Bethesda Softworks and id Software are all set with the upcoming DOOM franchise installment. This is one of the most renowned gaming franchises that is immensely popular for its relentless action and visceral combat. Generally, every new installment of the series transports players to a new realm of chaos, and DOOM: The Dark Ages won’t be an exception.
Scheduled to come on May 15, 2025, this upcoming game will serve as the prequel to the 2016 game DOOM reboot and 2020’s DOOM Eternal. While the announcement trailer had revealed the setting and storyline of the game to some extent, the latest released trailer 2 has offered a glimpse into the brutal gameplay and dark narrative that await players in this hellish journey.
This year, it’s indeed tough to compete with Rockstar’s GTA 6 in popularity. However, still, it looks like Bethesda’s DOOM: The Dark Ages will give it hard competition. This May, it will be the biggest release for sure.
Without any prior notification, Bethesda dropped the second official DOOM: The Dark Ages trailer on Sunday night. That’s an unusual time and date, but still, the official YouTube trailer crossed nearly half a million views within a few hours. Currently, it's standing at over a million views in just two days.
As per the trailer, the game is departing from the franchise’s futuristic setting and taking players to a dark fantasy realm where the Doom Slayer will confront the beginning of his eternal struggle against the forces of Hell. The cinematic trailer has showcased a world where medieval architecture meets infernal landscapes to set a stage for a narrative that’s rich in lore and bloodshed.
This game will make players witness the journey of Doom Slayer’s transformation into a legendary figure that demons fear the most. The story of the game will reportedly delve into his enslavement by the Maykrs and how his rise stands as a symbol of vengeance and destruction.
This exploration of Doom Slayer’s rise and his past life will add more depth to the franchise's mythology and offer players a proper understanding of the reasons behind his brutal rage.
The cinematic second trailer is not a gameplay trailer. Instead, it's completely focused on story bits. It aligns with Bethesda's official statement from a few months back, where it claimed the plot will be more important than ever in a DOOM game. Staying true to this statement, this trailer has revealed several plot-related glimpses, including the combat sequences.
Staying true to the franchise's roots, the upcoming DOOM game promises to deliver fast-paced, brutal combat where mastering a diverse arsenal of weapons and tactics will be a must. The trailer has highlighted the introduction of medieval-themed weaponry that included a spiked mace and a buzzsaw-bladed shield. These not only serve as tools of destruction, but also they enhance mobility and defense.
Aside from these, the game has promised to bring large-scale battles against formidable adversaries. The trailer has confirmed the additions of a cybernetic dragon mount and a massive mech suit that's specifically designed to fight kaiju-sized enemies. With these additions, the game has promised to elevate the intensity of combat, offering players new ways to unleash devastation upon their foes.
Finally, DOOM: The Dark Ages seems to emphasize accessibility, featuring gameplay sliders to allow players to adjust speed and parry timing. It ensures that newcomers and veterans both will enjoy the game equally according to their preferences.
This fusion of medieval aesthetics and relentless action that DOOM: The Dark Ages features stands to redefine the franchise’s boundaries. Bethesda and id Software are set to expand the lore of the Doom Slayer, adding depth to the iconic character. By combining innovative combat mechanics with monstrous encounters, they promise an experience that's both familiar and refreshingly new.
As the release date is coming closer, fans are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to acquire the armor of the Doom Slayer once more. They are ready to embark on a blood-soaked journey through the darkest paths of his past. DOOM: The Dark Ages isn’t just a prequel; it’s more like a testament to a long-lasting legacy of a franchise that continues to evolve while staying true to its brutal roots.