wasn’t some pre-planned event or mission objective—just one of the unexpected surprises lurking around any corner.
The main objectives themselves are full of twists and turns. Unlike that initial mission where closing portals meant just clearing an arena, here it varies wildly. Some portals pull me into dungeons, presenting puzzles that need solving to reach the power source shutting them down. Other portals bring forth formidable Leader enemies, which are immune to attacks unless you first vanquish their followers. Besting these foes often grants permanent upgrades. Along the journey, I kept discovering new weapons, expanding my arsenal considerably. The inventiveness is relentless, as if id Software has been eagerly waiting for this moment to inject fresh ideas into the DOOM framework.
This whole session highlighted something crucial about DOOM: The Dark Ages—it feels like id Software is bubbling over with excitement, not just for DOOM as we’ve known it, but for what DOOM could become. I anticipated a fresh narrative, new weaponry, new demons. What I didn’t foresee was a leap into new genres. I’m genuinely excited about what other surprises this team has up their sleeves.
Fans can look forward to the release of DOOM: The Dark Ages on May 15, 2025. It’ll be available on Xbox Series X|S, PC via the Xbox app for Windows, Steam, and Battle.net, as well as on PlayStation 5, and even through the cloud. Plus, it’s a day-one access on Game Pass, so get ready for an epic adventure!
