Doom: The Dark Ages Gets a Stellar Revamp with the Revelations Expansion

Doom: The Dark Ages made quite the impression when it launched last year, but it didn’t exactly blow me away. The previous entries in id’s modern trilogy are legendary for their fast-paced action, iconic weapons, and intense late-game encounters that can leave you gripping your controller in frustration. They successfully brought the essence of Doom back with an emphasis on speed and dynamic gameplay, but The Dark Ages took a detour by focusing on a shield mechanic.

Initially, the Slayer’s shield was a cool concept. It allowed players to block damage, parry attacks, and even hurl it at enemies. However, this came at the expense of mobility and complexity. Our hero couldn’t jump, dash, or strategize in the same way, leading to a gameplay style that revolved around blocking and retaliating with the shotgun.

Enter Revelations, the newly dropped expansion that arrived shortly after some pretty tough times for id, and wow, does it bring the game back to life! Picking up right after the base game, the Slayer dives into Hell to face off against its worst nightmares. Spoiler alert: he gets tossed into Purgatory, and when he tries to hide behind his shield, a powerful foe literally tears it apart within the first level. It’s clear that id listened to player feedback and made some serious changes.

In Revelations, the Slayer is back on the hunt to reclaim his status in the world, but it’s also about id reclaiming what makes Doom so great. The introduction of the Chain Spear is a game-changer, offering a refreshing boost to the gameplay by enhancing mobility. Players can now dive into enemies or grab onto structures, allowing for some exhilarating movement reminiscent of Doom Eternal’s meat hook, but with a twist: your aiming is controlled by where you’re looking.

Not only that, but the expansion also brings back air dashes, which can trigger a “perfect dodge” that fills a meter for special moves with the spear. Gone are the days of simply blocking; now players have to be agile and strategic. With the spear in play, combat becomes a fluid dance of deflecting attacks and launching yourself towards foes, making each encounter feel more dynamic and engaging.

The balance between the spear and shield is well-crafted, ensuring players can switch between the two as they wish. While you won’t have to use both in every fight, the shield still plays a role in traversal puzzles, which have also seen a major upgrade in complexity and enjoyment compared to the base game.

As I navigated through the expansion, I experienced those classic moments of confusion with the various moves and weapons. There were times I threw the spear when I meant to slash, or forgot about my ground pound ability. But as I got the hang of it, the controls began to flow seamlessly, and the Chain Spear became an extension of my strategy, turning me into a master of chaos in Hell.

Don’t miss out on the Revelations expansion—it offers an impressive 10-12 hours of thrilling gameplay, now available on Steam. It truly revitalizes Doom: The Dark Ages and makes you appreciate the potential of what the game can be!