Exploring DOOM: The Dark Ages – A Hands-on Experience with Storytelling, Sandbox Worlds, Mechs, and Dragons

The moment you dive into The Dark Ages, it becomes clear that this game is not just another entry in the DOOM series. As I undertook the final, and by far the most extensive, segment of the demo, I found myself exploring id Software’s version of an open-world environment. I had just one mission in mind: shut down five portals that were unleashing demons. Beyond that, the choices were mine to make. The freedom to approach tasks in any way I liked was a revelation, reminding me frequently throughout the hour-long session that this was unlike any DOOM experience I’ve encountered before.

True to any great sandbox, the open zone was packed with compelling optional goals. There were well-guarded artillery posts needing to be taken out, and gold caches scattered around to beef up your upgrades. Once, while sprinting towards a goal, an enormous tentacle erupted from the ground, completely unexpected and not tied to any particular mission. These surprises added thrilling layers to my exploration.

The surprises didn’t stop at side quests. Even the main objectives held more complexity than they initially let on. Early in the story, shutting down portals seemed straightforward—defeat enemies and move on. Yet, in this demo’s extended play, each portal presented a unique challenge. Some warped me into dungeons, demanding puzzle-solving skills to deactivate their power sources. Others challenged me with formidable Leader enemies—tough opponents who required dispatching their underlings before they could be defeated, and beating them yielded serious upgrades to my arsenal. Throughout, I discovered new weapons, expanding my firepower in creative ways. Id Software is clearly experimenting with the DOOM framework, infusing it with fresh ideas and relentless creativity.

Here’s what struck me most about DOOM: The Dark Ages during my hands-on time: it’s a game developed by a team bursting with excitement. They’re not only passionate about DOOM’s legacy but eager to experiment with its future potential. I expected fresh narratives, new armaments, and different demons, but the leap into varying genres caught me off guard. I’m eagerly anticipating what other surprises they have tucked away.

Mark your calendars for May 15, 2025, when DOOM: The Dark Ages will launch on Xbox Series X|S, PC (accessible through the Xbox app for Windows PC, Steam, and Battle.net), PlayStation 5, and cloud platforms. Excitingly, it will also be available on Game Pass from day one.