The gaming industry in 2025 has come with a lineup of exciting games, and Doom: The Dark Ages, released on May 15, 2025, is an unpolished addition to the iconic franchise. Produced by id Software, the prequel to the Doom franchise brings the high-action genre of the franchise to a dark and mature, medieval-flavored universe.
With its release on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, it’s the perfect candidate for a review to sum up its bloody brilliance. Below is a comprehensive review of why this game rocks.
A New Beginning for the Doom Slayer
First off, Doom: The Dark Ages presents gamers with a younger Doom Slayer, exploring his background in a dark fantasy setting. Departing from the high-tech sci-fi worlds of earlier installments, this game combines medieval sensibilities, i.e., castles, smithies, and demon hordes, with the series’ relentless action. The break in pace is welcome, adding a different taste among releases in 2025 video games.
The dark, twisted artwork sets an immersive atmosphere that is familiar yet new. However, the story is kept loose, with emphasis placed more on action than on plot thickness. This could frustrate gamers who are anticipating greater depth. Further, there exists even a popular rumor that the game can be gotten on the just-released Switch 2, but we’ll have to see about that too.
Doom: The Dark Ages Combat Is Grounded, but Terrifying
Other than that, though, it is in the combat of Doom: The Dark Ages that it truly shines through. The combat is more realistic compared to earlier games, with a concentration on melee combat and intelligent weapon use.
New moves like the Skull Crusher and a flail bring diversity, allowing players to experiment with horrific combos. The game’s pacing is aggressive, with arenas designed to have you on your feet and slaughtering. Action game fans get quick control responses and rewarding feedback as every fight is presented as an adrenaline rush.
But the challenge can suddenly spike, which might annoy new series fans. Getting the proper balance between accessibility and the hardcore roots of the franchise might have been improved.
Technical Skill and Performance
Moreover, the technicality of Doom: The Dark Ages is phenomenal. At 60 FPS on consoles and up to 120 FPS on PC, the game offers silky-smooth performance even during insane battles. The sound design, with bone-jarring weapon sounds and a heavy metal-sounding soundtrack, adds to the brutality.
Visually, the game makes the most of next-gen hardware to deliver detailed environments and disgusting demons. Nevertheless, occasional texture pop-ins in console releases ruin the fun. Of 2025 video game releases, it’s a technical wonder, though imperfect.
Replayability and Content of Doom: The Dark Ages
Moreover, Doom: The Dark Ages contains sufficient replayability. The approximately 10-12 hour-long campaign is loaded with secrets and collectibles and invites exploration. A new “Horde Mode” provides an added survival element, although the mode does not have the sophistication of the modes in other action games.
There is no multiplayer, which doesn’t seem worth it considering the history of the series. However, the core experience is solid enough to keep players engaged, especially for fans of becoming a master at combat.
All in all, Doom: The Dark Ages is a respectable addition to the franchise. There is plenty of thrilling action and a bold new setting. Its focus on melee combat and medieval ambiance sets it apart from other 2025 video game releases. This makes it an action game favorite. While the story and challenge high points may be condensed, the game’s strengths—condensed gameplay, stunning graphics, and brute force—hold it up. If tearing and shredding hell’s legions is your thing, this prequel will not disappoint by the spade-full.
