ApexReaper Reviews

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Doom: The Dark Ages – Should You Play? Final Thoughts

Released on: May 15,2025Developed By: id SoftwarePublished By: Bethesda SoftworksAvailable on:PlayStationSteamXbox Story I’ll keep this spoiler free. I really did enjoy the story I thought it was well written and paced. That is until the last 2 levels I feel like they really dropped the ball on the ending. The last 2 levels really should…

ApexReaper

Latest Reviews

Released on: May 15,2025
Developed By: id Software
Published By: Bethesda Softworks
Available on:
PlayStation
Steam
Xbox

Story

I’ll keep this spoiler free. I really did enjoy the story I thought it was well written and paced. That is until the last 2 levels I feel like they really dropped the ball on the ending. The last 2 levels really should have been flipped. The only other bad thing I will say is there are not enough cutscenes in the later part of the game. It makes sense that there is a lack of cutscenes. I just really enjoyed them. I wish there was more of them.

Overall, I give the story of Doom: The Dark Ages 8 out of 10.

Rating: 8 out of 10.
  • A wide shot features a heavily armored warrior standing before a colossal, dragon-like creature in a dimly lit, cavernous arena. The warrior, seen from the back, is clad in ornate armor with a shield and fur cloak. The massive beast, facing the warrior, is armored with metallic plates and spikes. Its head is menacing with sharp teeth and horns. A line of flames separates the two figures, and the background shows a dark, fortress-like structure with visible damage and crumbling architecture. Sparks float in the air, adding to the dramatic and intense atmosphere of the scene.
  • The image depicts a dramatic scene, likely from a fantasy setting. A heavily armored warrior is shown in a defensive stance, taking impact from bolts of purple lightning. The lightning originates from the outstretched, skeletal hand of another figure partially visible on the right side, with long, sharp nails. The background is filled with fire and an apocalyptic ambience, creating a sense of urgent conflict and high stakes.
  • The image features the imposing figure of the Doom Slayer, the protagonist from the Doom video game franchise, clad in his distinctive, battle-worn armor. The armor is predominantly green, with visible scratches and detailing suggesting intense combat. Thick metal plates with spikes on the shoulder pads add to the Slayer's menacing appearance. The helmet is a similar shade of green, obscuring his face behind a visor.
  • The image features two characters standing close together in a dimly lit environment. On the left, a woman with dark hair pulled back and striking blue eyes wears reddish-brown armor with gold trim, covering her chest and shoulders; a gold armband adorns her left arm. To her right stands the Doom Slayer, clad in bulky green armor with spikes on the shoulder pads and a glowing orange emblem on the chest. The lighting is subdued, casting shadows that highlight the details of their armor. The background is a dark, indistinct space.
  • Close-up shot of the Doom Slayer's helmet, revealing significant battle damage. The visor is shattered, with jagged edges and fractured glass. Blood splatters are visible across the helmet's surface, adding to the intensity. The helmet primarily features a weathered, metallic grey with visible wear and tear.

Music

The music was good not the best in the series. I do think the reason for that is the open world levels and the levels are long. They had to make music that can loop easily and transition into the epic boss music. This did make the music not amazing. It’s still good, but it did not make you feel like you were in an adrenaline pumping battle. My favorite track from this game is Unholy Siege.

The music felt lackluster. I will give the music of Doom: The Dark Ages a 6 out of 10.

Rating: 6 out of 10.

Characters & Enemies

The design of the characters and enemies are so well done they really do give of the dark age vibe. There really is not much else to say. I loved the design of the characters. I will put some screenshots of some of them in this section for you to see for yourself.

I will give the design of the characters and enemies in Doom: The Dark Ages a solid 10 out of 10. It is exceptionally well done.

