DOOM: The Dark Ages – Exploring Storylines, Open Worlds, Mechs, and Dragons Hands-On

The moment you dive into The Dark Ages, you’re confronted with a game that defies every preconceived notion you might have had. As I navigated the last and lengthiest portion of the demo, I was thrust into id Software’s interpretation of an expansive sandbox environment. My primary task was straightforward: shut down five portals unleashing demons. But the path I chose and the detours I explored? Those were entirely up to me. Throughout the hour-long journey, I kept marveling at how unlike any previous DOOM experience this was.

True to form, this sandbox environment is bursting with optional challenges. From dismantling heavily guarded artillery to uncovering stashes of gold for upgrades, there’s no shortage of things to do. During one venture, while I was simply moving forward, a giant tentacle erupted from the earth, launching an ambush. This wasn’t part of a scripted event or even a specific goal; it was just an unexpected encounter, one of many woven into the world.

The main tasks aren’t without their own twists, either. Initially, closing portals seemed like your standard arena battle, but the approach was consistently fresh in this session. Some portals transported me into dungeons, where solving puzzles was essential to reaching the energy source that kept them active. Other portals introduced Leader enemies—formidable fiends resistant to my attacks unless I managed to defeat enough of their minions. Conquering these leaders rewarded me with lasting upgrades. During these escapades, I stumbled upon new weaponry, bolstering my arsenal with intriguing choices. The experience was a whirlwind of creativity, almost as if id had been waiting for the right moment to inject new concepts into the DOOM universe.

That urges the fundamental takeaway from my complete session with DOOM: The Dark Ages—this project embodies a team passionate not just about DOOM itself, but about reshaping what DOOM could potentially evolve into. I expected a refreshed narrative, novel weapons, and a slew of demons. What caught me off guard was the incorporation of new gaming genres. I’m on the edge of my seat to discover what else this innovative team will unveil.

Mark your calendars for May 15, 2025, when DOOM: The Dark Ages storms onto Xbox Series X|S, PC (accessible via the Xbox app for Windows PC, Steam, and Battle.net), PlayStation 5, and cloud. Don’t forget, it’s hitting Game Pass right from day one.