In a recent interview with EDGE magazine, the development team behind Doom: The Dark Ages revealed exciting new details about the upcoming title. This time, the focus shifts heavily toward narrative, with the game boasting the largest levels in the series’ history, offering a sandbox-like experience that blends dungeon crawling with open-world exploration.

Game director Hugo Martin and studio head Marty Stratton highlighted several key features of the game:

The storytelling approach in Doom: The Dark Ages takes a departure from its predecessors, moving away from hidden text logs. Instead, the game embraces a more direct narrative style, creating an immersive atmosphere reminiscent of medieval times. Even the iconic weapons have undergone a design revamp to align with this new aesthetic, reducing futuristic elements.

Each level in the game will be distinct and expansive, beginning with tight, narrow dungeons before expanding into vast, open areas. Players will encounter new playable characters, such as a dragon and a mech, adding layers of variety to the gameplay experience.

One standout addition to the Slayer’s arsenal is a versatile shield that also functions as a chainsaw. This tool can be thrown at enemies, reacting uniquely based on what it strikes—whether flesh, armor, energy shields, or other materials. The shield also introduces a dash attack, enabling quick movement across the battlefield, as double jumps and roars from previous titles have been omitted. Additionally, the shield supports parrying, featuring adjustable difficulty settings and precise timing windows.

Parrying serves as a "reload" mechanism for melee attacks, while melee combat replenishes ammunition for primary weapons—a mechanic inspired by the chainsaw in DOOM Eternal. The game offers multiple melee options, including a fast-paced gauntlet, a balanced shield, and a slower mace, providing players with diverse choices tailored to their playstyle.

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