Exploring DOOM: The Dark Ages – An Immersive Experience with Story, Sandboxes, Mechs, and Dragons

In this section of the demo, The Dark Ages breaks away from the expected mold and shows a fresh take on what a DOOM game can be. I’m dropped into a sandbox open area crafted by id Software and given the freedom to explore as I wish. My main task is to close five portals spewing demons, yet the approach I take and the paths I explore are entirely my choice. Throughout the hour-long experience, I felt a sense of novelty, unlike anything I’ve encountered in DOOM before.

Naturally, this sandbox setting boasts a wealth of optional challenges—imposing artillery batteries ready for sabotage, hidden caches of gold to fund upgrades, and much more. There’s a moment where, while I’m just minding my business and heading toward a goal, an enormous tentacle erupts from beneath the ground, lashing out furiously—a surprise encounter, unscripted and not even part of my objectives, but an adventure all its own.

Unexpected twists permeate the main objectives too. Initially, shutting down portals was a matter of eliminating enemies in an arena. However, this time around, it’s far more dynamic. Some portals whisk me away to dungeons where puzzle-solving becomes essential to reaching the energy source within. Others feature formidable Leader enemies—hulking creatures immune to damage until their minions are vanquished, and they offer lasting upgrades once defeated. Along the way, I pick up new weapons, expanding my arsenal with fresh tactical choices. It’s a constant barrage of creativity as though id has been itching to inject new ideas into the beloved DOOM framework.

The essence distilled from my full session with DOOM: The Dark Ages is that of a developer thrumming with excitement—not merely for DOOM as we know it, but for an evolution of what DOOM can transform into. A new storyline, fresh weapons, and demonic adversaries were expected; diving into new genres was pleasantly unexpected. I am eagerly anticipating more of what this team has up their sleeves.

Mark your calendar for May 15, 2025, when DOOM: The Dark Ages releases on Xbox Series X|S, PC (accessible via Xbox app for Windows PC, Steam, and Battle.net), PlayStation 5, and cloud platforms. Plus, it will be available on day one with Game Pass.