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Doom: The Dark Ages emphasizes a heavier, melee-focused "stand and fight" approach with the Shield Saw and parry mechanics.
Doom: The Dark Ages adopts a medieval, dark fantasy setting with less linear levels.
Fans are divided over Doom: The Dark Ages' raw combat versus Doom Eternal's complex gameplay.
The Dark Ages' heavy gameplay, reminiscent of an Abrams tank compared to Eternal's F22 jet, gives a real thrill to gamers who enjoy raw power. The Doom series is known for its non-stop action after all.
While Eternal emphasizes fast-paced, acrobatic combat, The Dark Ages shifts to a medieval fantasy setting with a Shield Saw that focuses primarily on parry. There has been a lot of heated debate among fans on sites like X and Reddit, with some defending the new course and others sticking to Eternal's chaos.
To ascertain which is the best at carnage, this article contrasts their settings, gameplay, and fan responses.
Doom: The Dark Ages redefines combat with a “stand and fight” ethos, trading DOOM Eternal’s frenetic dashes and double jumps for a heavier, grounded approach.
The main attraction is the Shield Saw, a bladed shield that allows for parries, shield bashes, and throws a la Captain America that stun or rip opponents to pieces. Combat is made easier because most demons are susceptible to any weapon, as opposed to Eternal's weapon-specific flaws, such as launching grenades into Cacodemon mouths.
Because of the shield's versatility, players are encouraged to rush into battles, and the abundance of melee ammo drops lessens resource stress. Although it feels less demanding than Eternal's high-skill "combat chess," reviews point out that its forgiving parry window is ideal for beginners.
Critics argue that the Dark Ages' simpler mechanics lower the skill ceiling; PC Gamer describes it as "dumbed down" when compared to Eternal's dynamic complexity.
The Dark Ages dives into a techno-medieval world, blending dark forests, ancient ruins, and cosmic realms with Lovecraftian vibes.
The platform-centric levels and neon raging arenas of DOOM Eternal bestow a sci-fi-esque franchise that is futuristic. The comic raged “humor” placed within The Fortress of Doom adds on towards futuristic structures. The design of the game follows a linear paradigm, which tends to favor speed instead of exploration.
Reddit users commend Eternal for its vibrant chaos, but they also point out that The Dark Ages' more somber, realistic tone appeals to fans of classic Doom, despite some people being disappointed by its desolate maps.
Also Read: Best Strategy to Win in Doom: The Dark Ages
Mech and dragon-riding sections are introduced in The Dark Ages, which adds variation but receives mixed reviews. While dragon flights entail dodging and counterattacking, which are frequently criticized as repetitive, the Atlan mech offers clumsy, punch-heavy battles.
In contrast to Eternal's constant emphasis on combat, Ars Technica observes that these feel like "cinematic military shooter" filler. While some like their "metal" look, Steam fans describe them as gimmicky. Although many people prefer such diversions, Eternal stays true to pure FPS action.
Also Read: Top FPS Games to Play on PS5
For players who are craving grounded combat, The Dark Ages offers raw, melee-heavy carnage with a new medieval twist.
Eternal's open levels and Shield Saw are innovative, at the expense of their complexity. DOOM Eternal excels at fast-paced, skillful chaos, which appeals to players who value precision and movement.
Purists and newcomers will appreciate The Dark Ages' bold shift, but reviews and fan discussions on X suggest that Eternal is better because of its polished intensity. Both perform exceptionally well in bloodshed, but Eternal's dynamic thrill barely wins out.
