Doom: The Dark Ages is an exciting new chapter in the long-running Doom franchise, but there are also great ways that the game keeps some traditions intact. Whether it be through sweat-inducing fights against powerful demons or the HUD's avatar serving as a callback to the original Doom, Doom: The Dark Ages is a fun blend of classic and new.
Once a reboot of the franchise was announced with Doom (2016), the series got to have a new lease on life, and Doom: The Dark Ages brings forth a thrilling third installment to this modern era. Despite being a prequel, Doom: The Dark Ages evolves a variety of features from its two predecessors, with one of the most fun being the continuation of toy collectibles. Even more intriguing, though, is that this feature showcases a softer layer to the Slayer.
Doom: The Dark Ages: Who Are the Maykrs?
The story of Doom: The Dark Ages features many distinct species and factions, with the Maykrs standing as one of the most important and powerful.
Doom: The Dark Ages' Toy Collection Animations Continue to Show the Slayer's Fun Side
Since he has to constantly take on the forces of Hell, the Slayer is understandably portrayed in a very serious light. With his life being a series of demonic encounters that require him to punch, slash, and shoot his way to victory, the Slayer doesn't exactly get a lot of downtime. Doom: The Dark Ages brings exploration to a new level, and within the game's maps lie plenty of hidden gems, and the adorable toys found throughout the story allow the Slayer to have a little bit of fun.
Some Toy Collectibles Feature Special Animations
For the most part, when players find a new collectible, the animation is usually the same, and frankly, pretty uneventful. However, there are also special animations that players can come across, depending on the toy that's found. For example, if players come across the toy version of Serrat, the game's rideable dragon, the Slayer takes a short break to move the toy around as if it's flying. There's also a toy version of the Slayer that even has its own small Shield Saw equipped. Once the Slayer picks the toy up, he spins the plastic Shield Saw around, which makes for a pretty cute moment in a game that's known for its over-the-top violence.
Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal have their own takes on these animations, too. In Doom (2016), the Slayer gives the tiny plastic version of himself a fist bump. Doom Eternal has a similar approach to Doom: The Dark Ages' animation, but instead of showing off the Shield Saw, it's the Doomblade.
In Doom: The Dark Ages, players can customize the Slayer's HUD avatar. The options are None, Normal and Classic.
It's a really charming layer unveiled about the Slayer. Over the years, the Slayer has become the archetype of what a strong hardcore action hero is supposed to be, and for good reason. However, it's refreshing to see what he can be like when not busy blasting through demons. It's a subtle addition to the Doom franchise that gives him more of a personality instead of seeming like a mindless killing machine.
The Serrat toy can be found in Chapter 5, while the Slayer collectible is found in Chapter 6.
The Doom Reboot Now Has Three Solid Entries Under Its Belt
Since its launch, Doom: The Dark Ages has received praise from both critics and players, giving developer id Software another successful launch. Doom: The Dark Ages has raised the bar in terms of creativity and experimentation, and as the years pass, it will be interesting to see how this game influences both its own franchise and other games down the road. Features like special collectible animations may seem like small details, but they can help bring even more personality to a game's overall world.
DOOM: The Dark Ages
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 86 /100 Critics Rec: 95%
- Released
- May 15, 2025
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence
- Developer(s)
- id Software
- Publisher(s)
- Bethesda Softworks
WHERE TO PLAY
BECOME THE SLAYER IN A MEDIEVAL WAR AGAINST HELL
DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells an epic cinematic story worthy of the DOOM Slayer’s legend. In this third installment of the modern DOOM series, players will step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer, in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is a dark fantasy/sci-fi single-player experience that delivers the searing combat and over-the-top visuals of the incomparable DOOM franchise, powered by the latest idTech engine.
REIGN IN HELL
As the super weapon of gods and kings, shred enemies with devastating favorites like the Super Shotgun while also wielding a variety of new bone-chewing weapons, including the versatile Shield Saw. Players will stand and fight on the demon-infested battlefields in the vicious, grounded combat the original DOOM is famous for.
STAND AND FIGHT
Experience an epic story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage in this cinematic and action-packed story. Bound to serve as the super weapon of gods and kings, the DOOM Slayer fends off demon hordes as their leader seeks to destroy the Slayer and become the only one that is feared. Witness the creation of a legend as the Slayer takes on all of Hell and turns the tide of the war.
DISCOVER UNKNOWN REALMS
In his quest to crush the legions of Hell, the Slayer must take the fight to never-before-seen realms. Mystery, challenges, and rewards lurk in every shadow of ruined castles, epic battlefields, dark forests, ancient hellscapes, and worlds beyond. Armed with the viciously powerful Shield Saw, cut through a dark world of menace and secrets in id's largest and most expansive levels to date.
- Engine
- id Tech
- Genre(s)
- FPS, Action, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
