The Latest News from the DOOM: The Dark Ages Preview Event.
A few weeks ago, a preview event for DOOM: The Dark Ages was held. Members of the press and content creators had the opportunity to play the initial section of the game, with about four hours of gameplay available. Overall, the impressions were very positive from both a technical and gameplay standpoint. The new shooting system, which feels heavier and less frenetic than in previous titles, was particularly appreciated, along with the increased focus on storytelling.
Among the new gameplay additions, the Atlan—a 30-story-tall mech—generated a lot of excitement, thanks to the ability to wield massive weapons such as a gigantic gatling gun and unleash devastating mechanical punches. Reactions were more mixed regarding the dragon sequence: some players found the combat too static, partly due to the flight system and turret mechanics, which were not particularly fluid. The new gameplay dynamics were thoroughly discussed by Hugo Martin in an interview with the Mortismal Gaming channel during the event.
Hugo Martin’s Vision for Combat
In the Mortismal Gaming interview, Hugo Martin provided an in-depth look at DOOM’s combat philosophy, emphasizing the importance of constant gameplay evolution from one installment to the next. Each new title has introduced significant changes to gameplay pace, weapons, attack mechanics, and combat puzzles. According to Martin, the core of the system has always been the player’s ability to master every element—from weapons and ammunition to movement speed and ability cooldowns.
Martin defines this new philosophy as “Stand and Fight”, introducing a shield as a central gameplay element and encouraging players to confront the most powerful enemies head-on rather than simply dodging them. Enemies must be studied carefully to understand their behavior and determine the best attack strategies. Special abilities return, such as the Blood Punch, chainsaw, grenades, and flamethrower, all essential tools in the combat cycle.
Another key element is level design, which has evolved significantly since DOOM (2016)—moving from moderate verticality to the intense, acrobatic platforming of DOOM Eternal. All these aspects are learned and mastered by dedicated fans, as demonstrated by countless videos from the Doom community. As Martin states: “It’s still a combat puzzle — we want to give you something to learn and master.” According to Martin, offering a recycled experience wouldn’t make sense: while players might feel “at home,” they would have already mastered that style of gameplay, making the experience less engaging.
Vast New Maps, Enhanced Slayer Abilities, and an Ambitious Plot: What Awaits Us in DOOM: The Dark Ages
For the first time in the saga’s history, DOOM: The Dark Ages ushers in a deeper exploration experience, featuring expansive, intricately designed maps that promise to redefine the gameplay. Some levels will offer vast spaces for players to explore, uncovering secret bosses, armies of demons, hidden areas, and multiple approaches to tackling objectives scattered across the world. Exploration becomes paramount, not only to discover new corners of the world but also to gain significant upgrades for the Slayer, which can be found within the Sentinel Shrines.
Hugo Martin perfectly encapsulates this philosophy: “The more I explore, the better I become.” He further adds that the hidden secrets will be more numerous and complex than ever before.
Towards the end of the interview, Martin revealed intriguing details about the storyline: the Slayer will be embroiled in a war against a Dark Lord, while the forces of the Makyr and Novik will attempt to bend him to their will. While maintaining an air of mystery around the main antagonist, Martin describes them as a formidable threat, capable of challenging even the most seasoned players.
The DOOM universe will continue to expand, introducing new worlds to explore, new secrets to uncover, and a storyline with ambitious developments.
Don’t miss our deep dive into the DOOM: The Dark Ages trailer: Doom: The Dark Ages – The New Chapter That Redefines Chaos and Unleashes Doom at Full Power
DOOM: The Dark Ages will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S Game Pass from May 15. The game will be available on Game Pass from day one.
Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/l-w473eFVEY?si=_hBtcXT3ZodwLven