Rating: 10 out of 10.
  • The image features a menacing character identified as a Hell Priest. The Hell Priest has a skull-like face with glowing, obscured eye sockets, a visible row of sharp teeth, and pale, long hair. The Priest wears an ornate metal helmet adorned with red markings. Spiked armour adorns his shoulders and chest. Below the character is the text "Hell Priest: You have wasted our time once again." He is set against a blurred, overcast sky. The overall tone of the image is dark and foreboding.
  • The image shows King Novik, a character from the video game Doom Eternal. He is facing forward, wearing an elaborate suit of gray and gold armor, and has a beard and a stern expression. He appears to be using some kind of communication device on the side of his head. In the background, there are flames burning near a pile of bodies. The lighting is dramatic, with shadows adding to the intense atmosphere. In the lower part of the image is a caption that reads 'Sentinel Soldier: King Novik, we found their entry point.'
  • The image features a woman with short, dark hair and vivid blue eyes in a futuristic setting. She wears an ornate, dark blue military uniform with gold trim and spiked epaulettes. Her expression is serious, conveying a sense of authority and determination. Close inspection reveals a scar near her left eye and a ring on her finger. The background is a blur of dark blues and hints of light, indicating a high-tech or space station environment.
  • Close-up shows the face of a character wearing a futuristic, textured helmet with glowing yellow eyes, surrounded by a dark fur collar. The helmet features intricate metallic designs, including ridged plates, vents, and subtle red markings. The fur collar adds a contrast to the armor, suggesting a blend of technology and natural elements. The character's gaze is intense, conveying a sense of mystery and power.
  • A close-up shot of a demonic figure with pale skin, sharp features, and two prominent curved horns. The figure's eyes glow a menacing red, and dark lines extend downwards from the corners of the eyes, resembling streaks of dried blood. A faint, dark marking is visible on its forehead. The background shows a landscape consumed by flames, adding to the image's ominous and intense atmosphere. The figure wears ornate armor around the neck and shoulders, suggesting a warrior or leader role.

Weapons

The weapons felt so good and there is a good amount of them. You got 2 different shot guns there is Grenade launcher as well as a rocket launcher. There is even a gun that fires shards of a skull that it grinds up as you pull the trigger. The guns also have upgrades you can give them. Some of the upgrades are a choice from 2 upgrades you only can have one active at a time. Running around switching between the weapons do deal with the waves of enemies felt so good. You also have a shield.

The shield can be used to parry green attacks, or you can get you caption America on and throw it at your enemy. I loved the shield it was so satisfying the throw around and take out enemies or. What I had a blast doing was jumping at the big enemies throwing my shield to stun them. And blasting them point blank with the super shotgun.

Then there is the melee weapons my favorite was the flail I was so fun smacking fools with a flail. I can go on and on about the weapons, but I won’t I will say they are the best part of this game.

I will give Doom: The Dark Ages weapons a perfect 10 out of 10.

Rating: 10 out of 10.
The image features a dark, metallic and cybernetic-looking device, shaped like a hand and spinal column, embedded in a metal wall. The device is affixed to a textured metal frame or chamber, accentuated with spots of red light emanating from within. The surrounding environment appears to be a dark and gritty, possibly medieval or gothic setting. The details evoke a sense of dystopian or sci-fi horror.

Gameplay

The gameplay is an interesting topic to talk about. I do feel like the level are too big and too long. I found myself running around too much making sure I got everything done in the level. But I already killed the enemies so it was kind of boring to do. I found most levels took me about 50 minutes to get all collectibles and secrets. This slowed down the DOOM experience for me. What I would have liked is the game to be more like the second to last level. It was so action pack and so much fun. That being said I really did enjoy my time with this game.

Each level has a set of challenges for you to do. This most of the time is use the new weapon of find secrets. There are also collectibles and secrets to find in order to 100% the level. These can be extra lives or toys. Sometimes they are skins for your weapons.

The levels are designed very well and look awesome. Overall, I will give the gameplay of Doom: The Dark Ages 8 out of 10. If the levels were smaller and shorter it would easily be a 10 out of 10.

Rating: 8 out of 10.
The image shows a first-person perspective from a video game. The player is inside a dark, rocky cave with a reddish stream flowing through it. The cave walls are textured with various shades of brown and grey. In the foreground, the player's hands are visible, holding a "Toy Soldier" collectible. Text on the screen indicates that the toy soldier has been found. In the upper left corner, the primary game objective is displayed: "Cover the Escape" with a sub-objective to "Destroy the Demonic Portals," showing progress as "2/4." The top center of the image shows the in-game notification "Toy Found" along with an icon of the toy. In the top right corner, there is a distance marker, and an indication that a secret area has been found. Additional skeletons and scenery elements line the walls of the cave.

Should You Play?

100% YES this is still a really fun game even with the negative’s bring it down a little. This game may not be the best in the series but is still a good game. The world and characters are so well-done mix that with fun gun play makes this game worth your time playing. You also get to throw a shield around I mean come on that’s fun.

I will give Doom: The Dark Ages a final score of 8.5 out of 10 *the math gives this game an 8.4 but I rounded up.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10.

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