The Dark Ages leans into melee combat — and that’s not for everyone
The Dark Ages leans into melee combat — and that’s not for everyone
The Dark Ages is shaping up to be a bold and divisive chapter in the legendary shooter franchise. After spending a few hours with the game, I can confidently say: I’m hooked. But make no mistake — this isn’t Doom Eternal. And if you’re expecting more of the same, you might be in for a surprise.
Where Doom Eternal was all about blazing speed and non-stop movement, Dark Ages flips the script. Its mantra? “Stand and fight.” Instead of focusing on sprinting and strafing, the game invites you to embrace parrying and up-close melee combat. For players like me, who love a good parry and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty, it’s an absolute thrill.
The standout addition is the Doom Slayer’s new shield — a circular, brutal piece of gear. Early in the game, you upgrade it with buzz saw blades lining its edges. Throwing the shield at enemies works like a deadly Captain America move: it stuns demons, leaving them vulnerable as you pick them off or handle other threats. This added layer of strategy gives you more control over each battle.
And the shield isn’t just for defense. It unlocks a shield-bash ability that doubles as a traversal mechanic. Aim at an enemy, bash forward, and zip across the battlefield in a flash — crushing weaker demons or delivering a heavy blow to larger foes. Mastering the shield-bash lets you move fluidly without relying on the lightning-fast run speed of earlier games.
Despite the “stand and fight” tagline, I found myself darting around arenas thanks to the shield-bash’s momentum. Combat feels dynamic and exhilarating once you learn the rhythm. But it’s undeniably more intimate; Doom: The Dark Ages pulls you into close-range encounters rather than encouraging long-distance gunfights.
And yes, the guns are still here. There’s plenty of ammo to keep your finger on the trigger — unless you crank up the difficulty. But the game shifts focus toward melee mechanics, like building up charges through parries to unleash powerful three-hit melee combos. It’s a noticeable change from the endless punch-fests or simple shooting sprees you might expect.
Does it feel odd to stack charges for melee attacks in a game known for constant carnage? A little. But it’s a deliberate shift. Doom: The Dark Ages isn’t just another run-and-gun shooter — it’s a melee-focused, parry-heavy reimagining.
For fans like me, who love getting up close and personal, it’s a blast. But if you prefer to keep your distance and mow down demons from afar, this might not be your Doom.
